Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has criticized Boeing’s handling of ongoing labor negotiations with striking workers in St. Louis, focusing on the company’s refusal to reach an agreement with members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837. The strike, now in its ninth week, involves 3,200 IAM members.
During a Capitol Hill hearing, Hawley questioned Boeing’s chief labor counsel, Scott Mayer, about the disparity between worker conditions and executive compensation. “With 3,000 plus residents of my state on strike, unable to work, unable to get healthcare while your CEO is getting paid 30-some million dollars,” said Hawley. “Fairness may be elusive, but that doesn’t look like fairness to me.”
This is not the first time Hawley has voiced support for the strikers. In early September, he was quoted saying: “Management here needs to suck it up and get this thing over with. That company is so important to our state, the jobs that it provides, the great things that it produces.”
Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security unit reported $6.6 billion in revenue for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025—a 10 percent increase from the previous year—while contract talks have stalled as union members continue to reject company proposals they say do not meet basic standards of fairness.
Negotiations are ongoing under federal mediation.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant stated: “We’re tired of Boeing hiding behind posturing and PR spin. Our members build the jets and defense systems that keep this nation safe, and they deserve a deal that reflects their sacrifice, expertise and value. Boeing’s repeated lowball proposals are a slap in the face to the men and women who power their bottom line. The time for grandstanding is over. Negotiate in good faith now, Boeing.”
The IAM Union represents around 600,000 active and retired members across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare and automotive.
