Missouri Senator Josh Hawley questioned Boeing’s chief labor counsel, Scott Mayer, during a recent Capitol Hill hearing about the company’s ongoing contract dispute with members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis. The strike by more than 3,200 IAM members has now entered its ninth week.
“With 3,000 plus residents of my state on strike, unable to work, unable to get healthcare while your CEO is getting paid 30-some million dollars,” said Hawley. “Fairness may be elusive, but that doesn’t look like fairness to me.”
Senator Hawley has previously voiced support for the striking workers. In early September, he told Missourinet: “Management here needs to suck it up and get this thing over with. That company is so important to our state, the jobs that it provides, the great things that it produces.”
Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division saw its revenue increase by 10% year over year in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, reaching $6.6 billion. Despite these financial results, IAM District 837 members have rejected multiple contract offers from Boeing because they believe the proposals do not meet basic standards of fairness or dignity.
Negotiations between IAM District 837 and Boeing are continuing under federal mediation.
“We’re tired of Boeing hiding behind posturing and PR spin,” said Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union. “Our members build the jets and defense systems that keep this nation safe, and they deserve a deal that reflects their sacrifice, expertise and value. Boeing’s repeated lowball proposals are a slap in the face to the men and women who power their bottom line. The time for grandstanding is over. Negotiate in good faith now, Boeing.”
The IAM Union represents around 600,000 active and retired members throughout North America across several industries including aerospace and defense.
