Boeing Halts F-15, F/A-18 Output as 3,200 Workers Strike

Production of Boeing’s F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets remains halted after 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 walked off the job on Aug. 4, rejecting the company’s proposed contract.

Union members are pushing for terms closer to a four-year agreement approved last November by IAM District 751 in Seattle. That deal, covering about 33,000 workers, included a 38% general wage increase, higher retirement contributions, the return of an annual bonus, a US$12,000 signing bonus, and a pledge to keep production of Boeing’s next commercial jet in the region if launched during the contract period.

In contrast, Boeing’s latest offer for St. Louis-area workers included a 20% general wage increase, a US$5,000 ratification bonus, additional vacation time, and more paid sick leave. The offer was rejected, triggering the ongoing strike. “Our offer was strong then and is strong now, with an average of 40% wage growth,” said Dan Gillian, vice president and general manager, Boeing Defense.

Union leaders disagree. “The IAM is ready to meet with Boeing,” IAM International President Brian Bryant told Reuters outside Boeing’s Berkeley, Missouri, facility, where he joined striking workers on the picket line.

Bryant said workers want faster progression to top pay rates, higher general wage increases, and improvements to Boeing’s 401(k) retirement plan. “In reality, they’re going to have to offer up the same thing they offered in Seattle,” he said, pointing specifically to retirement provisions.

US Representative Wesley Bell, a Democrat from Missouri, also joined the picket line to show political support for the union.

As of now, no talks are scheduled to resume negotiations. Boeing’s St. Louis-area fighter jet production lines remain idle, with no timeline for resolution.