Workers at Boeing’s defense plants in Missouri and Illinois have rejected the company’s most recent contract offer, extending a strike that has now entered its seventh week. Roughly 3,200 members of IAM District 837, who build fighter jets and other military systems in the St. Louis area, rejected the proposal on September 12 by a 57%–43% margin.
The strike began on August 4, 2025, after earlier contract offers were also rejected. Much of the disagreement with the latest proposal centers on benefits, as workers say the Boeing offer did not make sufficient improvements to 401(k) contributions or provide a signing/ratification bonus comparable to what other Boeing IAM members have received.
Boeing’s offer included an average total compensation increase of about 45% over five years. The company described the wage and benefit structure as its best offer yet, though it acknowledged adjustments had been made in response to union feedback.
In response to the rejection, Boeing stated that no further negotiations are scheduled. The company is proceeding with its contingency plans, which include hiring “permanent replacement workers” for the striking positions.
Union leadership expressed disappointment but also solidarity among members, saying that the vote reflected workers’ unwillingness to accept what they view as insufficient proposals. IAM International President Brian Bryant said the union members “will not settle for Boeing’s half-measures,” according to Reuters.
The strike has disrupted production of military aircraft manufactured under Boeing Defense. Boeing has tried to reduce disruption by using non-union labor where possible.
With the rejection of this latest offer, the labor dispute remains unresolved. Workers will stay on strike for the time being, and both sides are now in a holding pattern — the union waiting to see if Boeing returns with a modified proposal, and Boeing preparing for the possibility of an extended walkout under its own contingency plans.
