Boeing to hire permanent replacements as St. Louis strike enters second month

Boeing says it will begin hiring permanent replacement workers at its defense factories in Missouri and Illinois, where about 3,200 union members have been on strike for more than a month. The decision underscores the deep divide between the company and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers after employees twice rejected contract proposals by Boeing. 

The strike began on August 4, 2025, when IAM District 837 workers walked out of Boeing plants in Berkeley and St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois. The facilities produce F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, the T-7A Red Hawk trainer, and advanced weapons systems for the U.S. military.

Boeing continues to describe its offer as a generous package for workers. On a page created for IAM 837 employees, the company said its “last, best and final” proposal would boost wages by an average of up to 40 percent over four years, with yearly raises, quicker advancement to top pay, and added opportunities for progression. 

The company said about 78 percent of workers still moving up the pay scale could see raises above the 40 percent average. Those already at the top rate would see smaller increases of around 16 percent, plus lump-sum payments in the second and third years.

The company highlighted improvements to time off, health care, and retirement benefits as further evidence of the strength of its proposal. On its website, Boeing said that it was now proceeding with permanent replacement hires to ensure it could continue meeting customer commitments. “Once these new manufacturing employees are hired, they will undergo the same training and certifications that we require of all our teammates,” the company emphasized. 

Union leaders have pushed back, arguing that Boeing has not addressed core issues of fairness across the workforce. One point of contention has been the company’s decision to remove a $5,000 signing bonus that was part of its initial proposal.  

District 837 President Tom Boelling told Manufacturing Dive that Boeing’s move to begin hiring replacements was intended to divide workers rather than solve the dispute. “Our members at Boeing are standing together for more than just ‘minor adjustments,’” Boelling said. “They want fair pay increases, faster wage progression and an increased ratification bonus. They’re fighting for work-life balance. They’re fighting for dignity. And they’re fighting for all working people in St. Louis and beyond.”

Rank-and-file members echoed those concerns in interviews with local news outlets. Speaking to St. Louis Public Radio, Boeing quality specialist Freddie Stover said he was not concerned about the company’s ability to replace skilled workers. “We’re not worried about them trying to hire 3,200 people to replace us,” he said. “Who’s going to train them?” Another striking employee, mechanic Manson Graves, raised safety concerns, calling the idea of bringing in inexperienced workers “dangerous.” 

So far, there has been little movement toward a resolution. Boeing and IAM negotiators have not met since August 25, and both sides appear to be digging in for a long battle. Boeing insists it won’t alter the key terms of its offer, while the union argues the company needs to do more to improve worker pay and job security.

The strike threatens to disrupt a key business line for Boeing, whose defense unit generated about $23 billion in revenue last year, accounting for roughly a third of the company’s total sales. While Boeing says non-striking employees continue to build, test, and deliver products, the longer the walkout lasts, the greater the risk to major defense programs and delivery schedules. 

For now, the two sides remain locked in a standoff. With Boeing moving to staff its production lines with permanent replacements and union members showing no signs of backing down, the labor battle in St. Louis is shaping up to be one of the most bitter the company has faced in decades. 

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