Boeing Defence Workers Strike; Firm Ready

Thousands of Boeing defence workers in Missouri and Illinois are set to go on strike starting midnight Monday after rejecting the company’s latest contract offer, their union announced.

The

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said that approximately 3,200 of its highly skilled members voted on Sunday, August 3, 2025, to reject Boeing’s revised four-year labour deal.

“A strike will begin at midnight on Monday, August 4,” the union said in a statement.

IAM District 837 representative Tom Boelling said union members had “spoken loud and clear,” demanding a contract that properly reflects their skills, dedication, and vital role in national defence.

Boeing’s initial proposal, which included a 20 per cent pay rise over four years and additional vacation time—was already turned down the previous week. The latest offer, according to Boeing, doubled the wage hike.

“We’re disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40 per cent average wage growth and addressed their main concern around alternative work schedules,” said Dan Gillian, Boeing Air Dominance vice president and senior site executive for St. Louis, Missouri.

Gillian added

that Boeing is prepared for the strike, with contingency plans already in place to maintain operations through its non-striking workforce.

The aerospace giant has been grappling with ongoing production issues and labour unrest, including a seven-week strike last year that disrupted operations at two of its major assembly plants.

IAM is one of North America's largest industrial unions, representing around 600,000 workers across sectors including aerospace, defence, shipbuilding, transportation, and manufacturing.