More than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have voted to reject Boeing’s latest contract offer after nearly three months on strike. The vote signals ongoing disagreements between the company and its workforce over issues such as retirement security, wage increases, and ratification bonuses.
IAM International President Brian Bryant stated, “Boeing claimed they listened to their employees – the result of today’s vote proves they have not. Boeing’s corporate executives continue to insult the very people who build the world’s most advanced military aircraft — the same planes and military systems that keep our servicemembers and nation safe. Our members aren’t going to be fooled by PR spin. It’s well past time for Boeing to stop cheaping out on the workers who make its success possible and bargain a fair deal that respects their skill and sacrifice.”
The union noted that in September, IAM District 837 members approved a pre-ratified offer focused on three main priorities: restoring retirement benefits with employer 401(k) contributions matching those offered in other regions; stronger wage increases tied to inflation; and a ratification bonus comparable to what non-union workers in South Carolina and IAM members in the Pacific Northwest received.
According to IAM officials, this proposal would cost about $50 million over four years—roughly half the price of an F-15 fighter jet produced by union members—while highlighting that recent CEO compensation at Boeing has totaled around $100 million in severance payments.
“Instead of building on our pre-ratified offer, Boeing came back with another proposal that disrespects the people who make its success possible,” said Sam Cicinelli, IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President. “Boeing can end this strike tomorrow — all it has to do is put a fair deal on the table.”
The strike follows Boeing’s acquisition of a multi-billion dollar F-47 contract from the U.S. government—a program dependent on skilled union labor for producing fighter jets critical to national defense.
Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President at IAM Union, said, “Our members have shown incredible unity and strength throughout this strike. They’re standing up not just for themselves, but for every worker who deserves fairness, respect, and the same standard of treatment. Boeing can’t keep playing favorites between regions and expect our members to accept less.”
IAM Union District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling added: “From day one, our members have stood shoulder to shoulder for fairness. They know their worth and they’ve made it clear what it will take to reach an agreement. Boeing’s refusal to meet those priorities is what keeps this strike going — not our members.”
Union leaders emphasized that these workers are responsible for building key defense products such as F-15s, F/A-18s, missiles, and advanced defense systems essential for U.S. security.
