A union representing workers at Boeing Co.’s defense plants in the St. Louis area is urging Missouri lawmakers to step in and press the company to resume negotiations.
The IAM Union, which represents about 3,200 workers currently on strike, said it has sent letters to senators and representatives asking them to encourage Boeing to return to the bargaining table. “We remain ready and willing to listen to any constructive proposals from the union,” Boeing vice president and senior St. Louis site executive Dan Gillian said in a reply to the union’s outreach.
The strike began after members rejected a contract that would have increased wages by 20% and boosted retirement contributions. The last time the IAM Union walked off the job was in 1996, with that stoppage lasting 99 days.
The St. Louis-area operation under strain is a defense-focused part of Boeing, producing fighter aircraft and munitions, as well as components for Boeing’s 777X commercial jets. Workers at the site are involved in building aircraft such as the F-15 and the T-7 trainer, along with missiles and related munitions.
In March, Boeing won a contract to design and build the United States’ next-generation stealth fighter program, beating out Lockheed Martin for the multi-billion-dollar project. The program’s development is a cornerstone of Boeing’s defense and space segment, which accounts for about a third of the company’s revenue.
The strike at the St. Louis facilities comes as Boeing’s defense and space division continues its broader turnaround efforts. By contrast, the civil aircraft business was hit hard by a separate, Seattle-area walkout late last year, contributing to Boeing’s decision to raise capital through equity sales totaling nearly $24 billion.
Context and outlook
– The union’s move to involve lawmakers highlights the political dimension of defense labor relations, especially given Boeing’s importance to national security programs and the regional economy around St. Louis.
– If lawmakers weigh in, they could help sustain momentum for renewed talks or influence Boeing’s approach to benefits, wages, and retirement contributions in any potential deal.
– The ongoing dispute underscores the delicate balance between competitive pay and benefits for skilled defense workers and the company’s need to maintain production schedules for critical programs.
Additional notes
– The St. Louis area plant’s output supports high-profile defense projects and a robust regional manufacturing base, underscoring why both sides may seek a timely resolution.
– Observers may watch for any renewed talks, with potential impacts on defense program timelines and local employment if negotiations resume or stall.
Summary
Union leaders are pressing Missouri lawmakers to help bring Boeing back to the bargaining table as 3,200 workers remain on strike over proposed wages and retirement benefits. Boeing has framed its stance around ongoing defense programs, while broader company dynamics include a major win on a next-generation stealth fighter contract and the broader market effects from the battles within Boeing’s defense and civil aviation segments. A resolution could stabilize defense production and preserve regional jobs while allowing Boeing to move forward with its multi-year order book. A hopeful outlook centers on constructive dialogue and a timely agreement that supports both worker concerns and the government’s defense priorities.