Boeing machinists reject contract offer, extending St. Louis strike

In St. Louis, Missouri, more than 3,000 Boeing Co. machinists have remained on strike after rejecting the company's latest contract offer on September 12, 2025. The strike initially began on August 4, 2025, and represents the first significant walkout at this Boeing facility in nearly three decades. The machinists turned down a proposed five-year contract that promised a 45% wage increase and a $4,000 signing bonus, stating that the offer did not meet their expectations in terms of benefits compared to what other Boeing workers received. The contract would have increased the average annual salaries of these workers from $75,000 to approximately $109,000. The rejection of this contract proposal has extended the industrial action that already marks nearly six weeks of strike at three Midwest plants, where military aircraft and weapons systems are produced. According to the union representing the workers, 57% of its members voted against the latest contract. Union officials highlighted that the proposed offer failed to provide a satisfactory signing bonus and did not address necessary improvements to 401(k) benefits. Boeing Air Dominance Vice President Dan Gillian expressed disappointment over the rejection and stated that no further contract negotiations are planned, asserting that the company's overall offer structure would not change. As the strike continues, Boeing has started hiring replacement workers as part of a contingency plan to meet rising product demands while its striking employees remain on the picket lines. The company relies on its Defense, Space & Security segment for more than a third of its revenue, underlining the importance of resolving these labor disputes for business continuity. Meanwhile, lawmakers and community members are closely watching the situation, which seems to ripple through the local economy and impact workers' families. Given the scale of this strike, it is significantly smaller than the previous year’s walkout by 33,000 workers involved in commercial aviation assembly. However, the ongoing grievances and the solidarity expressed by the IAM Union members demonstrate a critical moment for labor relations within the aerospace industry. The leadership at Boeing, determined to keep the company moving forward, seems steadfast in its current offer while workers insist on better compensation and benefits to match their contributions and the evolving economic landscape.