IAM District 751 in Washington State has donated $32,000 to the strike fund of IAM District 837, supporting members currently on strike against Boeing in St. Louis. The donation reflects ongoing solidarity within the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) as District 837 members continue their contract dispute with Boeing.
The strike began on August 4, and since then, support has come from unions, elected officials, and community groups. Jon Holden, President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 751, stated: “District 837 members are standing up for the respect and dignity every Boeing worker deserves. Our members in the Pacific Northwest know firsthand the power of solidarity. This contribution is about standing shoulder to shoulder with our union family in St. Louis. Boeing can afford to do the right thing, and it’s time they come to the table and bargain in good faith.”
Holden previously led over 30,000 IAM members through a 53-day strike against Boeing in 2024 that resulted in significant gains for workers in his region. He visited St. Louis earlier this month to join a rally supporting the strikers and delivered the donation personally.
District 837 members decided to strike after contract negotiations with Boeing stalled over issues related to fair compensation and recognition of their work building aerospace and defense products for national security. Talks between IAM District 837 and Boeing are continuing under federal mediation.
Tom Boelling, President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 837, said: “Our members are proud of the work they do building critical aerospace and defense products. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from District 751 and the entire IAM family. Together, we’re sending a clear message: when one of us is under attack, we all stand together.”
The IAM Strike Fund provides financial assistance to striking members through donations collected at goIAM.org from union members, families, friends, and labor supporters who wish to help those affected by strikes.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across various industries in North America.
