After more than six weeks of striking, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis are set to vote on a new four-year contract proposal they developed. The union says this step comes after Boeing declined to improve its previous offer, which had been rejected by the membership.
The vote will take place on Friday, Sept. 19, at the St. Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., with results expected shortly after polls close. If approved by members, the proposal would be submitted to Boeing as a pre-ratified agreement, pending acceptance by the company. Should Boeing decline, IAM members will continue their strike and return to negotiations.
“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.”
The ongoing strike involves about 3,200 workers at Boeing Defense who are responsible for building aircraft such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jets in St. Louis. According to union officials, disruptions from the strike have impacted defense production and caused financial losses for Boeing due to delays.
“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.”
The union’s proposed agreement aims to align 401(k) contributions with those offered elsewhere at Boeing and includes wage increases for top-of-scale workers along with a ratification bonus similar to those given at other unionized or non-unionized locations within Boeing.
IAM represents approximately 600,000 active and retired workers across industries including aerospace and defense throughout North America.
