The strike by about 3,200 machinists at Boeing plants in Mascoutah, Illinois, and the Missouri cities of St. Louis and St. Charles is smaller in scale than last year’s walkout by 33,000 Boeing workers who assemble commercial jetliners. However, it threatens to complicate the aerospace company’s progress in regaining its financial footing.
“Boeing claimed they listened to their employees; the result of today’s vote proves they have not,” Brian Bryant, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said in a statement.
Boeing responded by expressing disappointment over the vote’s outcome, noting that the result was close. The company stated it was increasingly hearing from workers “who want to cross the picket line” and “understand the value of our offer.”
“The union’s statement is misleading since the vote failed by the slimmest of margins, 51% to 49%,” the company’s statement read. “We are turning our focus to executing the next phase of our contingency plan in support of our customers.”
In contrast, the machinists’ union acknowledged the vote was close but emphasized in a message to members that “very few” workers have crossed the picket line. “Our solidarity remains strong, and the company’s claim otherwise is wrong,” the union said.
Union leaders report that talks have stalled over key issues such as wages and retirement benefits. Boeing has argued that workers’ demands exceed the cost of living adjustments appropriate for the Midwest.
Ahead of Sunday’s vote, the union advised members not to approve the company’s latest offer, citing a lack of “meaningful improvements” to retirement benefits and wage increases for more senior workers.
Negotiations escalated over the summer in the days leading up to the strike. Workers rejected an earlier proposed agreement that included a 20% wage hike over the life of the five-year contract.
Boeing quickly countered with a modified agreement that did not increase pay raises but removed a scheduling provision affecting workers’ ability to earn overtime pay. Workers rejected that offer as well and commenced the strike the following morning. They also voted against revised terms in September.
The company has stated it was prepared for a strike, with a contingency plan in place “to ensure our non-striking workforce can continue supporting our customers.”
https://fortune.com/2025/10/26/boeing-defense-workers-strike-military-aircraft-weapons-contract-vote/