Workers Walk Off at Boeing Defense Plants
Over 3,200 Boeing defense workers walked off the job after rejecting a new contract. It’s a rare strike at the company’s military jet plants. The machinists, part of IAM District 837, work at Boeing sites in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois. These locations build key military aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Hornet, T-7 training jet, and MQ-25 drone.
Workers Say the Offer Doesn’t Cut It
The strike started Monday after union members voted down a four-year deal. Boeing called it one of its best offers in decades. It included a 20% wage boost, a 40% total pay jump with step raises, a $5,000 bonus, better vacation and sick time, and no change to overtime rules. But workers said it didn’t fix deeper problems—like scheduling, job security, and rising living costs.
Fight Over Longer Hours
One big issue: Boeing wants to shift to 10- and 12-hour workdays. The company says it’s more efficient. The union says it wrecks work-life balance and cuts into long-held protections. Workers also feel the offer doesn’t show real appreciation for their role in building critical defense gear at a time of rising global demand.
Old Contract Ended, Strike Begins
The previous deal expired July 27. Union leaders say they tried to reach a deal without striking. But after weeks of talks and two failed proposals, members voted strongly to walk out. Now there are picket lines at all three plants. Workers are calling for fair pay, better schedules, and basic respect.
Boeing Says Operations Will Continue
Boeing says it has backup staff to keep things running and that the strike won’t slow production much—at least for now. Executives note that over 19,000 people work in the defense unit nationwide, so this strike involves a small part of the team. They also point out that it’s nothing like last year’s massive commercial plane strike that cost billions.
Bad Time for a Work Stoppage
The timing isn’t great for Boeing’s defense business. The company’s trying to ramp up output on current fighter jets while getting ready for new ones like the F-47A. Global military spending is up, and demand for planes is rising. A long strike could mean missed deadlines and tension with both the Pentagon and international buyers.
A Strike with History
This is the first strike at Boeing’s St. Louis defense plants since the mid-1990s, back when McDonnell Douglas still ran them. These sites have a long track record building frontline jets for the Air Force and Navy. Many workers see that history as part of who they are—and say it’s one reason they’re standing up now.
More Trouble for Boeing
This labor fight adds to Boeing’s growing list of problems. The commercial side is still recovering from safety failures, production delays, and money losses. The defense division has been steadier, but it’s still under pressure—from rising costs, supply issues, and the need to keep skilled workers in a tight job market.
No Deal, No Work
Union leaders say they’re open to talks—but only if Boeing improves the offer. Until then, the strike continues. The company hasn’t said when a new proposal might come. Both sides are feeling the heat to settle quickly. A long fight could hurt Boeing’s bottom line and delay gear the military needs.
Defense Sector Watching Closely
Industry watchers say this strike, while smaller than past ones, could still hit hard. These plants build jets and drones used in U.S. missions worldwide—from Europe to the Pacific. Any slowdown could throw off training and disrupt supply chains.
Test of Boeing-Worker Ties
This strike is testing Boeing’s relationship with one of its most skilled workforces. Everyone agrees the work is critical. But they’re far apart on how it should be rewarded. If they find middle ground soon, the damage might be small. If not, it could become another drawn-out fight when Boeing can least afford one.
