Boeing, Striking Workers to Engage Federal Mediator for Talks
Negotiations between Boeing and striking machinists in St. Louis are set to involve a federal mediator as they approach the ninth week of a labor dispute. Approximately 3,200 employees at Boeing Defense, working across major sites in St. Louis, St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois, have been on strike since August 4, 2025. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 832 represents these machinists, who are demanding higher wages and improved working conditions.
The upcoming negotiations are scheduled for September 30, 2025, with the involvement of a federal mediator aimed at facilitating a resolution. This strike has already matched the duration of a previous walkout by machinists in the Northwest, who are primarily involved in the production of Boeing’s commercial aircraft. That strike concluded with Boeing agreeing to a substantial wage increase of 38% over four years.
As they seek a stronger contract, the machinists recently rejected two offers from Boeing. A union-backed proposal put forth by District 837 included a $10,000 ratification bonus, significantly higher than Boeing’s proposed $4,000. It also addresses essential concerns, such as salary increases for top-scale workers and enhancements to 401(k) benefits. Boeing expressed disappointment over the rejection, stating that the revised agreement represented the most competitive contract package it had ever offered to its St. Louis workforce.
Brian Bryant, International President of the IAM, emphasized the courage of the union members in a statement: “Our members stood up with courage and voted for a fair, responsible pathway to end this strike. Now, Boeing must honor that decision, accept this deal, and show respect for the skilled workers who are the backbone of its defense business.” The bargaining committees from both Boeing and IAM 837 have agreed to return to the table with the federal mediator, hoping to find a solution that would end the strike.
Economic Context of the Strike
Boeing is currently under less financial pressure compared to the previous strike in 2024. According to Richard Aboulafia, managing director at AeroDynamic Advisory, this walkout centers on military programs that are either in low-rate production or still undergoing testing. Unlike past strikes that affected the highly profitable Boeing 737 narrowbody aircraft program, much of the equipment for the fighter jets has already been funded by the United States government, easing the financial implications of halted production.
In response to the ongoing strike, a Boeing spokesperson indicated that the company might consider employing replacement workers, noting that they are reviewing hundreds of applications submitted at a recent job fair. Despite the disruptions, Boeing reported delivering one F/A-18 and one F-15, along with producing 3,120 JDAM bomb-modification kits during the strike period.
Recent History of Labor Negotiations
The current strike follows a significant labor agreement reached on November 4, 2024, which ended a seven-week strike that had severely impacted Boeing’s production. The previous agreement was the result of a vote by machinists in the Northwest, which included a notable 38% wage increase over four years and various improvements that addressed worker concerns.
As both parties prepare for the upcoming negotiations, the focus remains on finding a mutually beneficial resolution that respects the rights and needs of the workers while ensuring the stability of Boeing’s operations. With the involvement of a federal mediator, there is hope for a swift conclusion to the ongoing labor dispute.
