Mon Aug 04 17:49:14 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Thousands of Boeing workers across three plants in Missouri and Illinois went on strike Monday after rejecting a proposed four-year labor agreement. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) members are seeking better wage increases and benefits. While Boeing claims the offer included a substantial wage increase, the union argues it’s not enough to secure their families and recognize their expertise. Boeing has implemented contingency plans to minimize disruption, stating the strike’s impact will be less significant than a previous strike. The strike has impacted Boeing’s stock, although the company reported improved second-quarter revenue and reduced losses.
**News Article:**
**Thousands of Boeing Workers Strike Over Contract Dispute**
ST. LOUIS, MO – Thousands of Boeing workers at defense plants in Missouri and Illinois walked off the job on Monday, launching a strike after failing to reach an agreement with the company on a new labor contract. Approximately 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) at facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois, are participating in the strike.
The strike began after IAM members overwhelmingly rejected a modified four-year contract proposal, citing insufficient wage increases and concerns over other provisions. The union says its members, who build military aircraft and defense systems, deserve a contract that provides financial security and acknowledges their specialized skills.
“IAM District 837 members build the aircraft and defense systems that keep our country safe,” said Sam Cicinelli, the IAM’s Midwest division general vice president. “They deserve nothing less than a contract that keeps their families secure and recognizes their unmatched expertise.”
Boeing officials expressed disappointment with the strike, claiming the rejected offer included a 40 percent average wage growth and addressed concerns regarding alternative work schedules. “We’re disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40 percent average wage growth and resolved their primary issue on alternative work schedules,” said Dan Gillian, Boeing Air Dominance vice president and general manager. “We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan to ensure our non-striking workforce can continue supporting our customers.”
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg downplayed the potential impact of the strike, saying it would be “much, much less” significant than a previous strike involving commercial jetliner assembly workers.
The strike comes at a sensitive time for Boeing, which is still recovering from the fallout of the 737 Max crisis and ongoing scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Despite improved second-quarter revenue and reduced losses, Boeing’s stock dipped on news of the strike.
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