More than 3,000 defense workers at Boeing are poised to strike on Monday, signaling a significant setback for the beleaguered aviation company. The announcement follows a strong rebuke by union members at Boeing's facilities in Missouri and Illinois, where they assemble F-15 fighter jets and other military aircraft. Workers voted against the company's latest offer, which had proposed an average wage increase of 40%, citing concerns over pay, working conditions, and pensions.
"We're disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth," stated Dan Gillian, vice president of Boeing's Air Dominance unit, expressing the company's dismay. This imminent strike comes as Boeing continues to grapple with a series of challenges, including safety controversies and a previous damaging strike that lasted seven weeks within its passenger jet sector.
The planned walkout is organized by a local branch of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), centered in St. Louis, the hub for Boeing's defense manufacturing. Union leaders, like Tom Boelling, emphasize the importance of fair contracts, highlighting the critical role these workers play in the nation's defense. "Members have spoken loud and clear, they deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation's defense," Boelling asserted.
If it proceeds, this strike would mark the first work stoppage at Boeing's defense division since 1996, when a labor dispute halted operations for over three months. IAM is a significant union in the United States, representing approximately 600,000 workers across the aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, and manufacturing sectors.
Boeing has been navigating a tumultuous period, characterized by multiple crises, including two deadly crashes linked to its 737 model and a mid-flight incident involving the 737 Max. The aftermath of these incidents has seen the company struggle financially, as indicated by a previous strike that impacted around 30,000 workers and cost Boeing billions. To compound these issues, Boeing delivered just 348 aircraft last year—the lowest output since the onset of the pandemic, raising questions about its recovery prospects moving forward.
