About 3,200 machinists who build Boeing fight jets in the St. Louis area were poised to walk off the job early Monday, around midnight, after their union failed to reach an agreement with the aircraft manufacturer.
The strike would be the first in nearly three decades for the local chapter of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, IAM District 837.
In announcing the strike, the union rejected the increase to wages and retirement contributions that the company was offering. When the union last went on strike, in 1996, the work stoppage lasted 99 days.
“IAM District 837 members have spoken loud and clear, they deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defense,” Tom Boelling, the top official at the union’s St. Louis chapter, said in a statement.
Last week, Boeing reported $22.7 billion in revenue for its latest financial quarter, the company’s largest quarterly revenue figure in six years. But the strike could put added pressure on the company, which generates about 30 percent of its revenue from its defense and space division.
Even with its impressive revenue haul, Boeing reported a loss of $612 million in the quarter, as it continues to battle back from a series of damaging crises over the last several years. Last year, Boeing faced a crisis when a poorly installed panel blew off a Boeing 737 Max jet during a flight. And the Max was involved in two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.
“We’re disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40 percent average wage growth and resolved their primary issue on alternative work schedules.,” Dan Gillian, vice president of Boeing Air Dominance and general manager and senior executive at the St. Louis site, said in an emailed statement.
“We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan to ensure our nonstriking work force can continue supporting our customers.”
Members of the St. Louis local help build fighter aircraft such as the F-15 and the T-7 training jet while also manufacturing components for Boeing’s 777X commercial jets.
Last year, a two-month strike brought production of the Max to a near standstill. But that strike involved 30,000 employees, significantly more than the number threatening to strike in St. Louis.