More than 3,200 Boeing workers in the St. Louis area and Illinois began striking on Monday after rejecting a second contract offer from the aerospace giant.
- The workers, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837, build F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, T-7 trainers, and the MQ-25 Navy refueling drone.
- Boeing’s rejected four-year contract included:
- 40% average wage growth
- A 20% general wage increase
- A $5,000 signing bonus
- More vacation, sick leave, and periodic raises
- 40% average wage growth
“We’re disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth,” said Dan Gillian, VP and GM at Boeing St. Louis.
Union leader Tom Boelling countered that workers deserve a deal reflecting their skill and importance to national defense.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg downplayed the impact, citing the company’s ability to manage through previous strikes, including a seven-week walkout last year by 33,000 workers in District 751.Boeing Defense is also expanding in St. Louis to produce the newly contracted F-47A fighter jet for the U.S. Air Force.