Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has publicly criticized Boeing for its handling of ongoing labor negotiations with 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, who have been on strike in St. Louis for nine weeks.
During a Capitol Hill hearing, Hawley questioned Boeing’s chief labor counsel, Scott Mayer, about the company’s approach to the contract dispute. “With 3,000 plus residents of my state on strike, unable to work, unable to get healthcare while your CEO is getting paid 30-some million dollars,” said Hawley. “Fairness may be elusive, but that doesn’t look like fairness to me.”
Hawley has previously expressed support for IAM District 837 members. In early September, he told Missourinet that Boeing should resolve the strike: “Management here needs to suck it up and get this thing over with,” said Hawley. “That company is so important to our state, the jobs that it provides, the great things that it produces.”
Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division reported $6.6 billion in revenue for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025—a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Despite this growth, union members have rejected Boeing’s proposals during negotiations overseen by a federal mediator.
IAM International President Brian Bryant called on Boeing to change its approach. “We’re tired of Boeing hiding behind posturing and PR spin,” said Bryant. “Our members build the jets and defense systems that keep this nation safe, and they deserve a deal that reflects their sacrifice, expertise and value. Boeing’s repeated lowball proposals are a slap in the face to the men and women who power their bottom line. The time for grandstanding is over. Negotiate in good faith now, Boeing.”
The IAM Union represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in sectors such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railways, transit systems, healthcare and automotive industries.
