Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), has called on Missouri’s Congressional delegation to support more than 3,200 IAM District 837 members currently on strike at Boeing Defense facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois.
In letters addressed to both Senators and Representatives from Missouri, Bryant asked lawmakers to help protect the future of the skilled aerospace workforce by encouraging Boeing to resume contract negotiations. The IAM is also requesting that members of Congress join striking workers on the picket line.
“For generations, IAM Union members at Boeing Defense have worked tirelessly to produce the finest planes and other defense equipment the world has ever seen,” wrote Bryant. “Our members have made innumerable sacrifices over the years building fighter jets and other military equipment which ensure the safety and success of our men and women in uniform.
“Our members at Boeing Defense in Missouri and Illinois are disappointed and frustrated with the company’s recent contract proposals forcing them to overwhelmingly vote to reject the proposal and go on strike. Throughout these negotiations, the union has presented the company with a number of viable solutions to adequately meet our members’ needs. Our members rightly believe the compensation package offered by the company is not adequate given the recent economic trends of high inflation and skyrocketing demand for highly skilled aerospace workers.”
IAM members are responsible for assembling and maintaining advanced aircraft such as the F-15 and F/A-18, as well as missile and defense technologies. Their work plays a key role in national security efforts for both U.S. forces and allied operations.
The IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across various industries in North America, including aerospace, defense, airlines, railroads, transit, healthcare, automotive sectors in both United States and Canada. More information about their activities can be found at goIAM.org.
