A bipartisan group of 17 members from the House Armed Services Committee has called on 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 about the impact of the ongoing strike on national security and military programs.
The letter, led by Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), was addressed to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg. It urged Boeing to “return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and negotiate a fair contract in a timely manner,” highlighting that delays in reaching an agreement have already caused setbacks 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 letter stated. “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 from IAM District 837 are responsible for building several key military aircraft, including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jets.
“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,” continued the letter. “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.”
The strike has lasted more than twelve weeks, during which union members have remained on picket lines while Boeing has rejected their proposals. The union says it has made multiple reasonable offers aimed at ending the dispute and ensuring Boeing can meet its military commitments. On October 27, IAM District 837 presented another offer that was rejected by Boeing without any counterproposal.
“IAM Union International President Brian Bryant said: ‘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 refusal to make counteroffers or address worker concerns.
Support for IAM District 837’s position has grown among lawmakers from both parties. Earlier this month, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) voiced support during a Senate committee hearing where an IAM member testified about Boeing’s negotiation tactics. Additional support came from Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), as well as from members of the Congressional Labor Caucus.
IAM represents approximately 600,000 active and retired workers across various industries in North America.
