A bipartisan group of 17 members from the House Armed Services Committee has urged Boeing to resume negotiations with more than 3,200 striking workers from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis. The lawmakers, led by Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), addressed their concerns in a letter to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg.
The letter called for Boeing to “return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and negotiate a fair contract in a timely manner,” highlighting the impact of the ongoing strike on national security and defense programs. Delays have already been reported in F-15EX aircraft deliveries for the U.S. Air Force.
“Boeing Defense plays a vital role in safeguarding our national security and sustaining U.S. leadership on the global stage,” the lawmakers wrote. “That success is powered by a dedicated and highly skilled workforce who every day produce planes and other defense equipment that the United States government and our service members rely upon.”
Workers represented by IAM District 837 are involved in producing several key military aircraft, including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jets.
The letter also stated: “Communication and negotiation are crucial to help navigate out of the current situation that preserves the long-term balance between workers’ rights and the defense of our nation. We urge you to return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and to negotiate and reach a fair contract in a timely manner.”
IAM Union members have been on strike for over twelve weeks as they seek an agreement with Boeing. According to union representatives, proposals have been presented that aim to ensure Boeing can maintain its skilled workforce needed for military production demands. On October 27, IAM’s bargaining committee submitted another offer intended to end the strike; however, Boeing rejected it without providing any counter proposal.
“Congress is sending a clear message that it’s time for Boeing to respect the highly skilled and experienced IAM Union members who build our nation’s most advanced defense systems,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our members have offered fair, responsible proposals to end this strike and get back to work. Boeing’s refusal to negotiate in good faith is not only hurting working families—it’s threatening critical defense programs and our national security.”
The union has filed two Unfair Labor Practice Charges against Boeing over its refusal to address worker concerns or provide counter offers during negotiations.
Support for IAM District 837 has expanded beyond this recent letter. Earlier this month, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) expressed support for striking workers during a Senate hearing where an IAM member testified about alleged bad-faith tactics by Boeing. Additionally, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), along with members of the Congressional Labor Caucus, have joined calls urging Boeing toward fair negotiations.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired workers across multiple industries in North America.
