Boeing has resumed negotiations with the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the first talks since the start of a strike August 4 at three Boeing Defense plants in Missouri and Illinois. An estimated 3,200 IAM workers had rejected Boeing’s four-year offer in late July, which included a 20% wage increase, a $5,000 ratification bonus, more vacation and sick leave, and a path to higher wages.
“We look forward to further conversations with the union on August 25 and finding a path forward to end the strike and bring our team back to work,” according to a Boeing statement.
The union in recent days has sought to renew its workers’ goals, with IAM president Brian Bryant joining a picket line on August 21. In a published interview he claimed Boeing’s last offer “disrespected” the IAM workers.
Bryant has indicated the union is seeking more than the 20% wage increase Boeing proposed and a faster route to the higher level, as well as improvements to the 401(k) retirement plan.
“Our IAM Union members at Boeing Defense in St. Louis are simply looking for respect,” Bryant stated. “Their work protects our national security. They power this company and our economy. Together we’re fighting for all working people, and we’re going to win.”
The Boeing Defense plants in St. Louis and St. Charles, Mo., and Mascoutah, Ill., assemble fighter aircraft, including the F-15 and F/A-18, and other missile and defense systems. Reportedly, Boeing has continued production, flight testing, and other activities performed by non-union workers.
It is the first work stoppage at those plants since a 99-day strike in 1996.
The IAM is the same union that conducted a seven-week strike at Boeing Commercial Airplanes operations in September and October 2024.
