In a major blow to Boeing’s defense division, over 3,000 unionized workers in Missouri and Illinois walked off the job Monday after rejecting the company’s latest offer on wages, schedules, and pensions.
The workers, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), build key U.S. military aircraft including the F-15 fighter jet.
“Members have spoken loud and clear. They deserve a contract that reflects their skill and dedication,” said IAM leader Tom Boelling.
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Boeing’s Offer Rejected
- Boeing claimed the rejected deal included 40% average wage growth
- Workers say the offer falls short on long-term retirement security and job fairness
- This is the first defense strike at Boeing since 1996
Boeing’s Broader Struggles
The strike comes amid ongoing turbulence for Boeing:
- Fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 involving 737 Max aircraft
- A mid-air panel blowout in 2024
- A costly passenger plane strike last year involving 30,000 workers
- Low aircraft delivery numbers: Just 348 planes delivered in 2024, the lowest since the pandemic
Despite the disruption, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg downplayed the defense walkout’s impact:
“We’ll manage our way through that,” Ortberg said, comparing it to the larger commercial strike last year.
What’s at Stake
Boeing’s St. Louis facility is a crucial site for the U.S. military supply chain, raising concerns about potential ripple effects if the strike is prolonged.
With its reputation already damaged by years of safety issues and delays, the walkout puts additional pressure on Boeing to regain worker trust and stabilize operations.
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