Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2025, with a defense backlog of $76 billion and positive cash flow for the first time since 2023. Despite these results, more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike in St. Louis. The union members are seeking what they describe as a fair contract after contributing to the production of advanced defense aircraft and weapons systems.
The striking workers are involved in building and supporting key Boeing programs such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the future F-47 fighter jet. These projects are considered important for U.S. national defense. Due to ongoing labor disputes, the U.S. Air Force has acknowledged delays in F-15EX deliveries.
During an earnings call on Wednesday, Boeing executives recognized the impact of the strike and outlined contingency plans to address it while also discussing efforts to create a new company culture.
“Boeing’s so-called contingency plan is failing because they can’t replace the skill, precision, and experience of IAM Union members in St. Louis who have spent their careers building the world’s most advanced military products,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “If Boeing is serious about culture change and rebuilding its brand, it starts with respecting the people who make its success possible — not trying to sideline them. Investors must also take into account Boeing’s continued failure to manage labor relations responsibly. The company’s refusal to engage in fair bargaining is not only hurting workers and national defense programs — it’s a risk to Boeing’s long-term stability, reputation, and credibility.”
Boeing announced that it will continue investing in its St. Louis operations following its contract win for the F-47 fighter jet program—an achievement attributed by union leadership to IAM members’ skills.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
IAM Union members at other Boeing facilities across the country continue working on commercial aviation projects that contribute to Boeing’s overall recovery.
“Boeing’s executives can talk about transformation all they want, but the real transformation begins when they treat all employees as one Boeing,” Bryant continued. “The company hasn’t delivered a single new F-15 during this 13-week strike, and production delays are now rippling into the 777X program. It’s time for Boeing to end this strike, get our members back to work, and live up to the values they claim to be rebuilding.”
The union stated that negotiations are ongoing; on Monday it submitted a revised contract proposal including concessions on retirement benefits aimed at reaching an agreement. According to IAM representatives, Boeing rejected this offer without making a counterproposal—prompting another Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing over alleged bad faith bargaining.
Concerns about delivery delays caused by the work stoppage have been raised by lawmakers from both parties. Sixteen bipartisan members of the House Armed Services Committee called on Wednesday for Boeing management to negotiate seriously with union leaders due to national security implications linked with delayed aircraft deliveries.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired workers across several industries—including aerospace—in North America.
