Striking 
Boeing St. Louis workers will vote on an offer from the company on October 26, potentially putting an end to a months-long strike by early November. The striking workers are part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 Union.
The decision to vote comes just a day after the union announced that its members would not vote on Boeing’s “insulting offer.” The manufacturer is offering increased wage growth and higher bonuses, among other benefits, for the workers.
Re-engaging With St. Louis Workers
In a letter to St. Louis area workers, Air Dominance VP/GM and Senior St. Louis Site Executive Dan Gillian said that the company was happy that union leaders had allowed the members to decide their future. If the workers vote in favor of the offer, they will return to work on November 3. This will be a relief for Boeing, whose military programs have already been affected by the strike.
Boeing’s latest offer has a 75% increase in bonuses for all workers, including a $3,000 ratification bonus and a $1,000 retention bonus in year 4. They were also promised Boeing restricted stock units with a grant value of $3,000, effective October 31, 2025. Additionally, Boeing has accepted the union’s proposal for a 1.5% general wage increase (GWI) and a 2.5% Lump Sum in the fourth year.
The offer also included 45% average wage growth and several other benefits for the workers. They will be guaranteed GWI and receive expanded vacation and sick leave, free primary care, a reliable 401(k) plan, and pension multiplier increases. To fund the increases in the offer, Boeing had to make trade-offs by reducing the amount of the annual attendance progression and additive by $0.25 per hour.
A Change Of Decision On The Offer
Negotiations between Boeing and the union have been going on for months. The two parties returned to the bargaining table over the last few days with the help of a federal mediator. On October 22, the union declared that its members “will not vote on an insulting offer.” It stated that Boeing presented a five-year offer that was “nothing short of disrespectful” to its members.
However, there has been a change of decision, and the members will vote on the offer. The IAM says that it received modifications to the return-to-work agreement included in Boeing’s latest offer. While the offer comes without a recommendation from the IAM Union Bargaining Committee, a vote is expected to take place on Sunday, from 08:00 to 11:00.
Boeing’s latest offer removes previous language that allowed managers and non-union workers to do bargaining unit work. Many of the terms remain unchanged. The manufacturer says that it was able to address concerns raised by the IAM in the strike settlement agreement. Boeing hopes to see its workers returning to work soon so it can continue to support its customers.
Nearly Three Months Of Strikes
The IAM union represents over 3,200 Boeing workers in the St. Louis area. The workers are responsible for the production of various military aircraft, including the F-15, F/A-18, T-7 trainer, and the MQ-25 drone. The facility also produced parts for the Boeing 777X. The strikes have already caused delays on the F-15EX program, with the Air Force awaiting delivery of the second batch of aircraft.
The strike has been going on since August 4, so if workers vote in favor of the latest offer on Sunday, they would return to work after three months. The strike followed failed negotiations between Boeing and the union, with Boeing’s offers being unanimously rejected before workers took to the picket lines. As of October 16, the workers had lost up to $24,000 in wages and a $5,000 ratification bonus.
The IAM was seeking a contract which reflects the needs of its members. This week, US senators from both parties grilled Boeing for stalling negotiations, leading to prolonged strike action. Earlier this month, the union filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge against Boeing for refusing to bargain in good faith. However, it seems like the long period of back-and-forths could finally come to an end within the next few days.
