Over 3,200 workers who assemble Boeing fighter jets in the St. Louis area went on strike after rejecting a second contract offer from the company. The union members, representing the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers’ District 837, were seeking a four-year contract that would have increased their average wage by around 40% and provided more vacation time and sick leave.
The rejected contract was largely the same as the first offer, which was also overwhelmingly rejected last week. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg downplayed the impact of the strike, citing the company’s ability to manage through similar disruptions in the past.
The strike affects workers who assemble Boeing’s F-15 and F/A-18 fighters, as well as the T-7 trainer and an aerial refueling drone being developed for the U.S. Navy. Boeing is expanding its manufacturing facilities in the St. Louis area to produce a new fighter jet, the F-47A, which was awarded to the company this year.
Boeing’s defense division has already implemented a contingency plan that uses non-labor workers to continue production during the strike. The company is confident it can manage through the disruption and minimize its impact on operations.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/over-3000-boeing-fighter-jet-workers-go-strike-after-rejecting-contract-offer-2025-08-04