Thousands of Boeing employees stage a walkout in two states
In the heart of Missouri, approximately 3,200 workers from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 at Boeing Defense in St. Louis have commenced a strike, effective from midnight on August 4, 2025 [1][2][3]. This decision follows the rejection of Boeing's latest four-year labor contract proposal.
The workers, who assemble and maintain advanced aircraft and weapons systems, including the F-15, F/A-18, and cutting-edge missile and defense technologies, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed contract, stating that it does not adequately reflect their skills, dedication, and critical role in national defense [1][2].
The rejected contract terms included a 20% general wage increase over four years, a $5,000 ratification bonus, increasing periodic raises, more vacation time, and sick leave [2]. However, union members felt that the offer did not fully recognize their expertise, provide adequate security for their families, or show sufficient respect and dignity [1][2].
IAM District 837 members are instrumental in building the aircraft and defense systems that safeguard the nation. The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets, for instance, are manufactured at the Boeing Defense, Space & Security facility in St. Louis, Missouri [5].
Union leaders, such as IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli, have stressed the importance of a contract that recognizes the workers' vital contributions to national security [1][2]. The workers have demonstrated their readiness for a prolonged strike to secure a fair contract [4].
Meanwhile, Boeing Defense has prepared a contingency plan to manage the work stoppage, utilizing non-labor workers [1]. The strike's impact extends beyond the local region, as it involves more than 3,200 Boeing union workers in Missouri and Illinois [6].
The stock market has also felt the ripple effects of the strike, with The Boeing Co.'s (BA) stock price at 222.34, a change of 0.44, equating to a 0.20% change percentage [7][8].
The F-47, expected to replace the aging F-22 Raptor, is positioned at the center of the Next Generation Air Dominance program [9]. In March 2025, President Donald Trump formally designated the F-47 as the U.S. Air Force's next-generation air superiority fighter [10]. The future of this critical defense project remains uncertain amidst the ongoing strike.
References:
- Boeing workers in St. Louis go on strike over labor contract
- Boeing workers in St. Louis reject labor contract, go on strike
- Boeing workers in St. Louis go on strike over labor contract
- Boeing workers in St. Louis go on strike over labor contract
- Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets manufactured in St. Louis, Missouri
- Order involves more than 3,200 Boeing union workers in Missouri and Illinois who are currently on strike
- The change in The Boeing Co.'s price is 0.44
- The change percentage in The Boeing Co.'s price is 0.20%
- The F-47 is positioned at the center of the Next Generation Air Dominance program
- In March, President Donald Trump formally designated the F-47 as the U.S. Air Force's next-generation air superiority fighter
The ongoing strike by approximately 3,200 Boeing Defense workers in St. Louis, organized by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, has a widespread impact on the economy, affecting not only the local manufacturing industry but also the national finance sector, as the conflict's ripple effects are felt in the stock market with a change of 0.20% in The Boeing Co.'s (BA) stock price.
Union members, instrumental in manufacturing advanced aircraft and defense systems like the F-15, F/A-18, and cutting-edge missile technologies, are determined to secure a fair contract that reflects their skills, dedication, and vital contributions to both the industry and national security, including the production of the F-47, positioned at the center of the Next Generation Air Dominance program.
