Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, who have been on strike at Boeing Defense in St. Louis for over six weeks, are set to vote Friday, September 19, on a union-proposed four-year contract offer. The proposal comes after Boeing declined to improve upon an earlier offer that was rejected by union members.
If ratified by IAM members, the agreement will be submitted to Boeing as a pre-ratified deal, pending the company’s acceptance. Should Boeing reject the offer, workers will remain on strike and return to negotiations. The ongoing work stoppage involves about 3,200 IAM District 837 members.
“Our members’ solidarity and determination are the reason we’ve been able to put forward this creative path to settlement,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Boeing needs to recognize that this workforce is the backbone of its defense operations, and the community is standing with these families until they achieve a fair contract.”
The strike has affected production lines for several military aircraft and is estimated to be costing Boeing millions of dollars each day in lost output and delayed deliveries. This disruption comes despite Boeing’s strong quarterly earnings and increasing orders for military aircraft.
“IAM Union members have been critical to Boeing’s success — including the recent commitment to build the F-47 right here in St. Louis,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “They build world-class military aircraft, they’ve helped deliver Boeing billions in defense contracts, and they’ve earned a contract that reflects that value.”
Workers represented by District 837 assemble and support platforms such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jet programs. They have remained unified in their call for what they describe as a fair contract reflecting their years of service.
The latest union proposal includes bringing 401(k) contributions up to levels comparable with other Boeing employees, adjusting wages for top-of-scale workers more equitably, and providing a ratification bonus similar to those received by other unionized and non-unionized employees at Boeing.
Voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Friday at St. Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Results will be announced immediately following poll closure.
IAM represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across North America in sectors including aerospace, defense, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding industries in both Canada and the United States.
