Labor action instigated by union members at Boeing Defense in the U.S.

Labor action instigated by union members at Boeing Defense in the U.S.

Boeing Workers Go on Strike After Contract Dispute

In an unprecedented move, IAM district 837 members, who are responsible for manufacturing the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets at Boeing plants in Missouri and Illinois, initiated a strike on August 4, 2025. This marks the first strike in three decades for these workers.

The strike, which began at 7 AM local time, disrupted the manufacturing process at the strategic Boeing plants in Saint-Louis, Saint-Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois. The machinists, who are highly skilled workers, are seeking a contract that secures their family's future and recognizes their unmatched expertise.

The union members, numbering approximately 3,200, rejected Boeing's latest four-year contract offer. The offer included a 40% average wage growth over four years, a 20% general wage increase, a $5,000 ratification bonus, and enhanced vacation and sick leave. However, the union felt that these provisions did not adequately address their demands for respect, security, and suitable work conditions.

Previous contract proposals were also turned down, with the latest offer failing to resolve unresolved issues such as alternative work schedules. Despite being labeled as the richest offer Boeing had presented, the union leadership had recommended approval, but the membership overwhelmingly voted against it, leading to the authorization and initiation of the strike.

Boeing expressed disappointment at the rejection and stated it was prepared with contingency plans, including using non-union labor to maintain operations while the strike continues.

The IAM union, which represents over 600,000 aerospace workers in the US and Canada, is hopeful that the strike will lead to a fair contract that reflects the critical skills and contributions of its members to national defense. The union emphasized the need for security for their families and recognition of their expertise.

This strike is significant as it underscores the seriousness of the union’s grievances. The IAM union members are involved in the manufacturing process of F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets at these plants, and a disruption in their work could have far-reaching consequences for national security.

The picketing at these Boeing plants is a rare occurrence, as strikes are uncommon among the machinists. The union hopes that this strike will lead to a resolution that ensures their continued contribution to the nation's defense efforts and provides them with the respect, security, and suitable work conditions they deserve.

[1] Boeing Workers Go on Strike After Contract Dispute, The New York Times, August 4, 2025. [2] Boeing Strike: IAM District 837 Members Reject Contract Offer, CNN, August 4, 2025. [3] Boeing Strike: IAM District 837 Members Seek Better Contract, ABC News, August 4, 2025. [4] Boeing Strike: What You Need to Know, The Washington Post, August 4, 2025.

1. The ongoing strike by IAM district 837 members at Boeing plants could potentially disrupt the supply chain in the aerospace industry, impacting not only Boeing's business operations but also affecting finance sector investments in the defense and aviation sector.
2. The business implications of the Boeing strike are far-reaching, with the halt in production of F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets causing delays in deliveries to clients, potentially straining financial plans in the defense and finance industries.

Read also: