Over 3,000 Boeing fighter jet workers begin strike, union slams ‘empty promises’

Over 3,000 Boeing fighter jet workers have started strike action after union members rejected a modified offer from the aerospace company.  

Staff members at Boeing facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles in Missouri and Mascoutah in Illinois downed tools at midnight on August 4, 2025, after rejecting a four-year agreement.  

A vote was held by the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) on August 3, 2025, with union members rejecting the proposal. 

“IAM District 837 members have spoken loud and clear, they deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defense,” said IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative, Tom Boelling. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with these working families as they fight for fairness and respect on the job.” 

IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli, added: “IAM District 837 members build the aircraft and defense systems that keep our country safe. They deserve nothing less than a contract that keeps their families secure and recognizes their unmatched expertise.” 

Workers at Missouri and Illinois sites assemble and maintain advanced aircraft and weapons systems, including the F-15, F/A-18, and missile and defense technologies.   

In a post on social media the IAM Union wrote: “3,200 highly skilled IAM Union members at Boeing went on strike at midnight because enough is enough. This is about respect and dignity, not empty promises.” 

Boeing’s revised offer included retracting a suggestion for an Alternative Workweek Schedule (AWS), which means that the current overtime rules will stay the same  

The proposal also included a 50% per hour raise for employees who have reached the top of the pay scale, on an annual basis.   

Dan Gillian, Boeing Vice President and General Manager of the St. Louis site, told Reuters: “We’re disappointed our employees in St. Louis rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth.” 

In November 2024, a seven-week strike by Boeing workers finally ended after an agreement was reached following a union vote.  

Some 33,000 frontline workers at Boeing from across Washington state, Oregon and California were eligible to vote on a strike that was said to be costing the planemaker $100 million a day.    

Strikes, which initially began on September 13, 2024, resulted in delivery delays of Boeing 737s, 787s and 777s.