More than 3,200 members of IAM District 837 are continuing their strike at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis area, a labor action that began on August 4 after contract negotiations with the company stalled. The union recently submitted a four-year contract proposal ratified by its membership and is urging Boeing to respond.
A rally was held to support the striking workers, drawing union members and leaders from across the labor movement. “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,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “You are fighting millions more across the labor movement. And you are fighting a community that will never be broken!”
IAM District 837 members work on projects including the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets as well as advanced missile and defense systems considered important for U.S. national security. Labor leaders at the rally argued that Boeing’s stance in negotiations affects both worker livelihoods and military readiness.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler addressed corporate compensation practices: “We’re seeing this everywhere, and it’s called corporate greed. These are attacks on our dignity,” she said. “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 spoke about persistence on the picket line: “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!”
Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of IAM, highlighted the significance of the workers’ contributions: “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,” he said. “That is world-class work. And world-class work deserves world-class respect!”
The event was hosted by Tom Boelling, Directing Business Representative for IAM District 837, and included statements of support from Missouri AFL-CIO President Jake Hummel; Patrick Kellett of the St. Louis Labor Council; Jon Holden of IAM District 751; and John Dimas from SPEEA.
Union officials emphasized that solidarity remains strong among local unions, elected officials, and community supporters who believe striking workers should receive equal treatment regarding pay and retirement benefits compared to other Boeing employees nationwide.
