Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis have rejected Boeing’s latest contract proposal, calling it “disrespectful” and stating they will not vote on the offer.
According to a message released by IAM District 837, union representatives met with Boeing through federal mediators over two days. The strike, which has lasted 79 days, has left members without pay or healthcare. The union claims that Boeing’s new five-year contract proposal fails to address key concerns such as retirement security, ratification bonuses, and top-of-scale wage growth.
The union also criticized the proposed “return to work” agreement. They stated that it would allow managers and non-union workers to perform union members’ jobs for the first 30 days after returning to work. Additionally, the company’s proposal would terminate any member who does not immediately return to work, even though many have taken other jobs during the strike.
In their statement, IAM District 837 said: “After all this time, the company came back with a five-year offer that was nothing short of disrespectful to our members. The company made an offer that had no meaningful improvements in the areas our members have told us and the company they care about – retirement security, ratification bonus and top-of-scale wage growth. The company has insisted on a fifth year, despite adding no additional value to the fifth year.”
They continued: “In addition, the company’s ‘return to work’ agreement included language allowing managers and non-union workers to perform our members’ work for the first 30 days back on the job. The company also wants to terminate any member who doesn’t immediately return to work, despite the fact that many of our members have taken other jobs to support their families during the strike. That is absolutely unacceptable.”
The union emphasized its stance: “We’ve said it many times, and we’ll say it again: we will not vote on an insulting offer.”
IAM District 837 noted that its members had previously passed a pre-ratified offer in September which they believe provides Boeing with “the assurance of our members’ approval and a clear path to end this strike.” They claim Boeing has ignored this proposal.
Highlighting the specialized nature of their work, the union stated: “This isn’t ‘Midwest Manufacturing,’ our members build the most advanced military aircraft in the world – the aircraft and military systems that keep our servicemembers and allies safe. These are not replaceable jobs. Our members deserve to be treated with the same respect and value that Boeing gives to every part of the so-called ‘One Boeing’ family the company always talks about.”
Referring to discussions held on Capitol Hill, they added: “As we heard today on Capitol Hill, Boeing’s greed and disdain for the very employees who make its success possible is on full display. It’s long past time for Boeing to show some respect for its workforce and come to the table with a reasonable offer that recognizes your skill, dedication and experience, as well as the value you bring to this company and our nation.”
The message concluded with encouragement for striking workers: “Stay strong and stay united on the picket line. Together, we will continue to fight for the fair contract you deserve.”
