---

Over 3,200 Boeing Defense workers will vote on a new labor deal after a three-month strike that has disrupted fighter jet production and strained union talks.

---

A Critical Vote After a Lengthy Standoff

After more than three months on the picket lines, over 3,200 Boeing Defense employees are set to decide the fate of a new labor contract this Thursday. The vote could bring an end to the strike that began on August 4 and has since stalled deliveries of key U.S. military aircraft and disrupted production schedules at Boeing’s St. Louis facilities.

Months of Tension Between Boeing and Workers

The strike by members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 began after repeated rejections of Boeing’s earlier offers. The workers responsible for assembling F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, the T-7 trainer, precision munitions, and wing components for the 777X commercial jet have demanded stronger pay incentives and improved retirement contributions, aligning their expectations with deals achieved by their counterparts in Boeing’s Seattle operations last year.

Since the start of the walkout, Boeing management has maintained a firm stance on the value of its proposal, while union leaders have accused the company of failing to engage in meaningful negotiations.

New Offer With Upfront Cash, but Lower Bonuses

Boeing’s latest proposal offers a 24% wage increase spread over five years, mirroring its earlier package but introducing some financial adjustments aimed at winning worker approval.

Under the new terms, employees would receive a $6,000 ratification bonus upon accepting the deal, double the amount offered in the previous proposal. However, the company has reduced future bonus opportunities by $4,000, a move that effectively shifts the payout structure rather than increasing overall compensation.

Union officials noted that aside from the upfront payment adjustment, the proposal remains largely unchanged from the one members previously rejected.

If approved, IAM members could return to work as early as Sunday night, resuming critical defense and commercial production lines.

Calls for Fairer Compensation and Retirement Terms

The IAM leadership has been vocal in pushing for a contract that provides both immediate financial relief and long-term benefits. Representatives argue that Boeing’s offer still falls short of what they consider fair, especially in comparison to recent contracts secured by other Boeing bargaining units.

Adding to tensions, Boeing bypassed the IAM’s bargaining committee by releasing the new proposal directly to the public, a move union officials viewed as undermining the negotiation process. Last month, the IAM filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging that Boeing has engaged in bad-faith bargaining by refusing to meet with union negotiators.

Boeing Pushes for a Resolution

In an open letter published Monday, Boeing Defense CEO Steve Parker reaffirmed the company’s desire to end the strike and return to normal operations. Parker assured that all union members who vote in favor of the contract would be allowed to resume their positions, even if temporary replacements have already been hired.

However, he cautioned that this guarantee would not extend to future negotiations if workers rejected the current proposal. Boeing has also confirmed that it is hiring permanent replacements as part of its contingency plan, though sources within the company acknowledge that training and security clearance for such hires could take up to six months.

Impact on Production and the U.S. Defense Supply Chain

The prolonged strike has caused significant delays in the delivery of F-15 fighter jets to the U.S. Air Force and disrupted several other defense programs. These slowdowns have ripple effects beyond Boeing, affecting subcontractors, suppliers, and defense schedules critical to national security.

The company’s commercial operations have also felt the impact, with wing assemblies for the 777X jet stalled amid labor shortages. Industry analysts note that extended strikes in defense manufacturing can have strategic implications, as replacement workers often require specialized skills and security credentials that are difficult to acquire quickly.

A Year of Worker Activism

Boeing’s standoff with its defense workers echoes a broader wave of labor activism sweeping across the U.S. manufacturing and defense sectors. Unions have become increasingly assertive in demanding higher pay, better benefits, and improved workplace protections amid inflation and record corporate profits.

For Boeing, the strike represents not only a test of financial endurance but also a challenge to its reputation as an employer within the highly skilled aerospace industry, a sector where experienced machinists are difficult to replace.

A Vote That Could Reset Labor Relations

The outcome of Thursday’s vote will determine whether Boeing can stabilize production and restore its strained relationship with workers. A “yes” vote could bring a swift return to normal operations, while a “no” could deepen tensions and extend one of the most consequential strikes in the company’s defense history.

Either way, the results will send a clear message about the shifting balance of power between labor and management in America’s aerospace industry.

A Pivotal Moment for Boeing and Its Workforce

As the deadline approaches, both sides face mounting pressure to find common ground. For Boeing, the stakes are high: prolonged disruptions could impact defense contracts and investor confidence. For the workers, the decision represents more than a paycheck, it’s about respect, security, and a voice in shaping their future.

Whether this latest offer ends the impasse or fuels further confrontation, Thursday’s vote will likely mark a turning point in Boeing’s long-running labor saga.

 

ALSO READ:  Siemens Poised for Major Stake Cut in Healthineers to Fuel Future Growth