Boeing, Machinists Set Monday Talks to End St. Louis Fighter-Jet Strike

Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers will restart contract negotiations on Monday, marking the first formal meeting since roughly 3,200 union members walked off the job at the company’s St. Louis-area defense factories on Aug. 4. The strike has halted assembly of F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets and entered its third week after workers rejected Boeing’s last proposal. That offer included a 20% general wage increase over four years, a $5,000 ratification bonus and additional vacation and sick leave. Union leaders say they want a package closer to the agreement ratified by Boeing’s Seattle-area commercial-jet workforce last November, which provided a 38% wage increase, higher retirement contributions and a signing bonus. IAM International President Brian Bryant said the union is prepared to negotiate but insists on a significantly richer deal for its defense members. Boeing’s top St. Louis executive, Dan Gillian, has defended the company’s latest offer, saying it would deliver “an average of 40% wage growth” when benefits are included and that contingency plans are limiting operational disruptions. Monday’s talks will test whether the two sides can bridge the gap and restart fighter-jet production critical to U.S. and overseas military customers.