A bipartisan group of 17 members from the House Armed Services Committee has sent a letter to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, urging the company to resume negotiations with more than 3,200 striking members of IAM Union District 837 in St. Louis. The lawmakers are concerned about delays in military aircraft deliveries and the potential impact on national security.
The letter, led by Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), asks Boeing to “return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and negotiate a fair contract in a timely manner,” citing recent delays in F-15EX deliveries acknowledged by the U.S. Air Force.
“Boeing Defense plays a vital role in safeguarding our national security and sustaining U.S. leadership on the global stage,” the members wrote. “That success is powered by a dedicated and highly skilled workforce who every day produce planes and other defense equipment that the United States government and our service members rely upon.”
IAM District 837 workers are responsible for building key military aircraft including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and are expected to work on the future F-47 fighter jet.
The lawmakers stressed: “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. 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.”
IAM Union members have been on strike for over twelve weeks after Boeing rejected several union proposals intended to end labor disputes while maintaining an experienced workforce for military production needs. On October 27, IAM District 837’s bargaining committee presented another offer aimed at resolving the strike; however, Boeing rejected it without making any counteroffer.
“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 due to its continued rejection of union proposals without addressing worker concerns or offering alternatives.
Support for striking workers has also come from other parts of Congress. Earlier this month, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) expressed their support during a Senate HELP Committee hearing where an IAM District 837 member testified about what they described as bad-faith tactics by Boeing. Additionally, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), as well as members of the Congressional Labor Caucus have urged Boeing to reach an agreement that protects jobs in St. Louis.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries throughout North America.
