Thousands of Boeing Defense Workers Strike Over Pay and Benefits
Date: August 4, 2025
Scope: First Boeing defense strike in nearly 30 years
Workers Walk Out at Key Defense Facilities
Approximately 3,200 machinists, unionized under IAM District 837, initiated a strike at Boeing plants in St. Louis, St. Charles (Missouri), and Mascoutah (Illinois). These facilities produce critical U.S. defense hardware, including F‑15 Eagle and F/A‑18 Hornet fighter jets, missile systems, and future-generation platforms such as the upcoming F‑47. Wikipédia+12Al Jazeera+12Business Insider+12
Union Rejects Pay Deal, Demands Respect
Workers overwhelmingly rejected Boeing’s latest four-year contract—which offered a 20% wage increase and $5,000 ratification bonuses—largely due to disputed overtime rules and scheduling policies. IAM leadership emphasized that employees deserve a contract reflecting their vital role in national defense. The Guardian+9Al Jazeera+9The Washington Post+9
This walkout marks the first labor action in Boeing’s defense division since 1996. Barrons
Boeing Plays Down Impact, Activates Contingency Plans
CEO Kelly Ortberg stated that the strike’s scale is “much smaller than last year’s 33,000-worker commercial jet strike”, assuring investors Boeing is fully prepared and that production will continue with non-union staff and contingency protocols. arstechnica.com+15defensenews.com+15Business Insider+15
What’s at Stake
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Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division accounts for over one-third of total revenue. defensenews.com+2Al Jazeera+2AP News+2
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The company recently reported improved Q2 earnings, with a narrowed loss of $611 million, down from $1.44 billion the previous year. AP News+1Al Jazeera+1
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Shares dipped just 1%, reflecting limited investor concern about short-term disruption. Barrons+1AP News+1
Final Takeaway
This strike underscores a growing dissatisfaction among Boeing defense employees over wages, benefits, and recognition—even as Boeing claims improved financial health. While Boeing insists operations will continue, the dispute threatens timely production of critical military assets and could further strain the company’s reputation and recovery momentum.
