Boeing says it will begin hiring permanent replacement workers at its defense factories in Missouri and Illinois, where about 3,200 union members have been on strike for more than a month. The decision underscores the deep divide between the company and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers after employees twice rejected contract proposals by Boeing.
The strike began on August 4, 2025, when IAM District 837 workers walked out of Boeing plants in Berkeley and St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois. The facilities produce F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, the T-7A Red Hawk trainer, and advanced weapons systems for the US military.
Boeing continues to describe its offer as a generous package for workers. On a page created for IAM 837 employees, the company said its “last, best and final” proposal would boost wages by an average of up to 40% over four years, with yearly raises, quicker advancement to top pay, and added opportunities for progression.
The company said about 78% of workers still moving up the pay scale could see raises above the 40% average. Those already at the top rate would see smaller increases of around 16%, plus lump-sum payments in the second and third years.
The company highlighted improvements to time off, health care, and retirement benefits as further evidence of the strength of its proposal. On its website, Boeing said that it was now proceeding with permanent replacement hires to ensure it could continue meeting customer commitments. “Once these new manufacturing employees are hired, they will undergo the same training and certifications that we require of all our teammates,” the company emphasized.
Union leaders have pushed back, arguing that Boeing has not addressed core issues of fairness across the workforce. One point of contention has been the company’s decision to remove a $5,000 signing bonus that was part of its initial proposal.
District 837 President Tom Boelling told Manufacturing Dive that Boeing’s move to begin hiring replacements was intended to divide workers rather than solve the dispute.
“Our members at Boeing are standing together for more than just ‘minor adjustments,’” Boelling said. “They want fair pay increases, faster wage progression and an increased ratification bonus. They’re fighting for work-life balance. They’re fighting for dignity. And they’re fighting for all working people in St. Louis and beyond.”
Rank-and-file members echoed those concerns in interviews with local news outlets. Speaking to St. Louis Public Radio, Boeing quality specialist Freddie Stover said he was not concerned about the company’s ability to replace skilled workers.
“We’re not worried about them trying to hire 3,200 people to replace us,” he said. “Who’s going to train them?” Another striking employee, mechanic Manson Graves, raised safety concerns, calling the idea of bringing in inexperienced workers “dangerous.”
So far, there has been little movement toward a resolution. Boeing and IAM negotiators have not met since August 25, and both sides appear to be digging in for a long battle. Boeing insists it won’t alter the key terms of its offer, while the union argues the company needs to do more to improve worker pay and job security.
The strike threatens to disrupt a key business line for Boeing, whose defense unit generated about $23 billion in revenue last year, accounting for roughly a third of the company’s total sales. While Boeing says non-striking employees continue to build, test, and deliver products, the longer the walkout lasts, the greater the risk to major defense programs and delivery schedules.
For now, the two sides remain locked in a standoff. With Boeing moving to staff its production lines with permanent replacements and union members showing no signs of backing down, the labor battle in St. Louis is shaping up to be one of the most bitter the company has faced in decades.
10 comments
I think if Boeing would put the 5k back on the table and in their words “tweak” the contract a little it would look better for the workers. Keeping in the 20% the people at the lower end that want to reach higher pay faster, so give 8%, in the 1st year, 5% in the 2nd yr. 4% in the 3rd and 3% in the final yr. Its still within the 20% Boeing is offering. And they will get to the higher pay faster.
As far as the top earners yr 2 & 3 let them put half into their max 4%. That would give them compounding. They would see more in OT pay, etc.
There are ways Boeing can tweak the contract to benefit these workers. Offer incentives for attendance. Have a better all around culture at a company this size. Unfortunately the union is not very organized, so how about Boeing send the customized statement to their workers. If I were the CEO id rather have my experienced people back to get production back on track. Something to think about.
The time for labor unions is over. They promote mediocre work ethics, create business disruptions, and increase costs to their workers and the tax payer.
What we need to instill in the minds of the workers is that opportunities are limited by nature. By choosing to strike over an incredibly generous compensations package they gave up their opportunity to receive an additional incentive.
I hope Boeing replaces all of them so they can learn a valuable lesson in humility and how disinterested labor unions really are for their “brethren”. For what the package would have cost the company, investments can be made in additive manufacturing and AI where a more skilled pool of fewer workers can produce aircraft at the same rate in smart factories with higher amounts of automation.
Further the more skilled role could be classified into a job category that has no compulsory obligation to be unionized – skirting the antiquated laws in MO prohibiting the right to work
I honestly believe that if Boeing actually had respect for these workers in St Louis they’d pull their heads out and offer them a first class contract. Look what they offered in Renton. They haven’t even come close to that! I’m very proud of these members for taking this stand. Boeing execs should be smart enough to know that they’ll never get them to settle by taking things off the table. This isn’t’ ‘96…. Give these people what they deserve so they can return to building the absolute greatest defense products ever built. I hope Boeing isn’t out to have another pilot lose their life due to shoddy work done by scabs.
Why do they have to incentivize attendance? That is what your pay is for.
I’ve been in numerous unions and then management. Reviewing the offer, it looks like Boeing made more than a generous offer to the union members. Yes, as in any industry we would all like higher wages, safe work environments, respect and dignity in the workplace and retirement security. A 40 % pay raise WOW !!! SIGN ME UP !! These signing bonuses are ridiculous. The Union should take the offer and get back to work !!
There is no 40% pay raise more like 2-2.5% pay raise. Boeing should be ashamed for lying to the public. Boeing is a joke.
Its hard to understand why its worth paying these executives are paid 6,000 times more that the person that actually builds these complicated aviation machines.
Please pay these people that actually make money to pay these executives.
A 40% wage raise…wow what world do you demand that? Im in a skilled position also and all I got last year was 4%. No one deserves a 40% pay hike. Spoiled people demanding more stuff.
You’re correct no one would strike for 40% pay raise. You ask yourself why are they striking. Cause the pay raise is around 2%. Boeing is lying to news media.
Seems to me these exuctives have learned nothing from there previous mistakes. They fail to recognize the value of the employees unless they are top exuctives. Hiring 3200 new workers with little experience will cost them more than this contract ever will