Tom Boelling, President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 837, said about the negotiation process: “Basically, it was a waste of time. We gave (Boeing) some other avenues to go to resolve this to where they could save face because they’re all worried about that.”
According to Dan Gillian, Vice President at Boeing Defense, the union continues to demand more from Boeing despite repeated warnings that these requests were not constructive. Gillian acknowledged that the ongoing industrial action has slowed production for several aircraft models—including the F-15, F/A-18, T-7 trainer jet—as well as military drones and munitions. St. Louis workers also produce components for the Boeing 777X.
In response to continued labor disruptions, Boeing is moving forward with a contingency plan that includes hiring permanent replacement workers at its St. Louis-area defense facilities. The company has begun posting job openings and plans a job fair on September 16 to fill manufacturing roles previously held by striking union members. Once hired permanently, these new employees will stay on even if current union members return after an agreement is reached; however, it is unclear how many positions will be filled through this process.
Boelling noted that replacement hires would be non-union since IAM’s contract expired on July 27: “The IAM cannot stop Boeing’s move as the union’s contract expired on July 27.” He also suggested this step may escalate tensions further between management and labor groups.
Negotiations between Boeing and IAM have lasted several months without resolution. The company made its initial final offer on July 22—which included increased wages, more time off, faster progression to maximum pay rates—but it was rejected by members on July 27. A revised proposal followed on July 31 but was again declined by workers when they began striking August 4.
Some details from recent proposals include:
- An initial offer allowing alternative workweek schedules (AWS), later withdrawn.
- A proposed general wage increase of 20%.
- A $5,000 ratification bonus available only if agreed upon before August 3.
- Additional vacation and sick leave benefits.
- Retirement plan enhancements including increases in pension multipliers.
Boeing characterized its offers as unprecedented for St. Louis workers but stated it must ensure business continuity if no deal is reached. The company has emphasized its commitment to staffing facilities adequately in order to meet obligations with customers.
Jody Bennet, Resident General Vice President of IAM, recently joined picketing workers and affirmed their intention not to settle until they secure what they consider a fair contract: “The members will not back down until they win a contract they deserve.”
There is currently no timeline for resolution as both sides remain at odds over key terms.
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