IAM District 837 President Tom Boelling and IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett recently toured Boeing’s aerospace manufacturing facilities in the St. Louis region, offering a closer look at the vital defense work carried out by IAM union members.
The tour included stops at Boeing locations in St. Louis, St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois—all key sites in the production of the nation’s most advanced military aircraft.
IAM Members Drive Defense Innovation
IAM District 837 members are central to the production of several high-profile U.S. military aircraft and defense systems, including:
- F-15 Eagle and F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets
- T-7A Red Hawk advanced training aircraft
- MQ-25 Stingray, the Navy’s first carrier-based unmanned aerial refueler
Their work supports not only America’s military superiority but also advances the field of aerospace engineering and innovation.
Union Leaders Applaud Workforce Excellence
“Our members take immense pride in the work they do to support our military and protect our country,” said Jody Bennett, IAM Resident General Vice President. “This tour was an important reminder of what we stand for—not just as union members, but as builders of American strength and security.”
The visit emphasized the dedication, craftsmanship, and patriotism of IAM workers who serve as the backbone of Boeing’s defense production capabilities.
Workforce Voices Central to Upcoming Negotiations
Beyond touring facilities, IAM leadership took the opportunity to engage directly with members on the shop floor.
These conversations will inform upcoming labor negotiations, ensuring that the perspectives and concerns of the workforce remain at the forefront of union decision-making.
The tour of Boeing’s St. Louis-area facilities not only highlighted the critical role IAM members play in national defense and aerospace innovation, but also reinforced the union’s commitment to worker representation and engagement ahead of key contract talks.
IAM District 837 continues to stand as a pillar of strength in America’s industrial and defense manufacturing landscape.