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Union Develops Proposal, Subject to Membership Ratification, After Boeing Refuses to Improve Rejected Deal
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 16, 2025 — After more than six weeks on strike, IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) District 837 is taking bold, creative steps to settle a strike of 3,200 members at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis area. On Friday, Sept. 19, IAM Union members will vote on a union-proposed four-year contract proposal — a serious path toward strike settlement after Boeing refused to improve on an offer that was rejected by the membership.
If IAM Union members ratify the offer, it will be submitted to Boeing as a pre-ratified agreement subject to Boeing’s acceptance. If Boeing declines the IAM’s offer, members will continue to remain on strike, and stand ready to return to the bargaining table. The strike will continue until Boeing has accepted the offer.
“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.”
Despite strong quarterly earnings and a growing backlog of military aircraft orders, Boeing has failed to respond to the clear message sent by its skilled St. Louis workforce. The strike has already disrupted critical defense production and is estimated to cost the company millions of dollars each day in lost output and delayed deliveries.
“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 members — who build and support the production of the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jet — have remained united and resolute in demanding the fair contract they’ve earned through years of hard work and excellence.
The IAM Union offer brings 401(k) contributions in line with other Boeing employees, more fairly raises wages for top-of-scale members, and includes a ratification bonus compromise comparable to other union and non-union workers at Boeing.
The vote will be held Friday, Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the St. Louis Music Park (750 Casino Center Dr., Maryland Heights, MO 63043). Results will be tallied immediately after polls close.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
