More than 3,200 members of IAM District 837 remain on strike at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis area, as union leaders and allies from across the labor movement gathered for a rally to show support. The strike began on August 4 after contract negotiations between the union and Boeing stalled.
IAM District 837 has submitted a four-year contract proposal that was ratified by its membership, placing the responsibility for ending the strike with Boeing. The company has yet to accept the proposal.
Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), addressed those assembled: “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 Bryant. “You are fighting millions more across the labor movement. And you are fighting a community that will never be broken!”
The striking workers build and maintain F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets as well as advanced missile and defense systems used by the U.S. military. Labor leaders argue that Boeing’s refusal to reach an agreement not only affects workers’ financial security but could also have implications for national defense capabilities.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler commented on broader industry trends: “We’re seeing this everywhere, and it’s called corporate greed. These are attacks on our dignity,” said Shuler. “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.”
Sam Cicinelli, IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President, added: “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!” He emphasized continued support from both regional and international branches of IAM.
Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of IAM, highlighted the role of these workers in national defense: “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,” said Bennett. “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. Other speakers included Jon Holden—President of IAM District 751 who led a major Boeing strike in 2024—Missouri AFL-CIO President Jake Hummel; Patrick Kellett from the St. Louis Labor Council; and John Dimas from SPEEA representing engineering employees at Boeing.
Support continues from local unions, elected officials, community groups and other labor organizations nationwide.
