Over 3,200 Boeing Defense Workers Launch Strike at Key U.S. Plants
The strike, called by the IAM union, affects the production of the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets following the rejection of a new wage proposal from the company.
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Effective midnight this Monday, August 4, over 3,200 workers affiliated with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have gone on strike at three Boeing Defense, Space & Security facilities. The industrial action impacts the plants in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois—neuralgic centers for the production of some of the United States' most critical military aircraft.
The stoppage was initiated after union members rejected a second contract offer from the company on Sunday. According to an official statement from the IAM union, the workers believe the proposal does not adequately compensate their labor. IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative, Tom Boelling, stated that members "deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation's defense."
For its part, Boeing expressed disappointment with the decision. The company maintains that the rejected offer included a four-year contract with an average 40% increase in wages and benefits, including higher contributions to retirement plans, more vacation days, and a $5,000 ratification bonus. Dan Gillian, a Boeing vice president and general manager in St. Louis, stated they were "disappointed our employees in St. Louis rejected an offer that included an average 40% wage growth."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Boeing Strike
Why are the Boeing workers on strike? They are on strike over a contract dispute. The IAM union rejected Boeing's wage and benefits offer, deeming it insufficient.
Which aircraft are affected? Production of the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters, the T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer, and the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refueling drone.
Where is the strike taking place? At Boeing's facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles (Missouri) and Mascoutah (Illinois), United States.
Strategic Programs on Hold
The facilities affected by the strike are responsible for production lines of high strategic value for both the U.S. armed forces and international customers. Among the impacted programs are:
F-15 Eagle/Eagle II: The modern F-15EX variant, with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) as its primary customer.
F/A-18 Super Hornet/Growler: A multirole fighter and electronic attack platform that forms the backbone of the U.S. Navy's aviation and is operated by several allied air forces.
T-7A Red Hawk: The new advanced trainer developed jointly with Saab for the USAF, set to replace the Northrop T-38 Talon.
MQ-25 Stingray: The world's first carrier-based unmanned aerial refueling drone, a key program for the U.S. Navy.
Additionally, Boeing is expanding its facilities in the St. Louis area to accommodate the development and future production of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform, the USAF's sixth-generation fighter program, for which the company was awarded the contract in March 2025.
Boeing President and CEO, Kelly Ortberg, speaking on a call with analysts last week and as reported by the Associated Press (AP), downplayed the potential consequences of the strike. Ortberg noted that the company overcame a seven-week stoppage last year and commented, "I would not be too concerned about the consequences of the strikes. We will get through it."
The order backlog for Boeing's Defense, Space & Security division remained robust at €64.132 billion as of the last quarter, with 22% of it corresponding to customers outside the United States.
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