Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2025 and announced it is cash-flow positive for the first time since 2023. The company also disclosed a $76 billion defense backlog. These results come as more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike in St. Louis, seeking a new contract.
IAM District 837 workers are responsible for producing key defense aircraft and systems, including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the upcoming F-47 fighter jet. The ongoing strike has contributed to delays in delivering F-15EX jets to the U.S. Air Force.
During Boeing’s third-quarter earnings call, executives acknowledged the impact of the strike and outlined contingency plans to address it. They also discussed efforts to build a new corporate culture.
“Boeing’s so-called contingency plan is failing because they can’t replace the skill, precision, and experience of IAM Union members in St. Louis who have spent their careers building the world’s most advanced military products,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “If Boeing is serious about culture change and rebuilding its brand, it starts with respecting the people who make its success possible — not trying to sideline them. Investors must also take into account Boeing’s continued failure to manage labor relations responsibly. The company’s refusal to engage in fair bargaining is not only hurting workers and national defense programs — it’s a risk to Boeing’s long-term stability, reputation, and credibility.”
Boeing has announced future investments in its St. Louis operations after securing a contract for the F-47 program. This decision highlights what union leaders describe as recognition of their members’ expertise.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
IAM members at other Boeing facilities continue production work on commercial aircraft that supports Boeing’s recovery efforts.
“Boeing’s executives can talk about transformation all they want, but the real transformation begins when they treat all employees as one Boeing,” Bryant continued. “The company hasn’t delivered a single new F-15 during this 13-week strike, and production delays are now rippling into the 777X program. It’s time for Boeing to end this strike, get our members back to work, and live up to the values they claim to be rebuilding.”
The union reports that it presented an updated contract proposal with concessions on retirement benefits earlier this week but says Boeing rejected it without counteroffer. In response, IAM filed a second Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing over bargaining practices.
Sixteen bipartisan members of the House Armed Services Committee have urged Boeing to negotiate with IAM representatives amid concerns over national security impacts from delayed deliveries.
The IAM represents around 600,000 active and retired workers across various industries in North America.
