Thousands of highly skilled Boeing workers have walked off the job at U.S. defense plants after rejecting a proposed labor agreement. The strike began at midnight Central Time on August 4, affecting approximately 3,200 union members at Boeing facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois.
These machinists, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, build and service key national defense assets—including the F‑15 Eagle, F/A‑18 Hornet, and missile systems. The St. Louis plant is also expected to play a major role in manufacturing Boeing’s future F‑47A fifth‑generation fighter.
The union overwhelmingly rejected a Boeing contract offer that included 40% average wage growth, a 20% general raise, a $5,000 signing bonus, and added vacation and sick leave. Union leaders say the offer still failed to meet workers’ needs for security, recognition, and scheduling flexibility. IAM District 837 head Tom Boelling emphasized workers “deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defense.”
Boeing stated it’s “disappointed” at the strike’s onset and said it activated its contingency plan, shifting some work to non‑union staff to keep defense operations going. CEO Kelly Ortberg downplayed the disruption’s impact, comparing it to a larger strike in late 2024 that involved over 33,000 workers and lasted seven weeks before ending in early November.
Despite continued efforts at recovery—including new defense contracts and improved quarterly results—Boeing remains under pressure. Management must now manage the fallout from renewed labor unrest at a critical time for its reputation and U.S. defense supply chains.
