More than 3,200 members of IAM District 837 continue their strike at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis area, supported by a rally that drew union members and leaders from across the labor movement. The strike began on August 4 after contract negotiations with Boeing stalled.
IAM District 837 has submitted a four-year contract proposal, which was ratified by its membership, to Boeing. Union representatives say it is now up to the company to respond and resolve the dispute.
At the rally, IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed both Boeing and supporters: “I’m here to tell Boeing: you are not just fighting 3,200 workers. You are fighting 600,000 IAM Union members across North America,” said Bryant. “You are fighting millions more across the labor movement. And you are fighting a community that will never be broken!”
IAM members involved in the strike work on critical defense projects such as the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets and advanced missile systems. Labor leaders at the event argued that failure to reach a fair agreement impacts not only employees but also national security.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler criticized Boeing’s executive compensation policies: “We’re seeing this everywhere, and it’s called corporate greed. These are attacks on our dignity,” said Shuler. “If Boeing can afford to give $100 million in golden parachutes to failed CEOs, then they can afford to pay your workers a fair share of the wealth we create.”
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli reinforced support for those on strike: “Every picket line, picket sign, and every hour we hold this line is a message to everyone in this country that – we will not be silenced, we will not be divided, and we will not back down!” said Cicinelli. “The Midwest Territory is with you. The IAM International is with you. And the entire labor movement is with you!”
Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of IAM, recognized workers’ contributions: “You build the F-15. You build the F/A-18. You’re going to build the F-47. You build the systems that defend this nation,” said Bennett. “That is world-class work. And world-class work deserves world-class respect!”
Tom Boelling of IAM District 837 hosted the rally alongside other local labor leaders from Missouri and beyond.
Support has come from various sectors including local unions, elected officials, and community groups—emphasizing calls for equitable pay and benefits for St. Louis workers comparable to those received by other Boeing employees nationwide.
