Thousands of workers at Boeing`s military aircraft and weapons manufacturing plants in the United States have gone on strike, demanding better pay and improved contract conditions.
The walkout began on Monday at Boeing facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles in Missouri, and Mascoutah in Illinois.
According to Al Jazeera, approximately 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) voted on Sunday to reject a proposed four-year revised labor contract, triggering the strike.
Sam Ciacianelli, vice president of IAM’s Midwest Territory, said in a statement, “IAM District 837 members build the aircraft and defense systems that keep our nation safe. They deserve a contract that ensures their families’ security and recognizes their unmatched skills.”
The rejected proposal had included a 20% wage increase over four years and a $5,000 lump-sum bonus. Workers had already turned down a previous offer following a one-week "cooling-off" period designed to allow both sides to reconsider and renegotiate.
Boeing had anticipated the strike after workers rejected its most recent offer, which did not include further wage increases beyond the earlier proposal. However, the company had removed a controversial clause that would have reduced workers’ opportunities to earn overtime pay.
Dan Gillian, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Air Dominance and senior executive for the St. Louis site, expressed disappointment, stating, “Our proposal offered an average 40% wage increase and addressed workers` concerns about alternative work schedules. Despite this, the offer was rejected.”
He added that Boeing is fully prepared for the strike and has activated contingency plans to ensure ongoing service to customers with the help of remaining active employees.
