Thousands of IAM members across Boeing facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles, Mo., and Mascoutah, Ill., are rising in unity and now, IAM District 837 members in St. Louis are making it clear they’re ready to join the fight for the fair contract they’ve earned. With negotiations underway, members are standing strong and prepared to take action if Boeing Defense fails to deliver a contract that honors their skills, sacrifices, and value.
In a powerful show of solidarity, IAM members overwhelmingly voted 99% to authorize a strike should negotiations with Boeing fall short. Their vote sends a signal that IAM members across Boeing Defense are united and ready.
A strike sanction vote is when union members vote to give their leaders the power to call a strike if needed. It doesn’t mean a strike will definitely happen, it just means the members are united and ready to strike if the company doesn’t offer a fair contract. This vote also helps ensure that if a strike does happen, union members can get strike benefits, such as financial support, without delay.
“We’re not just demanding a fair contract for ourselves, we’re standing up for the future of aerospace jobs in St. Louis,” said IAM District 837 President and Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “Our message to Boeing is simple we’re ready to negotiate, but we’re also ready to act if necessary.”
Just as members in Seattle and Portland filled stadiums and halls with chants of solidarity, the spirit of unity is alive in St. Louis. With momentum growing, the pressure is on Boeing to come to the table and deliver a deal that respects those who make its success possible.
“Our members in St. Louis build the world’s most advanced military aircraft and missiles and they deserve a contract that reflects their role in protecting our country,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Boeing Defense makes billions from the hands-on talent of our members. It’s time those same hands are rewarded with respect, dignity, and a strong agreement.”
District 837 members play a critical role in building key defense platforms, including the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, the T-7A Red Hawk trainer, and the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned refueler. Their craftsmanship and dedication are vital to Boeing’s ability to meet national security needs and lead in aerospace innovation.
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