Boeing Defense Workers Reject Contract, Strike Continues Missouri

Approximately 3,200 Boeing defense workers at the St. Louis area factories remain on strike after rejecting the company's latest contract offer, marking the third time union members have turned down a proposal. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) cited insufficient signing bonuses and lack of improvements in 401(k) benefits compared to other Boeing employees as primary reasons for rejection. Boeing’s offer included an average 45% wage increase over five years, which would raise annual salaries to between $75,000 and $109,000, but the union demanded more meaningful concessions. Boeing expressed disappointment in the vote and confirmed it is continuing contingency plans, including hiring permanent replacement workers to maintain operations. The strike impacts production of military aircraft such as the F-15 and F-18, and Boeing has not scheduled further talks at this time. This strike follows a larger commercial aviation strike earlier in 2024 and poses risks to Boeing’s ongoing financial recovery and production schedules.