Boeing Strike in St. Louis Ends as Union Approves New Contract
An F-15 at the Dubai Airshow
ST. LOUIS, MO—A three-month strike at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis area came to an end in mid-November after roughly 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers voted 68% in favor of a new contract.
According to the Missouri Independent, the five-year agreement includes a $6,000 signing bonus—up from the original $5,000—and a 24% general wage increase: 8% in the first year and 4% annually afterward. However, the deal does not include several key union demands, such as a $10,000 ratification bonus, 401(k) match, or higher raises for veteran employees.
Union leaders praised members’ solidarity throughout the strike, while Boeing executives emphasized the company’s desire to restore stability. Boeing acknowledged hiring permanent replacement workers during the stoppage but guaranteed all union members would return to their jobs under the ratified offer.
The strike drew political scrutiny, with both Democratic and Republican senators urging Boeing to resolve the dispute, citing risks to military readiness. Boeing says the new contract raises average base pay from $75,000 to $109,000, with additional earning potential from overtime.
Union representatives say they’ll continue pushing for improved benefits in future negotiations, but are ready to resume production on key military aircraft programs.
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