On the morning of August 4, over 3,200 Boeing employees initiated a strike at three key defense manufacturing locations: St. Louis and St. Charles in Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois. This action came after members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 voted against a revised four-year labor contract. Boeing had touted this proposal as its most competitive yet. These sites are crucial for assembling major military aircraft like the F-15 and F/A-18 jets, and the strike adds to the challenges Boeing is already facing in its defense sector.
The union expressed dissatisfaction with the revised offer, stating it “fell short” of meeting the needs and sacrifices of its skilled workforce. Despite the proposal including a 40% average wage increase over four years and the removal of a scheduling clause affecting overtime, it failed to address other key concerns. The initial offer, which included a 20% wage increase and a $5,000 signing bonus, also did not win over the union members. IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli emphasized the importance of a contract that ensures the security of workers’ families and acknowledges their expertise.
Boeing expressed disappointment over the rejection, despite the proposal being described as the most competitive for its St. Louis workforce. Dan Gillian, Boeing’s Senior Site Executive in St. Louis, noted that the offer addressed the primary issue of alternative work schedules and included significant wage growth. However, with less than 5% of IAM Local 837 members supporting the deal, Boeing is now implementing contingency plans to manage the strike’s impact.
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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
