More than 3,200 members of IAM District 837 remain on strike at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis area after negotiations with the company stalled over a new contract. The strike began on August 4 when union members rejected Boeing’s offer and submitted a four-year contract proposal ratified by the membership.
The rally to support striking workers brought together union members and leaders from across North America. IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed the crowd, stating, “I’m here to tell Boeing: you are not just fighting 3,200 workers. You are fighting 600,000 IAM Union members across North America. You are fighting millions more across the labor movement. And you are fighting a community that will never be broken!”
The union represents workers who build and maintain aircraft such as the F-15 and F/A-18, as well as missile and defense systems used by the U.S. military. Labor leaders have expressed concern that Boeing’s stance could impact both workers’ livelihoods and national security.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler commented, “We’re seeing this everywhere, and it’s called corporate greed. These are attacks on our dignity. If Boeing can afford to give $100 million in golden parachutes to failed CEOs, then they can afford to pay your workers a fair share of the wealth we create.”
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli told attendees, “Every picket line, picket sign, and every hour we hold this line is a message to everyone in this country that – we will not be silenced, we will not be divided, and we will not back down! The Midwest Territory is with you. The IAM International is with you. And the entire labor movement is with you!”
IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett said, “You build the F-15. You build the F/A-18. You’re going to build the F-47. You build the systems that defend this nation. That is world-class work. And world-class work deserves world-class respect!”
Tom Boelling, Directing Business Representative for IAM District 837, hosted the rally which also saw participation from other labor organizations in Missouri and beyond.
Jon Holden, President of IAM District 751 in Washington State—who led a significant Boeing strike last year—attended to show support for St. Louis workers alongside Jake Hummel of the Missouri AFL-CIO and Patrick Kellett of the St. Louis Labor Council.
Support continues to come from unions nationwide as well as local officials and community groups who argue that all Boeing workers should receive comparable pay and retirement benefits.
