A bipartisan group of 17 members from the House Armed Services Committee has sent a letter urging Boeing to resume negotiations with more than 3,200 striking workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis. The lawmakers expressed concern over delays in military aircraft deliveries, which have been acknowledged by the U.S. Air Force as affecting F-15EX production.
The letter, led by Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), was addressed to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg. It states: “Boeing Defense plays a vital role in safeguarding our national security and sustaining U.S. leadership on the global stage,” the members 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.”
IAM District 837 members are responsible for building and supporting several key defense projects, including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jets.
The lawmakers emphasized the importance of resolving the dispute through dialogue: “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,” the letter continues. “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 12 weeks as negotiations remain stalled. The union claims it has made reasonable offers aimed at maintaining Boeing’s skilled workforce for its military obligations. On October 27, IAM District 837 presented another proposal to Boeing in an effort to end the strike, but according to union officials, Boeing rejected it without making any counteroffer.
Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union, commented: “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. 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 handling of contract negotiations.
Support for IAM District 837 has also come from other lawmakers. Earlier this month, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) voiced their support during a Senate HELP Committee hearing where an IAM member testified about Boeing’s approach at the bargaining table. Additionally, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), and members of the Congressional Labor Caucus have called on Boeing to negotiate fairly.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across various industries in North America.
