Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2025, alongside a $76 billion defense backlog and a return to positive cash flow for the first time since 2023. These results were announced as more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike in St. Louis, seeking a new contract.
IAM District 837 members are responsible for building and supporting several key defense programs, including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the future F-47 fighter jet. These programs are considered important for U.S. and allied defense capabilities. The ongoing strike has led to public acknowledgment by the U.S. Air Force that deliveries of the F-15EX have been delayed.
During Boeing’s third-quarter earnings call, company executives discussed the ongoing strike and outlined contingency plans to address its effects, while also mentioning efforts to build a new company culture.
“Boeing’s so-called contingency plan is failing because they can’t replace the skill, precision, and experience of IAM Union members in St. Louis who have spent their careers building the world’s most advanced military products,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “If Boeing is serious about culture change and rebuilding its brand, it starts with respecting the people who make its success possible — not trying to sideline them. Investors must also take into account Boeing’s continued failure to manage labor relations responsibly. The company’s refusal to engage in fair bargaining is not only hurting workers and national defense programs — it’s a risk to Boeing’s long-term stability, reputation, and credibility.”
Boeing also indicated that it plans significant future investments in its St. Louis operations, following its recent contract win for production of the F-47 fighter jet. IAM leadership attributes this success to the skills and dedication of its members.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
IAM members at Boeing’s commercial aviation facilities nationwide continue to deliver aircraft that are considered central to Boeing’s recovery and ongoing success.
“Boeing’s executives can talk about transformation all they want, but the real transformation begins when they treat all employees as one Boeing,” Bryant continued. “The company hasn’t delivered a single new F-15 during this 13-week strike, and production delays are now rippling into the 777X program. It’s time for Boeing to end this strike, get our members back to work, and live up to the values they claim to be rebuilding.”
Negotiations between IAM and Boeing are ongoing. On Monday, IAM submitted a modified contract proposal with concessions on 401(k) improvements in an attempt to reach an agreement. Boeing rejected this proposal without offering a counterproposal. As a result, IAM filed a second Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing for allegedly refusing to bargain in good faith.
The work stoppage has attracted attention from lawmakers. Sixteen bipartisan members of the House Armed Services Committee recently urged Boeing to negotiate in good faith due to concerns that continued delays could impact national security.
IAM represents around 600,000 active and retired members across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit, healthcare, automotive, and others.
