Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter and a $76 billion defense backlog, with positive cash flow for the first time since 2023. However, more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike in St. Louis. The workers are seeking a new contract after building several of Boeing’s key defense aircraft and weapons systems.
IAM District 837 members are responsible for the production and support of the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the upcoming F-47 fighter jet. These programs are considered essential to U.S. and allied defense. The ongoing strike has already led to delays in F-15EX deliveries, as acknowledged by the U.S. Air Force.
During Boeing’s earnings call, company executives discussed the strike and outlined contingency plans to address its impact. They also spoke about efforts to create a new corporate culture.
“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 IAM Union International President Brian 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 announced plans for significant future investments in its St. Louis operations after securing the contract for the F-47 fighter jet. Bryant stated that these investments are due to the work of IAM Union members: “The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create.”
IAM Union members at Boeing facilities across the country continue to produce commercial aircraft that contribute to the company’s recovery.
“Boeing’s executives can talk about transformation all they want, but the real transformation begins when they treat all employees as one Boeing,” Bryant continued. “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 reports that it has continued negotiations in good faith. On Monday, IAM presented a modified contract proposal that included concessions on 401(k) improvements in an effort to reach an agreement. According to IAM, Boeing rejected this offer without making a counterproposal. As a result, IAM filed a second Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing for refusing to bargain in good faith.
The ongoing strike has attracted attention from Congress. Sixteen bipartisan members of the House Armed Services Committee have called on Boeing to negotiate in good faith due to concerns about delivery delays and national security risks.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across several industries in North America.
