Boeing fighter jet workers reject contract: Strike threat looms amid increased F-47 production for US airforce
Boeing fighter jet workers in Missouri and Illinois reject contract
Union members at Boeing's fighter jet assembly plants in Missouri and Illinois have overwhelmingly rejected the company's latest contract offer, setting the stage for potential strikes that could disrupt production at critical defense manufacturing facilities. More than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 837 voted down the contract on Sunday, the day their previous agreement expired.
The contract on the table included a 20% wage increase over four years, a $5,000 ratification bonus, and improvements to vacation and sick leave benefits. However, union representatives argued the proposal fell short of addressing the workforce's priorities and sacrifices, motivating the decisive rejection. A statement from IAM Local 837 stressed that the offer did not adequately reflect the skilled workers' value, signaling significant dissatisfaction within Boeing's defense workforce.
With the expiration of the contract on Sunday, a legally mandated seven-day cooling-off period will begin, after which IAM Local 837 members could proceed with strike action if no agreement is reached. This development risks severe disruption at Boeing's key fighter aircraft assembly operations in the Midwestern states of Missouri and Illinois, locations critical to the company's defense manufacturing output.
This year, Boeing is increasing production capacity in St. Louis for the new F-47 fighter jet contract awarded by the U.S. Air Force, underscoring the stakes involved in maintaining uninterrupted labor relations in these strategically important facilities.
Dan Gillian, Vice-President of Boeing Air Dominance and general manager of the St. Louis site, expressed disappointment over the rejection of the company's "richest contract offer ever," emphasizing that the offer was designed to meet all stated labor priorities. Boeing has yet to provide further comment as negotiations are expected to continue amid growing pressure.
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