Summary: Boeing defense workers in the Midwest have voted to approve a new five-year contract, ending a three-month strike that disrupted production of fighter jets and weapons systems. The deal includes a 24% wage increase and a $6,000 signing bonus, marking a significant victory for union members.
After more than three months on the picket lines, 3,200 Boeing defense workers in Missouri and Illinois have ratified a new labor agreement, formally ending their strike that began on August 4, 2025. The vote, announced on November 13, brings closure to a tense standoff that saw employees reject four previous offers from the company Yahoo News New Zealand Defense News CNBC.
The breakthrough five-year contract delivers a 24% wage increase over its duration, alongside a $6,000 ratification bonus. It also strengthens provisions on healthcare and retirement benefits, addressing long-standing concerns among machinists represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 Yahoo News New Zealand Defense News CNBC.
The strike had halted production of critical defense programs, including the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets and the T-7 trainer aircraft, raising concerns within the Pentagon about delivery schedules. Boeing acknowledged the disruption but said it was eager to welcome employees back to work, with operations set to resume on November 17 Breaking Defense AeroTime Missouri Independent.
Union leaders hailed the agreement as a hard-fought win. “Our members stood strong and united for over three months. We’re proud of what they fought for together and are ready to get back to building the world’s most advanced military aircraft,” IAM District 837 said in a statement Yahoo News New Zealand Breaking Defense.
The settlement marks the end of Boeing’s first major defense strike since 1996. Analysts note the deal reflects broader trends in U.S. labor relations, where unions have leveraged tight labor markets and rising inflation to secure stronger contracts across industries.
The ratification closes a turbulent chapter for Boeing Defense, restoring stability to its Midwest operations while underscoring the growing power of organized labor in America’s defense sector.
Sources: Yahoo News New Zealand Defense News CNBC Breaking Defense AeroTime Missouri Independent
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