ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – More than 3,200 striking Boeing defense workers voted on Thursday, November 13, 2025, to ratify a new five-year contract, bringing an end to a 101-day work stoppage that disrupted the production of critical military aircraft. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 are scheduled to return to work starting with the third shift on Sunday, November 16, 2025, according to statements from both the union and the company.

The strike, which began on August 4, 2025, was one of the longest in the company's recent history and affected Boeing's defense facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois. These plants are responsible for assembling the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets, the T-7A Red Hawk trainer, and the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refueler. The U.S. Air Force acknowledged in October that the strike would delay deliveries of the F-15EX.

Details of the New Agreement

After rejecting four previous offers from the aerospace giant, the union members approved the new deal, which includes a significant wage increase and a one-time payment. The ratified five-year agreement provides a 24% wage hike over the life of the contract and a $6,000 upfront signing bonus. This final offer increased the immediate cash payment from a previous proposal of $3,000, which had also included restricted stock units that were removed in the approved version.

“We're proud of what our members have fought for together and are ready to get back to building the world's most advanced military aircraft,” IAM District 837 said in a statement released on Thursday. Boeing echoed the sentiment, stating, “We’re pleased with the results and look forward to bringing our full team back together on Nov. 17 to support our customers.”

A Contentious Negotiation

The path to the agreement was fraught with tension. Negotiations broke down over disagreements on pay and retirement benefits. Throughout the strike, the union argued that Boeing's offers did not adequately compensate the highly skilled workforce responsible for national security hardware. At one point, the union filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge against the company, alleging bad faith in negotiations. The dispute also drew the attention of U.S. lawmakers, with members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees urging Boeing to negotiate in good faith to end the standoff.

Boeing, for its part, maintained that its offers were competitive and went beyond the Midwest's cost of living. During the stoppage, the company took the step of hiring non-union replacement workers to continue operations, a move that further strained relations.

Global and Regional Context

While the strike's direct impact on Kenya and the East Africa region is minimal, the disruption highlights the vulnerabilities in the global defense and aerospace supply chain. Boeing's Defense, Space & Security division accounts for over a third of the company's revenue, and prolonged industrial action can have ripple effects on international military partners and the broader aviation sector.

For Kenya, the stability of major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing is significant. Kenya Airways (KQ) operates Boeing aircraft and has previously announced, then paused, plans to transition to an all-Boeing fleet. These plans have been hampered by global aircraft and parts shortages, issues exacerbated by production slowdowns, whether from labor disputes or other supply chain disruptions. In October 2025, KQ's CEO noted that the airline's efficiency drive was being affected by the scarcity of Boeing aircraft. Boeing maintains a presence in Africa with offices in South Africa and Ethiopia and has community and training partnerships in Kenya. The stability of its production lines is crucial for African carriers planning fleet expansions and modernization.

The resolution of the strike allows Boeing to begin stabilizing its defense production schedules. However, the lengthy dispute serves as a case study in the complex interplay between labor relations, national security, and the intricate global network that supports the aerospace industry.