More than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 continue their strike at Boeing Defense facilities in the St. Louis region. The strike began on August 4 after contract negotiations between the union and Boeing stalled.
The union has submitted a four-year contract proposal ratified by its membership, putting pressure on Boeing to respond and resolve the ongoing labor dispute.
At a recent rally, IAM members were joined by allies from across the labor movement to show support for the striking workers. IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed those gathered, stating, “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. You are fighting millions more across the labor movement. And you are fighting a community that will never be broken!”
The workers involved in the strike build and maintain key military aircraft such as the F-15 and F/A-18, along with advanced missile and defense systems considered vital for U.S. national security. Labor leaders at the rally argued that Boeing’s refusal to negotiate a fair contract affects not only employees’ livelihoods but also national defense capabilities.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “We’re seeing this everywhere, and it’s called corporate greed. These are attacks on our dignity. 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.”
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli emphasized continued support from both regional and national unions: “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! The Midwest Territory is with you. The IAM International is with you. And the entire labor movement is with you!”
IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett acknowledged the significance of workers’ contributions: “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,” Bennett said. “That is world-class work. And world-class work deserves world-class respect!”
The event was hosted by Tom Boelling, Directing Business Representative of IAM District 837, with participation from Missouri-based labor leaders as well as national figures such as Jon Holden—President of IAM District 751—and Jake Hummel—President of Missouri AFL-CIO—among others.
Labor organizations including SPEEA also pledged their continued support for Boeing engineers and technical staff engaged in solidarity actions.
Community groups, local unions, elected officials, and other supporters have voiced their backing for District 837 members throughout the strike period.
The central message from speakers at the rally was clear: St. Louis workers deserve equal treatment regarding respect, compensation, and retirement benefits as other Boeing employees nationwide.
