Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, who have been on strike for over six weeks at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis area, will vote Friday, September 19, on a union-proposed four-year contract. The vote follows Boeing’s refusal to improve upon an earlier offer that was rejected by the membership.
If ratified by members, the proposal will be submitted to Boeing as a pre-ratified agreement and will require the company’s acceptance before taking effect. If Boeing rejects the offer, IAM members will continue their strike and remain prepared to return to negotiations. The strike will persist until an agreement is reached.
“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.”
Boeing has reported strong quarterly earnings and holds a growing backlog of military aircraft orders. However, production disruptions from the ongoing strike 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.”
The workers represented by District 837 are responsible for building and supporting several major military aircraft programs including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jet models.
The union’s proposal includes adjustments such as bringing 401(k) contributions in line with other Boeing employees, increasing wages for top-of-scale workers more fairly, and providing a ratification bonus similar to what other unionized and non-unionized employees at Boeing receive.
Voting will take place at St. Louis Music Park between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., with results counted immediately after polls close.
IAM represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad transit, healthcare, automotive sectors throughout both the United States and Canada.
