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ST. LOUIS, Sept. 19, 2025 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) District 837 has formally submitted a membership-ratified four-year contract proposal to Boeing, putting the responsibility squarely on the company to end a strike now stretching nearly seven weeks.
Despite public statements from Boeing executives that the company will only negotiate within the terms of its current economic framework, IAM Union leaders say Boeing is making a mistake by refusing to consider the workers’ proposal.
The difference between the increased costs of the main economic items of Boeing’s rejected offer and the union’s ratified agreement amounts to roughly $40 million — not much more than what Boeing’s former CEO Dave Calhoun received in a $33 million golden parachute. Current Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg earned a handsome $18.4 million in 2024. By contrast, workers are asking for $10,000, or 0.05% of Ortberg’s salary, to return to the job of building and maintaining America’s most advanced defense aircraft.
IAM Union leaders stressed that the proposal already reflects the economic realities of St. Louis compared to other Boeing locations. It adjusts wages, retirement, ratification bonuses, and more to local conditions. The offer is a fair compromise — but only if Boeing accepts it as one.
“Our members did their part — they voted for a contract that respects their work and gets Boeing back on track,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Boeing is making a grave mistake by refusing to consider this proposal, which is not far off from their previous offers. Every day of delay costs Boeing millions more than this agreement requires. The company must stop compounding its mistakes and accept this fair compromise today.”
District 837 members are irreplaceable in their knowledge, craftsmanship, and dedication. These workers assemble and maintain complex fighter jets and other weapons systems that are critical to U.S. and allied defense. Boeing’s refusal to value that skill and experience, IAM Union leaders say, is jeopardizing programs vital to national security.
Approximately 3,200 IAM District 837 members at Boeing facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Mo., and Mascoutah, Ill., remain on strike until Boeing agrees to the union-proposed settlement. These highly skilled workers build and maintain critical defense products, including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jet.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across North America in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
