IAM District 837 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) will vote on Friday, September 19, on a four-year contract proposal developed by their union in an effort to resolve a strike involving 3,200 workers at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis area. The move comes after more than six weeks on strike and follows Boeing’s refusal to improve on an earlier offer that was rejected by union members.
If approved by the membership, the proposal would be submitted to Boeing as a pre-ratified agreement requiring company acceptance. Should Boeing reject the union’s offer, workers will remain on strike and prepare to return to negotiations. The strike will continue until an agreement is reached.
“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 ongoing labor action has affected production at Boeing’s St. Louis facilities, where workers build military aircraft such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and are set to work on future models like the F-47 fighter jet. Despite strong financial performance for Boeing in recent quarters and a backlog of military orders, company leadership has not responded with changes after employees turned down its previous contract proposal. The disruption from halted production is estimated to cost Boeing millions each day due to lost output and delayed deliveries.
“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.”
According to IAM officials, their latest offer includes improved 401(k) contributions aligned with other Boeing employees, wage increases for top-of-scale workers, and a ratification bonus similar to what other unionized or non-unionized employees at Boeing receive.
Voting will take place from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m., September 19 at St. Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights; results are expected immediately after polls close.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries throughout North America.
