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On Thursday, Boeing Defense announced it is bringing in permanent replacement workers as the strike involving over 3,000 union members in the St. Louis area enters its second month.

The workers, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, build military jets, munitions, and other defense systems.

"Today, we're starting the process to hire permanent replacement workers for manufacturing roles," Boeing Defense Vice President Dan Gillian said in a message to employees.

"This will ensure we're properly staffed to keep supporting our customers."

The strike began on August 4 after 67% of the IAM membership rejected Boeing's four-year contract offer.

According to CNBC, that proposal included a 20% general wage increase, faster wage progression, more vacation and sick leave, and a $5,000 signing bonus.

Boeing later withdrew the bonus after the offer was voted down, though the company said the overall package would have raised average pay and benefits by about 40%.

Union leaders pushed back on Boeing's hiring move, saying the company should be at the table negotiating instead of filling jobs with outsiders.

"Boeing is doubling down on its mismanagement by saying it plans to hire replacement workers to build military aircraft and equipment, instead of negotiating with their dedicated, generational and skilled workforce," IAM International President Brian Bryant said.

Boeing hires new workers as strike slows production

Since the walkout started, Boeing has leaned on non-union staff to continue production, though the company has acknowledged that progress has been slower.

The company began posting job openings Thursday and plans to host a job fair on September 16 to recruit more staff, Reuters said.

Gillian said all new hires will undergo the same training and certifications as existing employees, though some positions require government security clearances that can take up to six months to obtain.

Under federal labor law, companies are allowed to permanently replace striking workers.

However, legal experts note that replacement employees can later be laid off if a new labor deal is reached.

According to Boeing, union employees who are replaced will be placed on a recall list and considered for rehiring once positions open up.

The contract fight comes as Boeing invests billions of dollars in its defense business, including new facilities in St. Louis to support the US Air Force's F-47A fighter jet.

The company is also competing for the Navy's next-generation F/A-XX program, both of which depend on the skilled machinists now on strike.

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