IAM District 751 in Washington State has donated $32,000 to the strike fund of IAM District 837 to support members currently on strike against Boeing in St. Louis. The donation highlights ongoing solidarity within the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) as District 837 members continue their efforts for a new contract.
The strike by District 837 began on August 4 after negotiations with Boeing stalled. Support has come from various unions, elected officials, and community groups since the walkout started.
“District 837 members are standing up for the respect and dignity every Boeing worker deserves,” said Jon Holden, President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 751. “Our members in the Pacific Northwest know firsthand the power of solidarity. This contribution is about standing shoulder to shoulder with our union family in St. Louis. Boeing can afford to do the right thing, and it’s time they come to the table and bargain in good faith.”
Holden previously led over 30,000 IAM members through a 53-day strike against Boeing in 2024 that resulted in significant gains for workers in his region. He attended a recent rally in St. Louis to deliver the donation personally.
Negotiations between IAM District 837 and Boeing are ongoing with a federal mediator involved. Tom Boelling, President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 837, stated: “Our members are proud of the work they do building critical aerospace and defense products. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from District 751 and the entire IAM family. Together, we’re sending a clear message: when one of us is under attack, we all stand together.”
The IAM Strike Fund, available at goIAM.org, provides financial assistance to union members during strikes through donations from members, families, friends, and supporters outside regular union dues.
The IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others.
