Roughly 3,200 unionized machinists at Boeing’s defense facilities in the St. Louis area will begin striking at midnight Monday after rejecting the company’s latest contract offer.
The walkout, organized by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, is the local’s first since 1996. Workers from the union build critical military aircraft, including the F-15EX fighter jet, the T-7A training aircraft, and the MQ-25 aerial refueling drone.
“IAM District 837 members have spoken loud and clear. They deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defense,” union representative Tom Boelling said in a statement.
The announcement came after the union rejected Boeing’s proposal, citing insufficient wage improvements and inadequate retirement benefits.
The company’s offer reportedly included a 20% wage increase over four years, a $5,000 ratification bonus, additional leave, and retention of current overtime policies.
CEO Kelly Ortberg downplayed the potential impact of the strike, stating: “We’ll manage through this. I wouldn’t worry too much about the implications of the strike.”
“We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan,” Boeing Air Dominance Vice President and General Manager Dan Gillian said in a statement sent to Reuters.
“We’re disappointed our employees in St. Louis rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth,” he added.
The planned strike is smaller than last year’s 33,000-worker walkout at Boeing’s commercial division, which ended with a 38% wage increase.
Boeing recently reported $22.7 billion in quarterly revenue—a 35% increase from the previous year—but posted a net loss of $612 million, improving from a $1.44 billion loss in the same period last year.
