Boeing plans relocation of Super Hornet upgrades amid ongoing St. Louis worker strike

The Air Dominance division in St. Louis will shift focus toward producing more F-15EX Eagle IIs, T-7A Red Hawks, MQ-25 Stingray drones, and future projects such as the F-47. Workers responsible for these programs remain on strike as negotiations between Boeing and their union continue without resolution.

Tom Boelling from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 commented: “Unfortunately, Boeing chose to make this announcement while our skilled members remain on the picket line fighting for dignity, respect, and a fair contract. We stand ready to meet with Boeing anyplace, anytime. As we continue to say, the ball is in Boeing’s court.”

The strike by IAM 837 has reached its ninth week after recent negotiations failed when workers rejected a lower incentive package than previously offered by Boeing. The union plans to resume talks next week with assistance from a federal mediator.

Boeing directly employs nearly 16,000 people in St. Louis and indirectly supports at least 34,000 jobs throughout the region. The company spends over $750 million annually among 350 local suppliers.

The broader aerospace industry faces challenges related to workforce shortages and aging labor pools. Skilled machinists are essential for maintaining US defense manufacturing capabilities but are retiring faster than replacements can be trained. Companies struggle to recruit younger workers proficient in advanced manufacturing technologies such as multi-axis CNC machining and robotics, increasing reliance on foreign suppliers and risking delays or disruptions in defense production.