Boeing defense workers at the St. Louis plant voted on Thursday, November 13, 2025, to accept a new contract that could bring an end to the strike that began on August 4. The vote involved roughly 3,200 employees, the largest IAM District 837 strike since 1996, and the outcome will determine whether production of the F‑15 Eagle, F/A‑18 Super Hornet, T‑7 Red Hawk, and MQ‑25 Stingray can resume.
The new agreement offers a 24 % wage increase spread over five years and a $6,000 ratification bonus paid upfront. Earlier offers had a more fragmented bonus structure—$3,000 signing cash, $3,000 in restricted stock, and a $1,000 retention bonus in year four—which the union rejected. The simplified $6,000 cash bonus replaces those components and is intended to provide immediate financial relief to workers while securing a higher overall wage increase.
The strike has halted production of the F‑15 and other key defense programs, accounting for about 30 % of Boeing’s defense unit sales. Boeing’s defense, space and security division reported $6.9 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2025, a 25 % year‑over‑year gain, but the backlog of defense orders has climbed to $76 billion. A ratified contract would allow workers to return to the shop as early as Sunday, November 16, potentially clearing the backlog and restoring delivery schedules for U.S. and allied customers.
Boeing’s president of Defense, Space and Security, Steve Parker, said the company is “focused on getting everyone back to work” and highlighted the $6,000 bonus as a key incentive. Union leaders emphasized that the new offer addresses long‑standing concerns about wage growth and job security, noting that the 24 % increase is the most substantial in the company’s history for this workforce. The agreement also guarantees that all IAM 837 members will be returned to work if the offer is ratified, a provision that was not available in earlier proposals.
The resolution of the strike is a critical milestone for Boeing’s defense business. A return to full production would reduce the backlog, improve delivery reliability, and support the company’s broader strategy to grow its defense portfolio amid heightened demand for advanced aircraft. The outcome also signals to the defense community that Boeing is committed to maintaining a skilled workforce, which is essential for meeting the U.S. government’s long‑term procurement plans.
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