Marina
St. Louis, Missouri – After weeks of tense negotiations and a historic walkout, Boeing and striking workers have reached a tentative agreement that could bring an end to the company’s first strike in St. Louis since 1996.
The agreement, covering about 3,500 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, promises significant wage increases, signing bonuses, and improved working conditions.
The outcome marks a major milestone for both workers and Boeing, as production of key U.S. defense aircraft like the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets faced delays during the strike.
Background of the Boeing Strike
The strike began in early August 2025, when IAM members at three facilities—St. Louis, St. Charles, and Mascoutah, Illinois—walked out after rejecting Boeing’s previous contract offer.
- Workers’ demands included higher wages, stronger retirement benefits, healthcare protections, and recognition of their role in maintaining U.S. defense readiness.
- This was the first strike at Boeing’s St. Louis plants in nearly 30 years, highlighting the seriousness of the workers’ stance.
- Production delays during the strike raised concerns about delivery timelines for critical military projects.
IAM, one of the largest trade unions in North America with over 600,000 active and retired members, has emphasized that the new contract must honor workers’ skill, loyalty, and contributions.
Key Details of the Tentative Agreement
According to Boeing executives and IAM leaders, the five-year deal includes the following:
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Length | Five years (2025–2030) |
| Wage Increases | Average of 45% over contract period |
| Signing Bonus | Restored cash bonuses for all members |
| Healthcare & Benefits | Maintained without cuts, with additional retirement support |
| Job Security | Protections for workers in defense aircraft manufacturing |
| Applies To | Approx. 3,500 IAM members across three Missouri and Illinois sites |
Union members will vote on ratification of the tentative deal in the coming days.
Why the Deal Matters
This agreement carries weight far beyond Missouri:
- For workers: It sets a precedent for significant wage growth in aerospace manufacturing, giving machinists long-awaited recognition.
- For Boeing: It restores production stability for high-demand defense projects, crucial for U.S. national security.
- For unions nationwide: It reflects a broader labor movement resurgence, as strikes across industries push companies to address worker demands.
Statements from Leaders
- Dan Gillian, Boeing Air Dominance Vice President and Senior St. Louis Site Executive:
“This agreement reflects our commitment to rewarding our employees while ensuring Boeing remains strong in defense production.” - IAM District 837 Representatives:
“Our members held the line for weeks to secure a deal that respects their contributions to America’s defense. This is a win for workers, their families, and the St. Louis community.”
Economic and Defense Impact
The strike came at a delicate time for Boeing:
- Production of F-15EX fighter jets, F/A-18 Super Hornets, and T-7A Red Hawk trainers was slowed.
- U.S. military contracts worth billions of dollars rely on timely delivery of these aircraft.
- The strike underscored how critical aerospace workers are to national security and defense supply chains.
Ending the strike not only benefits workers but also stabilizes Boeing’s defense commitments.
Challenges Ahead
Even with a deal on the table, challenges remain:
- Ratification Vote: Workers must still approve the agreement, and there is always the possibility of rejection.
- Operational Recovery: Boeing must catch up on production schedules delayed during the strike.
- Union Momentum: Other Boeing sites and unions may use this deal as leverage for their own negotiations.
Broader Labor Context
The Boeing strike is part of a wider wave of union activity in 2025, with workers in multiple industries demanding fair pay amid inflation and record corporate profits.
From auto workers to healthcare staff, the labor movement is gaining renewed strength. Boeing’s settlement could embolden unions in other sectors to push for similar wage increases and job protections.
The tentative five-year deal between Boeing and IAM workers in St. Louis is a landmark moment in labor relations and aerospace manufacturing.
With historic wage increases, restored bonuses, and strong job protections, workers secured a contract that reflects their vital role in U.S. defense production.
For Boeing, the agreement provides much-needed stability to meet defense commitments, while for unions nationwide, it highlights the power of solidarity and negotiation.
If ratified, the deal will not only end the first St. Louis Boeing strike since 1996 but also shape future labor contracts across the aerospace industry.