Workers at Boeing Defense in the United States approved a union contract proposal despite management rejecting it. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said 90% of members voted for the four-year agreement.
The IAM stated Boeing can end the 46-day strike by accepting the union offer. The walkout has slowed production of military aircraft significantly. IAM leadership sent the proposal even after Boeing dismissed it as a publicity tactic.
“Our members have spoken loudly,” said IAM District 837 President Tom Boelling. “They are ready to return to work once Boeing accepts this Boeing Defense contract. It’s up to the company to get our members back to building world-class aircraft for our nation’s defense.”
Boeing Defense executives criticized the union vote. Vice President Dan Gillian called it unrealistic and reaffirmed the company’s previous offer, which included a 20% general wage increase and additional vacation time. Boeing has stated it will not accept terms significantly increasing costs.
The IAM’s approved contract would cost Boeing an estimated $40 million per year, higher than the company’s $30 million offer. The proposal includes larger ratification bonuses, higher retirement contributions, and steeper wage increases for workers at the hourly wage ceiling. It also matches benefits won last year by other unionized machinists at Boeing.
The strike began after union members rejected Boeing’s second contract offer. IAM officials drafted the new proposal unilaterally because Boeing refused to resume talks after the 57% vote against the previous offer. This tactic is rare, but IAM has successfully used it to end strikes in the past, said IAM official Jonathan Battaglia.
Boeing has used non-union workers to maintain production during the strike, but company leadership admitted that work on multiple programs has slowed. The company also indicated it would hire replacement workers to assemble military aircraft and munitions in the St. Louis area.
Several members of the U.S. Congress have urged Boeing to resume negotiations. The Congressional Labor Caucus co-chairs sent a letter calling for renewed talks, while Senator Josh Hawley criticized Boeing executives for high pay despite slow progress on the factory floor.
The Boeing Defense contract approval highlights worker solidarity and their determination to secure higher wages and benefits. It puts pressure on Boeing to negotiate a fair deal and end the strike.
For more business updates, visit DC Brief.
