Over 3,200 Boeing Fighter Jet Workers Strike After Contract Rejection

A Boeing logo is seen at the 54th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 18, 2023.

More than 3,200 union members who assemble Boeing’s fighter jets in the St. Louis area and Illinois began striking on Monday after rejecting a second contract offer the previous day.

Boeing Defense stated it is prepared for the work stoppage and will implement contingency plans using non-union workers.

The rejected four-year contract would have increased the average wage by about 40%, including a 20% general wage hike and a $5,000 ratification bonus. It also offered periodic raises, more vacation time, and additional sick leave.

“We’re disappointed our employees in St. Louis rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth,” said Dan Gillian, Boeing vice president and general manager of the St. Louis facilities.

This offer was similar to the first, which was overwhelmingly rejected a week earlier.

Tom Boelling, head of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers’ District 837, said members “deserve a contract reflecting their skill, dedication, and critical role in national defense.”

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg downplayed the strike’s impact during a call on second-quarter earnings, noting the company had managed through a seven-week strike last year by District 751 members, who build commercial jets in the Northwest.

“I wouldn’t worry too much about the implications of the strike. We’ll manage our way through that,” Ortberg said.

District 837 workers assemble Boeing’s F-15 and F/A-18 fighters, the T-7 trainer, and the MQ-25 aerial refueling drone being developed for the US Navy.

Boeing’s defense division is expanding manufacturing facilities near St. Louis for the new US Air Force fighter jet, the F-47A, after securing the contract earlier this year.

Last year, District 751’s strike ended with a four-year contract including a 38% wage increase.