ST. LOUIS – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has expressed support for Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) after he questioned Boeing’s chief labor counsel, Scott Mayer, about the company’s negotiations with striking workers in St. Louis.
During a Capitol Hill exchange, Hawley criticized Boeing for its handling of contract talks with 3,200 IAM District 837 members who have been on strike for nine weeks. “With 3,000 plus residents of my state on strike, unable to work, unable to get healthcare while your CEO is getting paid 30-some million dollars,” said Hawley. “Fairness may be elusive, but that doesn’t look like fairness to me.”
Senator Hawley has previously spoken in support of the striking workers. In September, he was quoted by Missourinet urging Boeing management to resolve the dispute: “Management here needs to suck it up and get this thing over with,” said Hawley. “That company is so important to our state, the jobs that it provides, the great things that it produces.”
Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division reported $6.6 billion in revenue for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025—a figure representing a 10% increase from the previous year—but union members have rejected several proposals from the company that they say do not meet basic standards for fairness.
Negotiations between IAM District 837 and Boeing continue under federal mediation.
IAM International President Brian Bryant commented on the ongoing situation: “We’re tired of Boeing hiding behind posturing and PR spin. Our members build the jets and defense systems that keep this nation safe, and they deserve a deal that reflects their sacrifice, expertise and value. Boeing’s repeated lowball proposals are a slap in the face to the men and women who power their bottom line. The time for grandstanding is over. Negotiate in good faith now, Boeing.”
The IAM represents around 600,000 active and retired members across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services and automotive manufacturing.
