More than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have voted to reject Boeing’s latest contract offer, extending a strike that has lasted nearly three months. The union stated that the company has not addressed key concerns raised by its workforce.
“Boeing claimed they listened to their employees – the result of today’s vote proves they have not,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Boeing’s corporate executives continue to insult the very people who build the world’s most advanced military aircraft — the same planes and military systems that keep our servicemembers and nation safe. Our members aren’t going to be fooled by PR spin. It’s well past time for Boeing to stop cheaping out on the workers who make its success possible and bargain a fair deal that respects their skill and sacrifice.”
The union previously presented a pre-ratified proposal in September, which it described as a practical path to ending the strike. This proposal included improved retirement security through employer 401(k) contributions matching those offered in other regions, stronger wage increases to match inflation and reward experience, and a ratification bonus similar to what non-union workers in South Carolina and IAM members in the Pacific Northwest received.
According to IAM, their proposal would cost Boeing about $50 million over four years—roughly half the price of one F-15 fighter jet produced by these workers. The union also noted that Boeing has provided substantial compensation packages for its former CEOs.
“Instead of building on our pre-ratified offer, Boeing came back with another proposal that disrespects the people who make its success possible,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Boeing can end this strike tomorrow — all it has to do is put a fair deal on the table.”
The ongoing strike follows Boeing’s recent award of a multi-billion dollar contract for the F-47 fighter jet program, which relies heavily on IAM members’ expertise. Despite this new business from U.S. defense contracts, union leaders say Boeing has not allocated additional resources toward meeting worker demands.
“Our members have shown incredible unity and strength throughout this strike,” said IAM Union Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “They’re standing up not just for themselves, but for every worker who deserves fairness, respect, and the same standard of treatment. Boeing can’t keep playing favorites between regions and expect our members to accept less.”
IAM District 837 members are responsible for producing and maintaining critical military assets such as the F-15, F/A-18 aircraft, as well as advanced missile and defense systems vital to national security.
“From day one, our members have stood shoulder to shoulder for fairness,” said IAM Union District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “They know their worth and they’ve made it clear what it will take to reach an agreement. Boeing’s refusal to meet those priorities is what keeps this strike going — not our members.”
