More than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have voted to reject Boeing’s latest contract proposal after nearly three months on strike. The union stated that Boeing’s offer failed to address key concerns regarding retirement security, wage increases, and ratification bonuses.
“Boeing claimed they listened to their employees – the result of today’s vote proves they have not,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Boeing’s corporate executives continue to insult the very people who build the world’s most advanced military aircraft — the same planes and military systems that keep our servicemembers and nation safe. Our members aren’t going to be fooled by PR spin. It’s well past time for Boeing to stop cheaping out on the workers who make its success possible and bargain a fair deal that respects their skill and sacrifice.”
In September, IAM District 837 members presented a pre-ratified offer intended to end the strike. The proposal included demands for improved retirement benefits, such as employer 401(k) contributions matching those received by IAM members in other regions; wage increases adjusted for inflation; and a ratification bonus comparable to what non-union workers in South Carolina and unionized workers in the Pacific Northwest have received.
According to the union, this proposal would cost Boeing approximately $50 million over four years—about half the price of an F-15 fighter jet produced by these workers—while highlighting that Boeing has paid its last two CEOs about $100 million in severance packages.
“Instead of building on our pre-ratified offer, Boeing came back with another proposal that disrespects the people who make its success possible,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Boeing can end this strike tomorrow — all it has to do is put a fair deal on the table.”
The ongoing labor dispute follows Boeing securing a multi-billion dollar F-47 defense contract, which relies on work performed by IAM District 837 members at facilities responsible for assembling U.S. fighter aircraft such as the F-15 and F/A-18 models.
“Our members have shown incredible unity and strength throughout this strike,” said IAM Union Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “They’re standing up not just for themselves, but for every worker who deserves fairness, respect, and the same standard of treatment. Boeing can’t keep playing favorites between regions and expect our members to accept less.”
These union members are responsible for building critical defense systems vital to U.S. national security.
“From day one, our members have stood shoulder to shoulder for fairness,” said IAM Union District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “They know their worth and they’ve made it clear what it will take to reach an agreement. Boeing’s refusal to meet those priorities is what keeps this strike going — not our members.”
