Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2025 and a defense backlog of $76 billion. The company also announced it is cash-flow positive for the first time since 2023. These results come as more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike in St. Louis, seeking a new contract.
IAM District 837 members are responsible for building and supporting the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the upcoming F-47 fighter jet. These programs are considered essential for U.S. and allied national defense. The ongoing strike has already contributed to delays in the delivery of the F-15EX, as acknowledged by the U.S. Air Force.
During Boeing’s quarterly earnings call, company executives recognized the impact of the strike and discussed plans to reduce its effects while mentioning efforts to build a new company culture.
“Boeing’s so-called contingency plan is failing because they can’t replace the skill, precision, and experience of IAM Union members in St. Louis who have spent their careers building the world’s most advanced military products,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “If Boeing is serious about culture change and rebuilding its brand, it starts with respecting the people who make its success possible — not trying to sideline them. Investors must also take into account Boeing’s continued failure to manage labor relations responsibly. The company’s refusal to engage in fair bargaining is not only hurting workers and national defense programs — it’s a risk to Boeing’s long-term stability, reputation, and credibility.”
Boeing highlighted future investments in its St. Louis operations after securing the contract for the F-47 fighter jet, attributing this success to the skills of IAM Union members.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
Bryant also commented on Boeing’s workforce: “Boeing’s executives can talk about transformation all they want, but the real transformation begins when they treat all employees as one Boeing. The company hasn’t delivered a single new F-15 during this 13-week strike, and production delays are now rippling into the 777X program. It’s time for Boeing to end this strike, get our members back to work, and live up to the values they claim to be rebuilding.”
The union stated that it continues negotiations with Boeing in good faith. Earlier this week, IAM presented a modified contract proposal with concessions regarding 401(k) improvements; however, Boeing rejected it without offering a counterproposal. In response, IAM filed another Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing for not bargaining in good faith.
The work stoppage has led to bipartisan concern from Congress. Sixteen members of the House Armed Services Committee recently called on Boeing to negotiate with IAM due to concerns about worsening delivery delays and potential national security risks.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across several industries throughout North America.
