Key Points and Summary – A major strike involving over 3,200 union workers at key Boeing military facilities is now threatening to delay the production of the new F-47 fighter jet program.
-The members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union rejected a contract offer they deemed inadequate, especially compared to raises secured by other Boeing employees.
-With workers stating they are prepared for a “long, drawn-out” strike and the union now appealing to federal lawmakers for intervention, a crucial component of America’s national defense infrastructure faces a significant and potentially prolonged disruption, raising questions about the future of the F-47.
Boeing Strike and F-47 Fighter: What Happens Next?
More than 3,200 workers at Boeing’s military aircraft facilities in Missouri and Illinois went out on strike at the start of August, at the facility where work is to be done on the new F-47 program. This has raised questions over whether production of that jet could end up delayed.
Now, more than two weeks into the strike, a new report shows that workers are prepared for a long strike.
According to emissourian.com, workers expect the strike to go on for a long time.
“I feel like this is going to be a long, drawn-out thing,” Randy Cunningham, of Washington, told the news outlet. “If it’s going the way I feel it’s going, and how they’re wording things, it’s going to be another stalemate.”
A member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union, Cunningham is on strike for the first time in his 30-year career.
During talks in July, workers were offered a 20 percent wage increase over four years, along with $5,000 ratification bonuses. However, per the report, Boeing workers in Seattle who went on strike last year ended up gaining a 38 percent wage increase over four years, along with “a choice between a $12,000 ratification bonus or a combination of a $7,000 bonus and a $5,000 401(k) contribution.”
“Boeing in St. Louis brings in 40 percent of their revenue, and we only make up 10 percent of their workers. What we do is, I would say, pretty substantial,” Boeing worker Joe Hodge told Emissourian.
According to the Labor Tribune, St. Louis Labor Council President Pat Kellett has visited several picket lines.
“These members play a crucial role in the nation’s defense and deserve a contract that reflects their many years of hard work, skill, and dedication,” Kellett told the publication. “We’re here to let them know that the St. Louis Labor Movement stands behind them every step of the way in their fight for a fair contract.”
Per that report, Boeing had put out a statement the day before the strike began, that “we’re disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40-percent average wage growth.”
However, according to the Labor Tribune report, the union sees things very differently.
“The raises aren’t across the board, and many members are capped at making only 12 percent over four years,” one member told the publication.
Will Lawmakers Intervene?
The union has written a letter to lawmakers asking them for help with the strike, with the letter going to senators and representatives in Missouri.
“Our members at Boeing Defense in Missouri and Illinois are disappointed and frustrated with the company’s recent contract proposals forcing them to overwhelmingly vote to reject the proposal and go on strike,” Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union, said in the release, shared with the media outlet Quartz.
“Throughout these negotiations, the union has presented the company with a number of viable solutions to adequately meet our members’ needs. Our members rightly believe the compensation package offered by the company is not adequate given the recent economic trends of high inflation and skyrocketing demand for highly skilled aerospace workers.”
What About the F-47?
Fox Business had reported, when the strike began, that “threatens production of a number of U.S. fighter jets — including the new F-47 President Donald Trump announced in March.”
“The order of magnitude of this is much, much less than last year’s Seattle strike of 30,000 workers,” Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said at the time, seeking to downplay the effect of the strike on those programs. “I wouldn’t worry too much about the implications of the strike. We’ll manage our way through that.”
Fox looked at what that meant.
“If Boeing breaches the impasse between corporate and its District 837 workers within a matter of weeks, the company could likely make up for lost time. However, if the dispute escalates, other districts join in or key tasks are postponed, Boeing may need to seek program extensions with the Defense Department.”
About the Author: Stephen Silver
Stephen Silver is an award-winning journalist, essayist, and film critic, and contributor to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Broad Street Review, and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. For over a decade, Stephen has authored thousands of articles that focus on politics, national security, technology, and the economy. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @StephenSilver, and subscribe to his Substack newsletter.
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