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 sent a letter to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, urging the company to “return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and negotiate a fair contract in a timely manner,” highlighting concerns about delays affecting national security and U.S. defense programs.
The strike has led to delays in military aircraft deliveries, including the F-15EX, which the U.S. Air Force has publicly acknowledged. The letter emphasized Boeing Defense’s importance to national security and noted that its success depends on a skilled workforce producing key defense equipment for the United States government and service members.
IAM District 837 members are responsible for building and supporting several major military aircraft, such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the future F-47 fighter jet.
“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,” stated the letter from committee members. “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 12 weeks, during which IAM Union members have continued picketing while Boeing has rejected union proposals aimed at ending the dispute. According to IAM officials, they have presented reasonable offers designed to maintain Boeing’s skilled workforce so it can meet its military obligations. On October 27, IAM District 837 made another proposal that was rejected by Boeing without any counter offer.
“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,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “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 counter offers or address worker concerns.
Support for striking workers has grown among lawmakers beyond those signing this latest letter. Earlier this month, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) expressed support for IAM Union members during a Senate HELP Committee hearing where an IAM member testified about what they described as bad-faith tactics by Boeing. Other representatives from Missouri as well as the Congressional Labor Caucus have also urged Boeing to bargain fairly.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others.
