Boeing St. Louis defense workers set to strike after rejecting latest offer

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Union Members Reject Boeing Contract Offer, Set to Strike

Union members who assemble Boeing’s fighter jets in the St. Louis area have rejected the latest contract offer from the U.S. planemaker and are scheduled to go on strike at midnight on Monday, according to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union.

Tom Boelling, the union’s Business Representative, stated, “IAM District 837 members deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defense.”

Boeing is prepared for the strike, with Boeing Air Dominance vice president and general manager Dan Gillian saying, “We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan.”

Boeing’s original offer proposal included a 20% general wage increase over four years and a $5,000 ratification bonus. (Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Despite offering a 40% average wage growth, Boeing expressed disappointment in the rejection of their proposal by employees in St. Louis.

The original proposal included a 20% general wage increase over four years, a $5,000 ratification bonus, as well as additional vacation time and sick leave. The union deemed the offer insufficient.

Last week, Boeing presented a new contract offer with minor compensation changes benefiting senior union members. The offer also retained current overtime policies that were previously suggested for modification.

The workers are responsible for assembling Boeing’s fighter jets and the MQ-25, an aerial refueling drone developed for the US Navy.

Boeing is expanding manufacturing facilities in the St. Louis area for the new US Air Force fighter, the F-47A. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)

Boeing’s defense division is expanding manufacturing facilities in the St. Louis area to accommodate the new US Air Force fighter, the F-47A, following the contract win earlier this year.

The upcoming strike involving 3,200 union employees is significantly smaller than the previous strike last fall, where 33,000 machinists at Boeing’s commercial plane division went on strike for nearly two months. The strike concluded with the approval of a four-year contract featuring a 38% wage increase.