Boeing, St. Louis Union Resume Contract Talks Amid Strike

Negotiations between Boeing and the union representing 3,200 striking workers at its St. Louis defense plants are set to resume on Monday after nearly three weeks of strike action. The strike began on August 4 when workers rejected Boeing's offer of a 20% pay increase over four years, a $5,000 signing bonus, and additional time off. The union members, part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837, hope to secure a better contract, including improved benefits, as their company-paid health care benefits are set to expire at the end of August. Boeing's non-striking workforce continues to support operations, and the company expressed optimism about reaching a resolution and ending the strike. This labor dispute follows Boeing's recent resolution of a separate strike in Seattle that impacted its commercial jet production. Both sides have engaged in informal talks since the strike began, with formal negotiations resuming to find a path forward.