Disgruntled Boeing employees contemplate walkouts at fighter jet production facilities
Boeing workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union in Missouri and Illinois have overwhelmingly rejected Boeing’s proposed new contract offer, setting the stage for a potential strike.
The rejection came on July 27, just hours before the old contract expired. This decision follows a seven-day cooling-off period that began once the old contract expired at midnight on July 27–28, 2025.
More than 3,200 IAM District 837 members at Boeing facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles (MO), and Mascoutah (IL) voted to reject the contract due to dissatisfaction with Boeing’s offer not meeting their priorities or respecting their sacrifices.
Boeing’s offer reportedly included a 20% wage increase over four years as well as more vacation and sick leave, which was considered by the company as the richest offer ever presented to IAM 837 members. However, the union felt that it did not meet their needs and did not guarantee a "secure future."
Dan Gillian, vice-president of Boeing Air Dominance and general manager of the site in St. Louis, Missouri, expressed disappointment over the union’s rejection of the proposed contract. He stated that no talks were scheduled with the union and the company was "preparing for a strike."
The union had initially recommended approval of the contract agreed with Boeing leadership on July 24, but the membership voted it down anyway. The union has authorized a strike if negotiations fail and will observe a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period following contract expiration before potentially initiating a strike.
Discussions remain open in principle, with the IAM Union expressing a willingness to return to the bargaining table to negotiate meaningful improvements supporting member well-being. However, Boeing has not committed to further talks as of late July.
The potential strike could impact key defense production facilities in Missouri and Illinois, potentially crippling two of Boeing’s major assembly plants, as it did during the seven-week long walkout by Seattle-based workers last year.
References:
[1] Boeing Workers in Missouri and Illinois Threaten Strike After Contract Rejection. (2025, July 27). Retrieved from [URL]
[2] Boeing Workers Reject Proposed Contract Offer. (2025, July 27). Retrieved from [URL]
[3] Boeing Workers Vote Down Proposed Contract. (2025, July 27). Retrieved from [URL]
[4] Boeing and IAM Union at Impasse as Strike Looms. (2025, July 28). Retrieved from [URL]
[5] IAM Union Recommends Approval of Boeing Contract, But Members Vote It Down. (2025, July 28). Retrieved from [URL]
The rejection of Boeing's proposed contract by the IAM Union might lead to a potential strike, affecting key aerospace business and defense finance operations in Missouri and Illinois. Despite ongoing discussions, Boeing has not agreed to further negotiations, potentially escalating the conflict.
