Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has criticized Boeing’s approach to ongoing labor negotiations with members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, who have been on strike in St. Louis for nine weeks.
During a Capitol Hill hearing, Hawley questioned Boeing’s chief labor counsel, Scott Mayer, about the company’s refusal to reach an agreement with the union. Addressing Mayer, Hawley said, “With 3,000 plus residents of my state on strike, unable to work, unable to get healthcare while your CEO is getting paid 30-some million dollars. Fairness may be elusive, but that doesn’t look like fairness to me.”
Hawley has previously expressed support for IAM District 837 members. In early September he told Missourinet: “Management here needs to suck it up and get this thing over with. That company is so important to our state, the jobs that it provides, the great things that it produces.”
Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division reported $6.6 billion in revenue for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025—a year-over-year increase of 10%. Despite these financial results, IAM District 837 members have rejected multiple proposals from Boeing during negotiations.
Talks between the union and Boeing are continuing under federal mediation.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant stated: “We’re tired of Boeing hiding behind posturing and PR spin. Our members build the jets and defense systems that keep this nation safe, and they deserve a deal that reflects their sacrifice, expertise and value. Boeing’s repeated lowball proposals are a slap in the face to the men and women who power their bottom line. The time for grandstanding is over. Negotiate in good faith now, Boeing.”
The IAM Union represents around 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railways, transit systems, healthcare services and automotive industries.
