Strike standoff | Boeing replacement plan escalates strike standoff in St. Louis

Boeing is controversially preparing to replace striking machinists in St. Louis with new permanent employees, intensifying a contract dispute that union leaders say should be resolved at the bargaining table.

Boeing Defense Vice President Dan Gillian told employees: "Today, we’re starting the process to hire permanent replacement workers for manufacturing roles. This will ensure we’re properly staffed to keep supporting our customers."

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents 3,200 members in District 837, has been on strike since August 4. Workers voted 67% to reject the company’s latest four-year proposal.

IAM International President Brian Bryant said Boeing was "doubling down on its mismanagement by saying it plans to hire replacement workers to build military aircraft and equipment, instead of negotiating with their dedicated, generational and skilled workforce."