More than 3,000 Boeing defense workers walked off the job Sunday night after rejecting a contract offer, launching a major strike at three key production sites. The workers, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, are based at Boeing facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois.
These machinists are responsible for building some of the military’s most important aircraft, including the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, as well as components for missiles and drones. Boeing called the strike “disappointing” and said it had activated a contingency plan to limit disruptions.
Union members voted overwhelmingly to reject Boeing’s latest contract offer, which included a 20% general wage increase over three years, a $5,000 signing bonus, and more paid time off. IAM officials say the offer fell short in key areas, including job security, scheduling flexibility, and cost-of-living protections.
“This fight is about respect for the people who make Boeing’s defense products possible,” said IAM District 837 President Tom Boelling. “Our members build the tools that keep our country safe. They deserve more than a quick bonus and vague promises.”
The strike comes less than a year after Boeing endured a 2024 strike by 33,000 commercial airplane workers, which lasted seven weeks. Though Boeing’s defense unit has remained more stable than its troubled commercial side, ongoing labor unrest threatens to undercut the company’s recovery and its ability to deliver on Pentagon contracts.
Talks between the union and Boeing are expected to resume, but for now, the picket lines are up—and production at critical defense facilities is at a standstill.
