Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter and a defense backlog of $76 billion, with positive cash flow for the first time since 2023. The announcement comes as more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike in St. Louis. The workers are seeking what they describe as a fair contract for their role in producing advanced defense aircraft and weapons systems.
The IAM District 837 members are responsible for building and supporting key military programs, including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the future F-47 fighter jet. These programs are considered important for U.S. and allied national defense. Due to the ongoing labor dispute, the U.S. Air Force has publicly stated that deliveries of the F-15EX have been delayed.
During Boeing’s earnings call, company executives addressed the ongoing strike and outlined contingency plans to reduce its impact while discussing efforts to change company culture.
“Boeing’s so-called contingency plan is failing because they can’t replace the skill, precision, and experience of IAM Union members in St. Louis who have spent their careers building the world’s most advanced military products,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “If Boeing is serious about culture change and rebuilding its brand, it starts with respecting the people who make its success possible — not trying to sideline them. Investors must also take into account Boeing’s continued failure to manage labor relations responsibly. The company’s refusal to engage in fair bargaining is not only hurting workers and national defense programs — it’s a risk to Boeing’s long-term stability, reputation, and credibility.”
Boeing also confirmed plans for further investment in its St. Louis operations after securing a contract to build the F-47 fighter jet, which was attributed by union leadership to members’ expertise.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
IAM Union members at other Boeing commercial aviation facilities continue working during this period.
“Boeing’s executives can talk about transformation all they want, but the real transformation begins when they treat all employees as one Boeing,” Bryant continued. “The company hasn’t delivered a single new F-15 during this 13-week strike, and production delays are now rippling into the 777X program. It’s time for Boeing to end this strike, get our members back to work, and live up to the values they claim to be rebuilding.”
Negotiations between IAM Union representatives and Boeing are ongoing. On Monday, IAM submitted a revised contract proposal that included concessions on retirement benefits; however, according to union officials, Boeing rejected it without making a counteroffer. As a result, IAM filed another Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing alleging refusal to bargain in good faith.
The duration of this work stoppage has led lawmakers from both parties on the House Armed Services Committee to urge Boeing management to negotiate seriously due to concerns over delivery delays affecting national security.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across several industries throughout North America.
