Workers at Boeing Defense in Missouri remain on strike, keeping F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jet production lines idle as negotiations with the company show no sign of resuming.
Union leaders from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, joined by IAM International President Brian Bryant and U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell, gathered with striking employees outside the company’s St. Louis-area facility on Thursday. The workers have been on strike since August 4.
The machinists are demanding a contract that includes higher wage increases, faster progression to the top pay scale, and improvements to the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Bryant said workers want a deal closer to the one reached in November with IAM District 751 members in Seattle, where Boeing assembles most of its commercial aircraft.
“In reality, they’re going to have to offer up the same thing they offered in Seattle,” Bryant said, pointing specifically to retirement provisions included in that agreement.
The Seattle contract provided a 38 percent general wage increase over four years, greater retirement contributions, restoration of an annual bonus, a $12,000 signing bonus, and a commitment to build Boeing’s next commercial jet in the region if the program is launched during the contract period.
By contrast, the offer rejected by St. Louis workers included a 20 percent wage increase, a $5,000 ratification bonus, and additional vacation and sick leave.
Boeing’s top St. Louis executive, Dan Gillian, defended the company’s proposal, saying, “Our offer was strong then and is strong now with an average of 40 percent wage growth.” He added that the company has no current plans to restart negotiations.
Union leaders, however, said they remain ready to return to the table. “The IAM is ready to meet with Boeing,” Bryant told Reuters.
The strike affects about 3,200 workers and has halted production at one of Boeing’s key defense sites.
