The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union has announced that its members who build Boeing’s fighter jets in the St. Louis region have turned down the company’s most recent contract proposal. The union confirmed the workers will go on strike at midnight on Monday after voting against the offer on Sunday.
“IAM District 837 members … deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defense,” stated the union’s Business Representative, Tom Boelling.
According to Boeing, it had presented a new contract to the union last week which contained slight compensation adjustments that would favor senior members. That proposal also maintained the existing overtime rules, which the company had previously attempted to change in the prior offer.
The union had already turned down the previous proposal, calling it inadequate.
When reached for a statement outside of normal business hours, Boeing did not provide an immediate response to Reuters.
These employees are responsible for assembling Boeing’s fighter aircraft and the MQ-25, a drone designed for aerial refueling currently in development for the U.S. Navy.
This strike occurs as Boeing’s defense unit is in the process of expanding its St. Louis manufacturing operations to produce the new U.S. Air Force fighter, the F-47, a contract secured earlier this year.
