IAM District 837, representing 3,200 workers at Boeing Defense in St. Louis, has developed a new four-year contract proposal aimed at settling the ongoing strike that began over six weeks ago. The union will hold a ratification vote on Friday, September 19. If members approve the offer, it will be presented to Boeing as a pre-ratified agreement for their acceptance.
If Boeing rejects the union’s proposal, the strike will continue and IAM members are prepared to return to negotiations. The labor dispute has affected production of military aircraft and reportedly costs Boeing millions each day due to lost output and delayed deliveries.
“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.”
The strike follows Boeing’s refusal to improve an earlier deal that was rejected by union members. Despite reporting strong quarterly earnings and an expanding backlog of military aircraft orders, Boeing has not responded with a revised offer.
“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.”
Union officials state that District 837 members work on several major projects including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jets. The proposed contract includes changes such as aligning 401(k) contributions with other Boeing employees, increasing wages for top-of-scale workers, and offering a ratification bonus similar to those received by other unionized and non-unionized employees at Boeing.
Voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Results will be counted immediately after polls close.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across North America in industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive and others.
