More than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis area, with a major rally held to support their efforts. The strike began on August 4 after negotiations between the union and Boeing failed to result in a new contract.
The IAM union has submitted a four-year contract proposal ratified by its membership, shifting responsibility for resolving the dispute to Boeing. Union leaders argue that Boeing’s refusal to negotiate threatens not only workers’ livelihoods but also national security, as these employees build and maintain key military aircraft and defense systems.
“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 IAM International President Brian Bryant. “You are fighting millions more across the labor movement. And you are fighting a community that will never be broken!”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler criticized what she described as corporate greed, referencing executive compensation at Boeing: “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 addressed the crowd, saying: “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! The Midwest Territory is with you. The IAM International is with you. And the entire labor movement is with you!”
Jody Bennett, IAM Resident General Vice President, emphasized the significance of the work performed by striking members: “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. That is world-class work. And world-class work deserves world-class respect!”
The rally was hosted by Tom Boelling, Directing Business Representative for IAM District 837, and included support from various labor leaders across Missouri and other states.
Jon Holden, President of IAM District 751—who led more than 30,000 IAM members through a previous strike at Boeing—joined in solidarity with St. Louis workers. Jake Hummel of the Missouri AFL-CIO reaffirmed support from his organization; Patrick Kellett from the St. Louis Labor Council highlighted local labor solidarity; John Dimas from SPEEA pledged continued backing from engineers and technical staff.
Support for District 837 has come from unions nationwide as well as elected officials and community organizations. Rally speakers stressed that St. Louis workers deserve parity in pay and benefits with other Boeing employees around the country.
