A strike is looming for Boeing’s F-47 fighter jet production in St. Louis, as more than 3,200 union workers, represented by IAM Local 837, rejected a contract offer.
The rejected contract included a 20 percent wage increase over four years and a $5,000 bonus, but union members deemed it insufficient.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor performs an aerial demonstration during Aviation Nation 2025 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 5, 2025. Aviation Nation is an airshow held at Nellis Air Force Base, showcasing the pride, precision and capabilities of the U.S. Air Force through aerial demonstrations and static displays. The F-22 Raptor performed there to highlight its unmatched agility and air dominance as part of the Air Force’s efforts to inspire, recruit and connect with the public. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin)
A seven-day cooling-off period is now in effect, meaning a strike could begin on August 4 if a new agreement isn’t reached. The potential strike could disrupt production of the F-47 NGAD, a next-generation fighter jet for the U.S. Air Force, and impact other defense programs.
Boeing and the Machinists Union will continue negotiations Thursday, according to a Boeing spokesperson.
Looming Strike For Boeing Workers Could Impact F-47 Fighter
Last year, 33,000 union members walked off the job, halting production in Boeing’s commercial factories in Renton and Everett, Washington.
From the time workers left in September to their return in November, Boeing lost at least $5.5 billion, according to an estimate from the consulting firm Anderson Economic Group.
This potential strike, however, in St. Louis would impact fewer workers and a smaller portion of Boeing’s inventory. “I wouldn’t worry too much about the implications of the strike. We’ll manage our way through that,” Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said.
Union leaders had called upon members to approve the offer, but the workers voted against it. Union members didn’t specify publicly what parts of the contract offer they disagreed with.
“We’re disappointed our employees voted down the richest contract offer we’ve ever presented to IAM 837, which addressed all their stated priorities. We’ve activated our contingency plan and are focused on preparing for a strike. No talks are scheduled with the union,” Boeing said in its released statement to the media.
The Machinists Union released a statement of its own after the vote.
U.S. Air Force Capt. Samuel “RaZZ” Larson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander, performs an aerial maneuver in preparation for the ongoing airshow season at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, July 9, 2024. Airshows play a crucial role in highlighting the importance of air power in modern warfare and help reinforce the deterrence capabilities of advanced fighter aircraft like the F-22 Raptor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mikaela Smith)
“IAM Union members delivered a clear message: the proposal from Boeing Defense fell short of addressing the priorities and sacrifices of the skilled IAM Union workforce. Our members are standing together to demand a contract that respects their work and ensures a secure future,” the union said.
“The IAM Union remains committed to achieving a fair contract that meets the needs of our members. The IAM Union looks forward to returning to the bargaining table with Boeing’s leadership to deliver meaningful improvements that support the well-being and livelihoods of IAM members and their families.”
How This Affects The Production Of The F-47:
The Boeing St. Louis plant is where the F-47 is being produced. And if the reports are correct that the union members overwhelmingly rejected the contract proposal, then contract talks could drag on for too long.
There is also the issue of whether the White House should get involved. After President Trump trumpeted the arrival of the F-47 program, he may decide to get involved to exert pressure on both sides to reach a deal. This is a national security issue, and both sides need to work together.
Speaking at the White House during the contract announcement, President Trump described the aircraft as unparalleled, stating, “No other plane in the world comes close. The generals chose the name F-47, a beautiful number.”
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. – F-22 Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing sit in position on the runway fduring the Elephant Walk at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Jan. 31, 2025. The surge was designed to showcase the wing’s operational readiness and its ability to rapidly mobilize airpower. The 1st FW operates F-22 Raptors and T-38 Talons, maintaining combat capabilities that enable the U.S. Air Force to execute missions across the globe. With a focus on air superiority, the 1st FW plays a critical role in defending the nation’s interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Matthew Coleman-Foster)
But if President Trump feels like the two sides are dragging their feet, it would not be out of the realm of possibility that he’d get involved.
Regardless of how short or how long a potential strike looms, the Pentagon has to be looking at Boeing and future contracts with a jaundiced eye. The F-47 is already under contract, and the future F/A-XX is another contract for which Boeing is interested in as well.
There will be questions about whether this delay and subsequent costs will be carried over to the F-47 contract. These national security projects are extremely sensitive, especially given the potential for a war with China.
F-47 Lockheed Photo. Image Credit: Lockheed Handout.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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Mike
August 1, 2025 at 11:28 am
The F-47 isn’t even in production yet. The only thing Boeing has made is a prototype of that aircraft, there is no production line, therefore the strike has no impact on that program at all.
John Waters
August 1, 2025 at 6:20 pm
Yeah this is poor reporting. The strike will have minimal impact at this phase.
Larry G Hunter Jr
August 1, 2025 at 6:54 pm
The reason the union rejected the contract offer was:
Frozen wages for those at top of scale for 2 out of the 4 years of the contract
Lack of true wage progression – (getting to top of scale within 10 years or less) now it takes between 18 – 20 to reach top of scale
Putting the pension increase split between years 2 and 3 with no wage increase those years.
Vacation tops out at 160 hours after 16 years of service, should get 40 more hours at 20 years.
Steven Williams
August 1, 2025 at 7:21 pm
Not a single job classification top of scale pay rate went up 20%. They froze top of scale for two years in this contract. Boeing contract is all smoke in mirrors. Don’t believe it.
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