Missouri Senator Josh Hawley questioned Boeing’s chief labor counsel, Scott Mayer, during a recent Capitol Hill hearing about the ongoing labor dispute between Boeing and members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837. The exchange comes as more than 3,200 IAM members in St. Louis enter their ninth week on strike.
“With 3,000 plus residents of my state on strike, unable to work, unable to get healthcare while your CEO is getting paid 30-some million dollars,” said Hawley. “Fairness may be elusive, but that doesn’t look like fairness to me.”
Senator Hawley has previously voiced his support for the striking workers. In September, he was quoted by Missourinet stating, “Management here needs to suck it up and get this thing over with. That company is so important to our state, the jobs that it provides, the great things that it produces.”
Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division reported a $6.6 billion revenue for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. This marks a 10 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Despite these gains, IAM District 837 members have rejected several proposals from Boeing which they argue do not meet basic standards for fairness or dignity.
Negotiations between IAM District 837 and Boeing continue under federal mediation.
IAM International President Brian Bryant commented on the situation: “We’re tired of Boeing hiding behind posturing and PR spin. Our members build the jets and defense systems that keep this nation safe, and they deserve a deal that reflects their sacrifice, expertise and value. Boeing’s repeated lowball proposals are a slap in the face to the men and women who power their bottom line. The time for grandstanding is over. Negotiate in good faith now, Boeing.”
The IAM Union represents around 600,000 active and retired members across North America in sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others.
