Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter and a defense backlog of $76 billion, according to its latest financial update. The company also announced it is cash-flow positive for the first time since 2023. These results come as more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike in St. Louis.
IAM District 837 workers are responsible for producing key defense programs such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the future F-47 fighter jet. These projects are considered essential for U.S. and allied defense capabilities. The ongoing labor dispute has already led to delays in F-15EX deliveries, which the U.S. Air Force has publicly acknowledged.
During Boeing’s earnings call, executives discussed contingency plans to address the impact of the strike and referenced efforts to build a new internal culture.
“Boeing’s so-called contingency plan is failing because they can’t replace the skill, precision, and experience of IAM Union members in St. Louis who have spent their careers building the world’s most advanced military products,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “If Boeing is serious about culture change and rebuilding its brand, it starts with respecting the people who make its success possible — not trying to sideline them. Investors must also take into account Boeing’s continued failure to manage labor relations responsibly. The company’s refusal to engage in fair bargaining is not only hurting workers and national defense programs — it’s a risk to Boeing’s long-term stability, reputation, and credibility.”
Boeing also confirmed plans for significant future investments in its St. Louis operations after securing a contract to build the F-47 aircraft—a move that underscores what IAM leadership described as union members’ skill and dedication.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
IAM members at other Boeing sites continue working on commercial aviation products that support the company’s recovery efforts nationwide.
“Boeing’s executives can talk about transformation all they want, but the real transformation begins when they treat all employees as one Boeing,” Bryant continued. “The company hasn’t delivered a single new F-15 during this 13-week strike, and production delays are now rippling into the 777X program. It’s time for Boeing to end this strike, get our members back to work, and live up to the values they claim to be rebuilding.”
The union says it remains committed to good faith negotiations. On Monday, IAM presented a modified contract proposal with concessions on 401(k) improvements aiming toward an agreement; however, Boeing rejected this offer without making a counterproposal. In response, IAM filed a second Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing over alleged refusal to bargain in good faith.
The extended strike has drawn attention from Congress as well; sixteen bipartisan House Armed Services Committee members recently urged Boeing management to negotiate earnestly due to concerns over delivery delays and national security risks.
IAM represents around 600,000 active and retired workers across several industries—including aerospace—in both the United States and Canada.
