For the first time in nearly 30 years, defense workers at Boeing in St. Louis have gone on strike after rejecting the company’s new contract offer.
Around 3,200 workers, mostly machinists, stopped working at midnight. They were unhappy with the latest offer from Boeing, even though it included a 20% wage increase and better retirement benefits. The last time these workers went on strike was in 1996, and it lasted 99 days.
The union, IAM District 837, said the workers deserve a contract that respects their skills, dedication, and the important work they do for the country’s defense. Union leader Tom Boelling made this statement before the deadline.
This strike puts more pressure on Boeing’s defense and space division, which makes up about one-third of the company’s income. However, this strike is smaller than the one by Boeing’s commercial aircraft workers in Seattle last year, which caused bigger problems and led Boeing to sell nearly £24 billion in shares.
Boeing says it’s ready for the strike and has a backup plan. They will use non-striking employees to keep supporting customers.
Read more:Â Boeing Reaches Confidential Deal With Man Who Lost Entire Family in 737 MAX Crash
The striking workers build important military and aviation equipment like:
- F-15 fighter jets
- T-7 training jets
- Missiles and munitions
- Parts for the 777X commercial plane
Boeing also recently won a big contract to build the F-47 stealth fighter, beating Lockheed Martin.
What Was in the Revised Offer?
Before the strike, Boeing had updated its contract offer. The new proposal:
- Would raise average worker pay from £75,000 to £102,600
- Removed a controversial schedule rule
- Improved 401(k) retirement contributions
- Included a £5,000 signing bonus—but only if workers agreed to the deal by Sunday
Boeing warned that the signing bonus would be taken back if the workers rejected the offer.
Why Are More Strikes Happening?
Across the aerospace industry, more union workers are striking. With a shortage of skilled workers, employees now have more power to demand better pay and benefits.
Earlier this year, engine maker Pratt & Whitney faced a three-week strike, and Boeing’s Seattle workers also had a two-month stoppage in late 2024.
Still, Boeing’s CEO Kelly Ortberg said the St. Louis strike won’t have a big impact because it’s smaller than the Seattle strike.
