IAM International President Brian Bryant, along with Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett, visited the picket line in the St. Louis area to support District 837 members currently on strike at Boeing Defense. The visit was intended to show union solidarity with the 3,200 IAM members participating in the strike.
The leaders engaged directly with striking workers through conversations and gestures of encouragement. The union stated that this collective action highlights their commitment to fairness for all members.
The ongoing strike is centered on demands for fair treatment for employees who work on advanced military products at Boeing Defense. IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed the workers, saying, “You are sending a powerful message that workers deserve better. Our union will use every resource we have to back you until we win the contract you’ve earned.”
Sam Cicinelli also expressed his support: “I couldn’t be more proud of the strength and solidarity of our IAM District 837 members here in St. Louis. Boeing’s profits don’t happen without you. You deserve a contract that reflects the value of your work, your skills, and your sacrifices.”
Jody Bennett added, “This strike isn’t just about numbers on a page—it’s about respect. Our members are taking a stand for fairness, and our union will not back down until we win the contract they deserve.”
Local media outlets have reported on both federal and union leaders joining striking workers as negotiations continue without resolution into a third week (https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/union-federal-leaders-join-boeing-strike/63-8c6b7a4e-cd2e-42ea-b22f-d50d6ef5b90e;https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/boeing-strike-hits-third-week-still-no-deal-with-st-louis-workers/article_7beae7c0-495a-11ee-a76d-0f9dfcd3ed1c.html).
The union maintains its stance that it will continue supporting its members until an agreement is reached.
