IAM District 837 members at Boeing Defense in St. Louis are set to vote on a new union-proposed four-year contract offer this Friday, following more than six weeks of strike action. The proposal was developed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) after Boeing declined to improve upon an earlier deal that had been rejected by the membership.
If approved by IAM members, the agreement will be submitted to Boeing as a pre-ratified contract, pending acceptance by the company. Should Boeing reject the offer, workers will continue their strike and remain open to further negotiations. The ongoing labor action has involved approximately 3,200 employees and has affected defense production operations in the region.
“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 comes amid reports of strong quarterly earnings for Boeing and an increasing backlog of military aircraft orders. Disruptions from the work stoppage have reportedly cost Boeing millions each day due to lost output and delayed deliveries.
“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.”
IAM District 837 workers manufacture several key aircraft models for Boeing Defense, including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, as well as future projects like the F-47 fighter jet.
The latest union proposal aims to align 401(k) contributions with those received by other Boeing employees, provide wage increases for top-of-scale workers, and includes a ratification bonus similar to what both unionized and non-unionized staff at Boeing receive.
Voting is scheduled for Friday from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at St. Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights, Missouri; results will be counted immediately after polls close.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries throughout North America.
