Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2025 and announced a $76 billion defense backlog, marking its first positive cash flow since 2023. The announcement comes as more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike in St. Louis. These workers are seeking a new contract after building key defense aircraft and weapons systems for the company.
IAM District 837 members are responsible for assembling and supporting several major Boeing defense programs, including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the upcoming F-47 fighter jet. Delays in F-15EX deliveries have already been acknowledged by the U.S. Air Force due to the ongoing labor dispute.
During Boeing’s earnings call, executives discussed contingency plans to address the impact of the strike and referenced efforts to build a new corporate culture. IAM Union International President Brian Bryant criticized these measures: “Boeing’s so-called contingency plan is failing because they can’t replace the skill, precision, and experience of IAM Union members in St. Louis who have spent their careers building the world’s most advanced military products,” said Bryant. “If Boeing is serious about culture change and rebuilding its brand, it starts with respecting the people who make its success possible — not trying to sideline them. Investors must also take into account Boeing’s continued failure to manage labor relations responsibly. The company’s refusal to engage in fair bargaining is not only hurting workers and national defense programs — it’s a risk to Boeing’s long-term stability, reputation, and credibility.”
Boeing has also indicated plans for significant future investments in its St. Louis operations after securing a contract for the F-47 fighter jet program. Bryant noted that these investments reflect the expertise of union members: “The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create.”
Across Boeing’s commercial aviation facilities nationwide, IAM union members continue to contribute to production efforts that support the company’s recovery. Bryant added: “Boeing’s executives can talk about transformation all they want, but the real transformation begins when they treat all employees as one Boeing. The company hasn’t delivered a single new F-15 during this 13-week strike, and production delays are now rippling into the 777X program. It’s time for Boeing to end this strike, get our members back to work, and live up to the values they claim to be rebuilding.”
The union reported that it has continued bargaining with Boeing in good faith. On Monday, IAM presented a revised contract proposal with concessions regarding 401(k) improvements but stated that Boeing rejected it without making a counteroffer. As a result, IAM filed a second Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing for not bargaining in good faith.
The ongoing strike has attracted bipartisan attention from Congress. Sixteen members of the House Armed Services Committee recently urged Boeing to negotiate seriously with union representatives, citing concerns about delivery delays and national security risks.
The IAM Union represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America.
