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More than 3,000 Boeing Defense workers in St. Louis, St. Charles, and Mascoutah have been on strike for six weeks after contract negotiations stalled. The employees are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837. The union has rejected several proposals from Boeing, including a recent five-year contract that was voted down last week.
Union president Tom Boelling called the talks with Boeing “a waste of time.” Following the rejection of Boeing’s latest offer, IAM District 837 has introduced its own four-year contract proposal for members to vote on Friday, September 19. Last week’s rejected five-year deal included a $4,000 ratification bonus and a 24% wage increase over the term of the contract. An earlier four-year proposal offered a $5,000 incentive and a 20% raise. Boeing stated that its most recent package would have raised pay by an average of 45%.
The union’s new proposal includes a larger ratification bonus, better retirement contributions, and higher wage increases for top-scale employees. Dan Gillian, Vice President of Boeing Defense, responded: “This publicity stunt is a waste of time that will not help the parties reach a deal. The union continues to create false expectations by voting on an offer we never made, including terms we’ve expressly told them we won’t accept.”
