A bipartisan group of 17 members from the House Armed Services Committee has urged Boeing to resume negotiations with more than 3,200 striking members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in the St. Louis area. The lawmakers sent a letter to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, emphasizing the impact of the ongoing strike on national security and key defense programs.
The letter, led by Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), called on Boeing to “return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and negotiate a fair contract in a timely manner.” Lawmakers highlighted that delays caused by the strike have already resulted in postponed deliveries for important military aircraft such as the F-15EX, which the U.S. Air Force has publicly acknowledged.
“Boeing Defense plays a vital role in safeguarding our national security and sustaining U.S. leadership on the global stage,” the members wrote. “That success is powered by a dedicated and highly skilled workforce who every day produce planes and other defense equipment that the United States government and our service members rely upon.”
IAM District 837 workers are responsible for producing aircraft including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and developing future models like the F-47 fighter jet.
“Communication and negotiation are crucial to help navigate out of the current situation that preserves the long-term balance between workers’ rights and the defense of our nation,” according to the letter. “We urge you to return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and to negotiate and reach a fair contract in a timely manner.”
The strike has lasted over twelve weeks as union members remain on picket lines. The IAM Union states it has continued presenting reasonable contract proposals intended to secure skilled labor necessary for Boeing’s military commitments but says these offers have been rejected without counterproposals from Boeing’s side. On October 27th, IAM District 837 made another offer aimed at ending the dispute; however, Boeing reportedly dismissed it without response.
“Congress is sending a clear message that it’s time for Boeing to respect the highly skilled and experienced IAM Union members who build our nation’s most advanced defense systems,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our members have offered fair, responsible proposals to end this strike and get back to work. Boeing’s refusal to negotiate in good faith is not only hurting working families—it’s threatening critical defense programs and our national security.”
The union has filed two Unfair Labor Practice Charges against Boeing for its continued rejection of proposals without addressing worker concerns.
Support from Congress continues amid growing bipartisan concern about Boeing’s negotiating approach. Earlier this month, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) expressed support for IAM workers during a Senate HELP Committee hearing where an IAM District 837 member testified about alleged bad-faith tactics by Boeing. Additional backing has come from Missouri Representatives Wesley Bell and Emanuel Cleaver as well as members of Congressional Labor Caucus.
IAM represents approximately 600,000 active and retired workers across industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing throughout North America.
