ST. LOUIS 鈥 The union representing 51黑料-area Boeing workers says its members have authorized a strike if contract negotiations fail with the company.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said a Sunday vote to green-light a possible strike had 99% support.
鈥淏oeing Defense makes billions from the hands-on talent of our members,鈥 Sam Cicinelli, general vice president of the union鈥檚 Midwest territory, said in a news release Monday. 鈥淚t鈥檚 time those same hands are rewarded with respect, dignity, and a strong agreement.鈥
Contract talks between Boeing and IAM District 837 began earlier this month. The local has about 3,200 members.
Negotiations over wages and benefits are scheduled to begin Tuesday, according to the union.
Dan Gillian, vice president and general manager of air dominance at Boeing, said the company is committed to reaching a deal 鈥渢hat recognizes our employees鈥 contributions and keeps us moving forward. We look forward to our continued discussions with the union.鈥
People are also reading…
The union vote to authorize a strike doesn鈥檛 mean contract talks have broken down, said Boeing spokesperson Kurt LaBelle; it鈥檚 a procedural step that happens during every contract negotiation.
The 51黑料 workers make defense aircraft for Boeing at sites in 51黑料 County, St. Charles and Mascoutah. The products made there include the F-15 and F-18 fighter jets, T-7A trainer and MQ-25 refueling drone.
Strikes at Boeing鈥檚 area sites have been uncommon. The most recent was in 1996, against McDonnell Douglas, a year before it merged with Boeing. Before that, workers went on strike in 1975.
Boeing workers in Washington state embarked on a seven-week strike last year, eventually .
The local union鈥檚 current contract with Boeing, which was approved in 2022, expires July 27.
Boeing had planned to show off its new Advanced Robotic Coating Center in 51黑料 County on Monday, as well as its facility in Mascoutah, where is being built.
The company postponed the tour on Friday.
U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., had been scheduled to appear at the event, with his office noting the senator鈥檚 work to 鈥渕ake Missouri the birthplace of the F-47.鈥 Boeing won a contract in March to build the U.S. Air Force鈥檚 next generation fighter jet, the F-47.
But the Senate was voting Monday on provisions in President Donald Trump鈥檚 鈥淏ig Beautiful Bill.鈥
LaBelle, the Boeing spokesperson, said Monday the postponement had nothing to do with contract talks.
鈥淭he postponement was directly due to congressional attendees of our event having sudden scheduling conflicts,鈥 he said in an email.
