Boeing reported $23 billion in third-quarter revenue and a $76 billion defense backlog, marking its first positive cash flow since 2023. The announcement comes as over 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 a new contract for their work on key defense programs, including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the future F-47 fighter jet.
The ongoing strike has affected the delivery schedules for some defense projects. The U.S. Air Force has publicly acknowledged delays in F-15EX deliveries. During Boeing’s recent earnings call, executives addressed the impact of the strike and discussed contingency plans to reduce its effects while also mentioning efforts to build 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 has announced further investments in its St. Louis operations after securing a contract for the F-47 fighter jet, which highlights the contributions of IAM workers.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
IAM members at Boeing facilities across the United States continue to support the company’s commercial aviation business.
“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 says it is bargaining in good faith. On Monday, IAM presented a modified contract proposal that included concessions on 401(k) improvements, but Boeing rejected it without making a counteroffer. In response, IAM filed a second Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing for allegedly refusing to bargain.
Members of Congress from both parties have expressed concern about how the work stoppage is affecting defense programs. Sixteen House Armed Services Committee members recently urged Boeing to negotiate with IAM, citing growing delivery delays and national security risks.
IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired workers in various industries across North America.
