Boeing Workers Strike at Three Midwest Plants After Rejecting Labor Deal

St. Louis, Mo. (KFMO) - More than 3,200 workers at Boeing manufacturing plants in St. Louis, St. Charles, and Mascoutah, Illinois are officially on strike after rejecting a proposed four-year labor agreement on Sunday.

The striking workers, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, voted to reject what union leaders had called a “landmark agreement.” The proposed deal included a 20% wage increase over four years and enhancements to medical, pension, and overtime benefits. Boeing said the agreement would have boosted overall compensation by an average of 40 percent.

Still, union members say the offer falls short. Keith Gallup, who has worked at Boeing for 10 years, says the proposal doesn’t reflect the time and dedication employees have invested in the company.

The affected facilities play a major role in building military aircraft and weapons systems. The strike comes at a time of growing scrutiny for Boeing, with critics and lawmakers accusing the company of prioritizing profits over quality and safety.

Boeing says it was prepared for this development and has a contingency plan in place using non-striking employees to continue operations. Meanwhile, striking workers say they are committed to remaining on the picket line as long as necessary to reach what they believe is a fair contract.