Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), responded on September 23, 2025, to Boeing Defense’s recent statements regarding a union proposal. The dispute centers on IAM District 837’s membership-ratified proposal, which Boeing has described as “not real.”
“Boeing’s attempt to dismiss the IAM District 837 membership-ratified proposal, overwhelmingly approved by the striking men and women on the shop floor, as ‘not real’ is both insulting and dishonest,” Bennett said.
According to Bennett, Boeing has received both an email and a hard copy of the union’s ratified proposal along with requests for meeting dates and times.
“What’s not real is Boeing’s claim that it values its workforce while refusing to recognize the will of the very people who give their blood, sweat, and tears to produce the finest planes and other defense equipment that keep our nation and men and women in uniform safe,” Bennett stated.
The statement highlighted that members of IAM District 837 are currently risking their livelihoods during ongoing contract negotiations. The union contends that its members have made significant sacrifices through long shifts and demanding work conditions.
“IAM District 837 members risk their livelihoods and their families’ security to get a fair contract. Our members have sacrificed through long shifts, relentless pressure, and constant demands for efficiency and excellence. They are why Boeing has a product to sell, a reputation to defend, and profits to claim,” Bennett added.
“To call our members’ ratified proposal ‘not real’ is disrespectful to every worker who has stood on the line, kept production moving, and made this company what it is,” he continued.
Bennett also accused Boeing of spreading misinformation about the negotiations: “Boeing cannot wish it away with a press release filled with lies.”
He called for renewed negotiations between both parties: “It’s time the company stopped playing games with the livelihoods of the very people who make its success possible and come back to the table in good faith.”
“The men and women of IAM will not be silenced or dismissed,” Bennett said. “It is our goal to reach a swift agreement so that our members can return to the workplace with a stronger voice, respect, and dignity.”
“As we continue to say, the ball is in Boeing’s court.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in sectors such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railways, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing among others.
