IAM District 837, representing 3,200 workers at Boeing Defense in St. Louis, has developed a new four-year contract proposal after more than six weeks on strike. The union announced that members will vote on the proposal Friday, September 19, following Boeing’s refusal to improve on an earlier offer that was rejected by the membership.
If ratified by union members, the proposal will be submitted to Boeing as a pre-ratified agreement and would require the company’s acceptance before ending the strike. Should Boeing decline the offer, IAM members plan to continue their strike and return to negotiations.
“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 work stoppage has impacted production of military aircraft in St. Louis and is reportedly costing Boeing millions each day due to lost output and delays in deliveries. This comes as Boeing continues to report strong earnings and an expanding backlog of military orders.
“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.”
IAM District 837 workers manufacture key military aircraft such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and are slated for future work on the F-47 fighter jet. The union’s latest offer aims to bring 401(k) contributions up to parity with other Boeing employees, provide greater wage increases for top-of-scale workers, and includes a ratification bonus compromise similar to those received by other groups at Boeing.
Voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights, Missouri. 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.
