Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2025 and announced it has become cash-flow positive for the first time since 2023. The company also noted a $76 billion defense backlog during its earnings call on Wednesday. However, more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike in St. Louis as they seek a new contract.
IAM District 837 members are responsible for building and supporting aircraft such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the upcoming F-47 fighter jet. These programs are considered vital to U.S. and allied defense efforts. Boeing’s ongoing labor dispute has already resulted in public acknowledgment by the U.S. Air Force that deliveries of the F-15EX have been delayed.
During the earnings call, Boeing executives addressed the impact of the strike and discussed contingency plans to manage its effects. They also talked about efforts to build a new corporate 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 indicated plans for further investment in its St. Louis operations after securing a contract for production of the F-47 jet, which IAM says highlights union members’ skills.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
Bryant also commented on broader workforce contributions: “Boeing’s executives can talk about transformation all they want, but the real transformation begins when they treat all employees as one Boeing,” he said. “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.”
Negotiations between IAM Union representatives and Boeing are ongoing. On Monday, IAM presented an updated contract proposal that included concessions on retirement benefits; Boeing rejected this offer without making a counterproposal. In response, IAM filed another Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing over alleged refusal to bargain in good faith.
The work stoppage has drawn bipartisan attention from Congress. Sixteen members of the House Armed Services Committee sent a letter urging Boeing to negotiate in good faith due to concerns that delivery delays may affect national security.
IAM represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across multiple industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare, automotive sectors throughout North America.
