More than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 are continuing their strike at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis region, which began on August 4 after contract negotiations stalled. The union has presented a four-year contract proposal ratified by its membership, but Boeing has not yet agreed to the terms.
A rally was held in support of the striking workers, drawing participation from IAM members, other unions, community leaders, and allies from across Missouri and beyond. The event highlighted ongoing solidarity within the labor movement for those on strike.
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed the crowd: “I’m here to tell Boeing: you are not just fighting 3,200 workers. You are fighting 600,000 IAM Union members across North America,” said Bryant. “You are fighting millions more across the labor movement. And you are fighting a community that will never be broken!”
The striking IAM members work on key defense projects including the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets as well as advanced missile systems considered important for U.S. national security. Union leaders argue that Boeing’s refusal to negotiate threatens both workers’ livelihoods and military readiness.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler also spoke at the rally: “We’re seeing this everywhere, and it’s called corporate greed. These are attacks on our dignity,” said Shuler. “If Boeing can afford to give $100 million in golden parachutes to failed CEOs, then they can afford to pay your workers a fair share of the wealth we create.”
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli told attendees: “Every picket line, picket sign, and every hour we hold this line is a message to everyone in this country that – we will not be silenced, we will not be divided, and we will not back down!” He emphasized broad support for District 837 members throughout the Midwest Territory and across IAM International.
Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of IAM, stated: “You build the F-15. You build the F/A-18. You’re going to build the F-47. You build the systems that defend this nation,” said Bennett. “That is world-class work. And world-class work deserves world-class respect!”
The rally featured additional support from Jon Holden—President of IAM District 751 in Washington state—who previously led a large-scale strike against Boeing; Jake Hummel—President of Missouri AFL-CIO; Patrick Kellett—President of St. Louis Labor Council; and John Dimas—President of SPEEA (Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace). Each reaffirmed their organizations’ backing for District 837 strikers.
Community groups and elected officials have also voiced support for those on strike at Boeing Defense in St. Louis.
