Boeing Defence Workers Strike Amidst Ongoing Challenges for Aviation Giant

Wed Oct 22 2025 11:05:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Over 3,200 Boeing defence employees initiate strike following rejection of the company's latest offer, highlighting labor issues amid ongoing corporate struggles.

A significant strike has erupted at Boeing as over 3,200 defence workers protest for better pay and working conditions. This action could further complicate the corporation's efforts to recover from serious operational setbacks, including recent crises that have marred its reputation.

More than 3,200 Boeing defence workers commenced a strike on Monday, marking a significant challenge for the aviation giant. The strike involves union members from operations in Missouri and Illinois, who assemble F-15 fighter jets and other military aircraft, reacting against Boeing's recent compensation proposals related to pay, work schedules, and pension plans.

"We're disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth," remarked Dan Gillian, Vice President of Boeing's Air Dominance unit. The company has been grappling with operational hurdles following a series of safety crises, including a lengthy strike by passenger plane workers last year that persisted for nearly eight weeks.

The walkout is spearheaded by a local branch of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), based in St. Louis—the heart of Boeing's defence manufacturing. "3,200 highly-skilled IAM Union members at Boeing went on strike at midnight because enough is enough. This is about respect and dignity, not empty promises," stated the union on social media platform X.

IAM is one of the largest unions in the United States, representing approximately 600,000 workers across the aerospace, defence, shipbuilding, and manufacturing sectors. This marks the first strike at Boeing's defence operations since 1996, which lasted over three months.

Despite the disruptions, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has downplayed the potential ramifications of this strike, suggesting it would have less impact than last year's strike involving 30,000 passenger jet workers that cost the company billions. “I wouldn't worry too much about the implications of the strike. We’ll manage our way through that,” Ortberg stated.

Boeing's recent history includes a string of crises, notably two fatal crashes and a mid-air incident involving a malfunctioning component on a 737 Max. In 2018, a Boeing 737 crash in Indonesia killed all 189 passengers, followed shortly by another lethal incident in Ethiopia, which claimed 157 lives. Last year, Boeing delivered just 348 aircraft, the lowest figure since the onset of the pandemic. The company's future remains uncertain as workers assert their demands, emphasizing the need for respect and fair treatment amidst ongoing challenges.