A bipartisan group of 17 members from the House Armed Services Committee has sent a letter to Boeing, urging the company to resume negotiations with more than 3,200 striking members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis. The lawmakers are concerned about delays in military aircraft deliveries and their potential impact on national security.
The letter, led by Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), addresses Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg directly. It states: “return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and negotiate a fair contract in a timely manner,” citing growing concerns over national security as F-15EX deliveries have already been delayed.
The lawmakers emphasized Boeing Defense’s role in supporting U.S. defense capabilities: “Boeing Defense plays a vital role in safeguarding our national security and sustaining U.S. leadership on the global stage,” they wrote. “That success is powered by a dedicated and highly skilled workforce who every day produce planes and other defense equipment that the United States government and our service members rely upon.”
IAM District 837 workers are responsible for building key military aircraft including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the future F-47 fighter jet.
The letter also highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue: “Communication and negotiation are crucial to help navigate out of the current situation that preserves the long-term balance between workers’ rights and the defense of our nation,” it continues. “We urge you to return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and to negotiate and reach a fair contract in a timely manner.”
IAM Union members have been on strike for over twelve weeks while Boeing has not accepted union proposals intended to resolve the dispute. The union says it has presented reasonable offers aimed at ensuring Boeing retains its skilled workforce necessary for meeting military obligations. On October 27, IAM District 837 submitted another proposal which was rejected by Boeing without any counter offer.
Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union, stated: “Congress is sending a clear message that it’s time for Boeing to respect the highly skilled and experienced IAM Union members who build our nation’s most advanced defense systems. Our members have offered fair, responsible proposals to end this strike and get back to work. Boeing’s refusal to negotiate in good faith is not only hurting working families—it’s threatening critical defense programs and our national security.”
The union has filed two Unfair Labor Practice Charges against Boeing for rejecting proposals without providing counter offers.
This congressional intervention follows earlier expressions of concern from both chambers of Congress regarding Boeing’s approach to negotiations with its workforce. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) previously voiced support for IAM members during a Senate hearing where an IAM representative testified about alleged bad-faith tactics by Boeing. Additional support has come from Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), as well as from members of the Congressional Labor Caucus.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired workers across various industries throughout North America.
