More than 3,200 Boeing workers at factories in Missouri and Illinois have rejected the company’s latest contract proposal, saying that it failed to address “core priorities” of its workforce.
The decision has extended a strike which is set to enter its fourth month and follows numerous failed discussions between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union District 837 members, which represents workers in the planemaker’s defense division.
“Our members aren’t going to be fooled by PR spin,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant in a statement on October 26, 2025. “It’s well past time for Boeing to stop cheaping out on the workers who make its success possible.”
In September 2025, IAM District 837 members offered Boeing a self-crafted deal, which the union still hopes the company will consider. However, the company rejected the union’s offer, calling it a “publicity stunt that’s a waste of time”.
“Instead of building on our pre-ratified offer, Boeing came back with another proposal that disrespects the people who make its success possible,” IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli said in the latest statement. “Boeing can end this strike tomorrow – all it has to do is put a fair deal on the table.”
Financial impact mounts as strike continues
Boeing has updated its five-year contract proposal, which now features a 24% general wage increase over the term, a $3,000 ratification bonus, and $3,000 in restricted stock units vesting over three years.
Additionally, it offers a $1,000 retention bonus in the fourth year and keeps the company’s highly-rated 401(k) plan and healthcare benefits. However, the revised proposal reduces some attendance-based pay increases compared to earlier terms.
On October 26, 2025, Boeing announced in a statement that it was “disappointed” with the union’s vote rejecting its offer. The planemaker also described the union’s comments as “misleading”, noting that the vote was lost by a narrow margin of 51% to 49%.
“With the close result and the increased interest we’re hearing from teammates who want to cross the picket line, it’s clear many understand the value of our offer,” the company said. “We are turning our focus to executing the next phase of our contingency plan in support of our customers.”
Boeing estimates that the strike will result in each employee losing about $26,100 in wages and $4,200 in benefits, which is equivalent to five missed paychecks.
