Union members on strike in the St. Louis area pushed back Friday against the company’s plan to hire permanent replacement workers, calling it both unrealistic and unsafe. The 3,200 machinists, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837, build fighter jets and other military equipment at Boeing plants in Berkeley, St. Charles, and Mascoutah. Workers argue that replacing them with unskilled labor would put production quality and safety at risk, while also serving as a union-busting tactic instead of bargaining in good faith. Negotiations have been stalled since late August, with Boeing insisting its rejected contract offer—including wage growth averaging 40%—remains strong, even after the removal of a $5,000 ratification bonus.
See "Boeing hiring replacement workers is ‘dangerous,’ striking union members say", Olivia Mizelle, St. Louis Public Radio, September 5, 2025