The walkout began on August 4, 2025, when about 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 went on strike after rejecting Boeing’s contract offer. On October 1, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) sent a letter to Boeing Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg calling on the company to settle with workers. Union deadlockIAM members rejected Boeing contract proposals in August and September. Union members continue picketing outside Boeing facilities in St. Louis, while production of several defense programs has slowed or halted. The strike is now well into its third month, marking one of the longest labor disputes at Boeing’s defense operations in years.