Boeing St. Louis Workers Set to Strike at Midnight Over Pay Dispute
UPDATE: Union members at Boeing’s St. Louis facility are preparing to strike after overwhelmingly rejecting the company’s latest contract offer. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union announced the strike will commence at midnight on Monday, affecting the assembly of critical fighter jets and drones.
The union’s Business Representative, Tom Boelling, emphasized that IAM District 837 members “deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defense.” The decision comes after the workers turned down an offer that included a significant 40% average wage growth over the contract’s duration.
Boeing’s proposal featured a 20% general wage increase over four years, alongside a $5,000 ratification bonus, additional vacation time, and sick leave. However, union members deemed these terms insufficient and were not satisfied with the adjustments made in the latest offer, which primarily benefited senior members.
In a statement to Reuters, Dan Gillian, Boeing’s Air Dominance vice president and general manager, expressed disappointment over the rejection. He stated, “We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan.” This readiness indicates Boeing’s proactive approach in managing potential disruptions.
The workers involved in this strike are responsible for assembling Boeing’s fighter jets and the MQ-25 aerial refueling drone, essential for the U.S. Navy. Furthermore, Boeing’s defense division is expanding its manufacturing capabilities in St. Louis for the new F-47A fighter, following its recent contract win.
This strike, which will affect 3,200 employees, is significantly smaller than the massive walkout in fall 2022, when 33,000 machinists from Boeing’s commercial division participated in a nearly two-month-long strike. That labor action concluded with the ratification of a contract that provided a 38% wage increase.
With the clock ticking down to midnight, the situation remains tense as both sides prepare for the potential impact of the strike on Boeing’s operations and the defense sector. Workers and community members will be watching closely for developments in this unfolding labor dispute.
Stay tuned for further updates as the strike unfolds and negotiations continue.
