Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), has called on Missouri’s Congressional delegation to support more than 3,200 union members currently on strike at Boeing Defense facilities. The affected locations include St. Louis, St. Charles in Missouri, and Mascoutah in Illinois.
In letters addressed to both senators and representatives from Missouri, Bryant asked lawmakers to encourage Boeing to return to contract negotiations with the union. He also invited members of Congress to join IAM District 837 workers on the picket line.
“For generations, IAM Union members at Boeing Defense have worked tirelessly to produce the finest planes and other defense equipment the world has ever seen,” Bryant wrote. “Our members have made innumerable sacrifices over the years building fighter jets and other military equipment which ensure the safety and success of our men and women in uniform.”
He continued: “Our members at Boeing Defense in Missouri and Illinois are disappointed and frustrated with the company’s recent contract proposals forcing them to overwhelmingly vote to reject the proposal and go on strike. Throughout these negotiations, the union has presented the company with a number of viable solutions to adequately meet our members’ needs. Our members rightly believe the compensation package offered by the company is not adequate given the recent economic trends of high inflation and skyrocketing demand for highly skilled aerospace workers.”
IAM members are responsible for assembling and maintaining advanced aircraft such as F-15s, F/A-18s, as well as various missile systems that play a key role in U.S. national security efforts.
The IAM Union represents approximately 600,000 active and retired workers across several industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing sectors throughout North America.
More information about IAM can be found at their official website: goIAM.org.
