More than 3,000 Boeing defense workers have walked off the job after rejecting the company's latest contract offer, marking the first strike at Boeing's defense division since 1996.
The strike began at midnight Monday and involves workers in the St. Louis area who build F-15 fighter jets, MQ-25 refueling drones, and other military aircraft.
The workers are backed by IAM District 837, a local branch of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
"Members have spoken loud and clear," said IAM Business Representative Tom Boelling. "They deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation's defense."
the union rejected Boeing's latest offer, which included a 20% pay raise over four years, a $5,000 signing bonus, and more vacation and sick time, Reuters said.
Boeing also agreed to keep current overtime rules, which had been a sticking point in earlier negotiations.
Boeing says the deal would have boosted average wages by around 40% overall.
"We're disappointed our employees in St. Louis rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth," said Dan Gillian, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing's Air Dominance unit.
"We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan."
Boeing workers are holding the line against a company that’s raked in billions while skimping on safety, cutting corners, and gaslighting workers. This strike is part of a national trend. Workers demanding respect, real raises, and control over their own time. https://t.co/wvK3qMEqRK
— Gerald Miguel LeRoy☸️ (@GeraldLeroy6) August 4, 2025
Boeing Faces New Defense Strike Following Last Year's Major Walkout
This walkout is far smaller than last year's strike, when 33,000 workers in Boeing's commercial airplane division stopped work for nearly eight weeks.
That strike resulted in a four-year agreement that included a 38% pay increase for workers. In contrast, this current strike involves about 3,200 workers and is focused specifically on the defense side of Boeing's operations.
Boeing has faced several challenges in recent years, including safety scandals, production delays, and reduced aircraft deliveries.
In 2024, plane deliveries dropped to just 348, marking the company's lowest output since the pandemic.
Boeing is growing its defense operations in St. Louis after landing a contract to build the new F-47A fighter jet. The company says it's committed to continuing this work despite the strike.
According to the BBC, union members say they are not only fighting for better pay but also for respect and fair working conditions.
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