Boeing Union Workers in St. Louis to Strike After Contract Rejection

Boeing's unionized assembly workers in St. Louis have declined the company's latest contract proposal and plan to initiate a strike starting Monday midnight, according to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Union representatives emphasized that their members, involved in constructing fighter jets and aerial refueling drones for the U.S. Navy, deserve agreements that recognize their expertise and vital contributions to national defense. The recent offer from Boeing included minor improvements in compensation for senior staff and maintained existing overtime policies, which the company had previously considered altering. Despite these adjustments, the union deemed the proposal inadequate, leading to their rejection. Boeing has yet to comment publicly on the situation. The manufacturing workforce is also engaged in supporting the company's expansion efforts for the new F-47 fighter aircraft, following a recent U.S. Air Force contract win. This development highlights ongoing labor negotiations amid Boeing's defense sector growth, underscoring the importance of fair labor agreements for critical military manufacturing roles.