A bipartisan group of 17 members from the House Armed Services Committee has called on Boeing to resume negotiations with over 3,200 striking workers from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis. The lawmakers sent a letter to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg urging the company to negotiate a fair contract promptly, noting that the ongoing strike is affecting national security and delaying military deliveries.
The letter, led by Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), highlights concerns about Boeing’s impact on U.S. defense programs. The lawmakers stated, “Boeing Defense plays a vital role in safeguarding our national security and sustaining U.S. leadership on the global stage,” adding, “That success is powered by a dedicated and highly skilled workforce who every day produce planes and other defense equipment that the United States government and our service members rely upon.”
Members of IAM District 837 are responsible for building and supporting production of several key military aircraft, including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jets.
The letter further emphasized the need for dialogue: “Communication and negotiation are crucial to help navigate out of the current situation that preserves the long-term balance between workers’ rights and the defense of our nation. We urge you to return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and to negotiate and reach a fair contract in a timely manner.”
For more than twelve weeks, IAM Union members have been on strike as Boeing has rejected union proposals aimed at ending the dispute. According to IAM Union leaders, their latest contract offer was submitted on October 27 but was rejected by Boeing without any counterproposal.
Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union, commented: “Congress is sending a clear message that it’s time for Boeing to respect the highly skilled and experienced IAM Union members who build our nation’s most advanced defense systems. Our members have offered fair, responsible proposals to end this strike and get back to work. Boeing’s refusal to negotiate in good faith is not only hurting working families—it’s threatening critical defense programs and our national security.”
IAM Union representatives have also filed two Unfair Labor Practice Charges against Boeing over its handling of negotiations.
Support for IAM workers has increased among lawmakers beyond those signing this latest letter. Earlier in October, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) expressed support during a Senate HELP Committee hearing where an IAM District 837 member testified about alleged bad-faith tactics by Boeing. Additionally, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), and members of the Congressional Labor Caucus have urged Boeing to bargain fairly.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America.
