Striking workers at Boeing Defense facilities in the St. Louis region have voted to reject the company’s latest contract proposal, prolonging a walkout that has already stretched nearly three months and disrupted key military aircraft programs.
The strike, involving roughly 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, began on August 4 and has now entered its 13th week. Employees at Boeing’s plants in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois, are demanding stronger wage increases, improved retirement benefits, and enhanced job security.
Boeing’s most recent five-year offer included an average 24% wage increase, but union leaders said it failed to adequately address workers’ concerns. “Boeing claimed they listened to their employees — the result of today’s vote proves they have not,” IAM International President Brian Bryant said in a statement.
The strike has already delayed deliveries of the F-15EX fighter jet to the U.S. Air Force and is expected to affect international orders in 2026. It has also slowed production of other defense programs, including the T-7A Red Hawk trainer jet and the MQ-25 Stingray refueling drone.
The dispute comes at a sensitive time for Boeing, which is still working to stabilize its finances after years of setbacks in both its commercial and defense divisions. Analysts warn that prolonged disruptions could further complicate the company’s efforts to regain momentum in the highly competitive aerospace sector.
Political pressure is also mounting. Lawmakers including Senators Josh Hawley and Bernie Sanders have publicly criticized Boeing’s handling of the negotiations, urging the company to reach a fair settlement with its workforce.
For now, the strike continues with no immediate resolution in sight. Union leaders have signaled they are open to further talks, but workers remain firm in their demand for what they describe as a contract that reflects their role in building some of the world’s most advanced military aircraft.
Boeing’s Office, Arlington County, Virginia Picture by mr_t_77
Sources: Associated Press via THV11; Moneycontrol; Star Advertiser.
