A group of 17 bipartisan members from the House Armed Services Committee has called on Boeing to resume contract negotiations with more than 3,200 striking workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis.
The letter, led by Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), was addressed to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg. It urges the company to “return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and negotiate a fair contract in a timely manner,” referencing concerns about delays affecting national security and U.S. defense programs. The strike has contributed to postponed F-15EX fighter jet deliveries for the U.S. Air Force.
“Boeing Defense plays a vital role in safeguarding our national security and sustaining U.S. leadership on the global stage,” the members wrote. “That success is powered by a dedicated and highly skilled workforce who every day produce planes and other defense equipment that the United States government and our service members rely upon.”
Workers from IAM District 837 are responsible for building several key military aircraft, including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jets.
“Communication and negotiation are crucial to help navigate out of the current situation that preserves the long-term balance between workers’ rights and the defense of our nation,” the letter continues. “We urge you to return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and to negotiate and reach a fair contract in a timely manner.”
The strike has lasted over twelve weeks as union members continue picketing while Boeing rejects proposals put forward by IAM representatives. The union maintains it has submitted reasonable offers intended to support both workers’ needs and Boeing’s obligations for military production schedules. On October 27, IAM’s bargaining committee made another offer that was rejected without a counterproposal from Boeing.
“Congress is sending a clear message that it’s time for Boeing to respect the highly skilled and experienced IAM Union members who build our nation’s most advanced defense systems,” said Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union. “Our members have offered fair, responsible proposals to end this strike and get back to work. Boeing’s refusal to negotiate in good faith is not only hurting working families—it’s threatening critical defense programs and our national security.”
The union has filed two Unfair Labor Practice Charges against Boeing related to its approach at the negotiating table.
Support for striking workers has grown among lawmakers beyond those signing this latest letter. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) expressed support during a recent Senate HELP Committee hearing where an IAM District 837 member described what they considered bad-faith tactics by Boeing. Other Missouri representatives Wesley Bell (D), Emanuel Cleaver (D), along with members of the Congressional Labor Caucus have also urged Boeing to seek an agreement supporting jobs in St. Louis.
IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across multiple industries throughout North America.
