Over 3,200 Boeing fighter jet workers strike over pay and benefits dispute
More than 3,200 unionized workers who assemble Boeing’s fighter jets have gone on strike after rejecting the company’s latest contract offer.
The local members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), who work at Boeing facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles in Missouri, as well as Michigan and Mascoutah in Illinois, building, voted on Sunday to reject the giant US airplane manufacturer’s proposed contract.
They assemble Boeing’s F-15 and F/A-18 fighters, the T-7 trainer, and the MQ-25, an aerial refueling drone being developed for the US Navy.
In response to IAM's announcement to go on strike, Boeing said in a statement released on Sunday that it is “disappointed” with its employees.
“We’re disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40 percent average wage growth and resolved their primary issue on alternative work schedules,” Boeing said.
“We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan to ensure our non-striking workforce can continue supporting our customers,” Boeing added.
The iconic American company claimed that the proposed four-year contract would have taken the current average salary, not counting overtime pay, for machinists from a little more than $75,600 to $106,350 a year.
However, IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett called on the union workers to stick together for greater bargaining power in order to create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
“Solidarity is our strength. This vote shows that when workers stand together, they can push back against corporate greed and fight for a better future for themselves and their families,” Bennett said.
“We are proud to back our members every step of the way,” Bennett added.
Machinists represented by the IAM also went on strike in 2024.
The strike began in September and ended in November.
That was the first strike by IAM members at Boeing since 2008.
The strike was triggered by the rejection of a contract offer by union members, who also voted to authorize the strike. The strike resulted in significant financial losses for Boeing and delays in aircraft deliveries.
With more than 170,000 employees in the United States and in more than 65 countries, Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial and military aircraft, producing tailored services for jets, satellites, weapons, electronic and military systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.
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