Updated Contract Information

August 16, 2022 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Below we’ve listed some items that have been completed for the new Contract. The $8000 signing bonus will be given as a separate check on September 8, 2022.  For those wishing to defer all or a portion of the bonus to your 401k, a one-week window will be available August 26 – September 1st for you to make your election if you so choose. Rate increases for those employees under new rate minimum. COLA fold-in for all employees. $2 increase for all employees. Adjustment of the second shift differential to $1. Team Lead […]

Contract Vote Information

August 2, 2022 Dear Brothers and Sisters, There will be “1” vote tomorrow which is to either Accept or Reject.  If it is accepted, we go back to work.  If it is rejected, then the strike will begin at 12:01am Thursday, August 4th. Here is the work schedule for Wednesday, August 3rd:• 3rd shift – Business as usual.• 2nd shift – Business as usual.• 1st shift – Come in as normal, clock out to go vote, then either return to work or go home, or an “O” day, vacation, or sick day. The “Contract” vote will be held at: The Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, Saint Charles, MO  63303 Doors open at 9am and meeting starts promptly at 10am! […]

2,500 St. Louis Machinists Union Members to Strike Boeing Aug. 1 

Nearly 2,500 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have voted to strike the Boeing Co. in St. Louis. IAM District 837, which represents workers at three Boeing Defense locations, released the following statement regarding the rejection of the company’s offer: “Our members have spoken loudly and with one voice. We reject Boeing’s current contract offer and will strike at all three St. Louis area locations, starting at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022. We cannot accept a contract that is not fair and equitable, as this company continues to make billions of dollars each year off the […]

Bargaining Committee Stands Firm on Recommendation to Reject New Boeing Offer

July 22, 2022 Jody Bennett and Tom Boelling International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Chief of Staff and President-Directing Business Representative of District Lodge 837 Dear Messrs. Bennett and Boelling: The company presents the following modifications to the offer presented to you on July 15, 2022 as follows:  Year 1 Wage adjustment of $2/Hr for all employees (average increase of 7.2%)  Year 2 GWI increase from 3% to 4%  Auto Wage Progression increased from $.50 to $.65  $1,000 Cash Ratification Bonus if contract ratified on July 24, 2022  100% match on the first 10% […]

Contract Vote Reminder

Dear Brothers and Sisters, In preparation for the upcoming contract vote this Sunday July 24th, we want the membership to understand why we recommend rejecting the Company’s “best and final offer”. The Company’s initial proposals were rock bottom and borderline insulting.  After weeks of bargaining and hard work from your Negotiating Committee, the Company’s last offer still falls short of what you deserve! Your Negotiating Committee proposed GWI’s (general wage increase), Wage progression, and Retirement gains that reflect a fair and equitable contract. The company has offered subpar GWI’s, no change in wage progression, and take aways in the 401k. […]

District 837 Recommends Rejection of Boeing Defense Labor Contract in St. Louis, Setting Stage for Potential Strike

Nearly 2,500 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 working at three separate Boeing defense locations in the St. Louis area could be forced to strike following a Sunday, July 24 membership vote on the “last, best, and final” contract offer from the Boeing Co. The major areas of contention are wage increases, auto progression rates, and 401(k) gains. The contract is set to expire on Monday, July 25 at 12:01 a.m. CT. A seven-day waiting period stipulated in the current contract means IAM members would begin picketing on Monday, Aug. 1, if they […]

District 837 Kicks Off Critical Negotiations with Boeing Defense

Approximately 2,500 members of IAM District 837 opened contract negotiations on July 6, 2022, with Boeing Defense. IAM members are spread throughout Boeing facilities in St. Charles, MO, St. Louis, and Mascoutah, IL. These highly skilled members fabricate, assemble and build some of the world’s most advanced military and passenger aircraft and missiles. The negotiating team will be discussing wages, healthcare, retirement, job, and income security. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these workers were declared essential and did their part to protect this country. “Our goal is to emerge from these talks with a contract that is both fair and equitable,” […]

Strike Duties SpeedFact

SIGN UP FOR STRIKE DUTIES Dear Brothers and Sisters, The expiration of the current contract is rapidly approaching. Your Bargaining Committee has been formulating our Union proposals and negotiations are underway.          While it is still too early to tell how the final proposal will look, we are preparing for the worst. It takes many weeks of preparation to ensure that picket lines are properly staffed, the various committees (Security, Check-in, etc…) are identified, and everyone knows the procedures that will be used in the event that the Company forces us to reject their contract offer. The Strike Committee is […]

Boeing Strike Sanction SpeedFact

Strike Sanction Vote Participation June 27, 2022 Dear Brothers and Sisters, The “Strike Sanction” vote that was held on Saturday, June 25th was a HUGE success!!  Your votes returned a 99% “strike approval” which is outstanding. It was great seeing you all there and to witness what true Union solidarity looks like.  Your dedication shows the Company and our Community, without a doubt, the strength of being a Union member!!! With that said, your participation in the upcoming “Contract” vote on Sunday, July 24th will be even more important, so we ask that you please plan on being there.  We […]

SpeedFacts Boeing Strike Strike Sanction Vote

    Strike Sanction Vote Meeting is…Saturday, June 25, 2022            When is the Strike Sanction Meeting?                The strike sanction vote will be on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at       “The Family Arena” located at: 2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles, MO 63303 “ENTER THROUGH GATE 2” Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. and the meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. ALL SHOP STEWARDS, SAFETY & ASSIGNED COMMITTEE WORKERS WILL REPORT AT 8AM!!! Do we get excused from work to attend the Strike Sanction Meeting? The Company has verbally committed to NO mandatory OT on Saturday, June 25th to […]

Boeing Contract SpeedFact

Brothers and Sisters, As we finish the first few days of non-economics, we have made progress in Job Specs and Contract Language. However, we have a long way to go in securing an acceptable contract. Stay united in the fight for our contract and our future. The Strike Sanction vote is next Saturday at the Family Arena. I cannot stress enough the importance of this vote! We need all our members in attendance to send a strong united message to the company. If you have not received a text blast as of yesterday, please fill out another card. Strike Sanction […]

Boeing Contract Update

May 25, 2022 Dear Brothers and Sisters, The “Bargaining Committee” will be finishing our “Non-Economic” proposals this Friday, May 27th in preparation for the start of “Non-Economic” bargaining with the Company on June 14th. In addition, the “Bargaining Committee” will start meeting again in the next couple of weeks to put together our “Economic” proposals for the Company.  We have received the results of the last survey and based on those survey’s; the membership’s focus has not changed on what it will take to get an “ACCEPTED” contract.  We appreciate ALL of your suggestions and comments concerning the contract.  As […]

Boeing Contract Informational Meeting

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Your Bargaining Committee has scheduled the following “Informational Meetings” for Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 7:00am, 1:00pm and 3:15pm to be held at the Union Hall, 212 Utz Ln Hazelwood, MO 63042.  We are currently working on Non-Economic (contract language) issues and will go over some of our proposals and explain their significance. We will also touch on what takes place in the event of a “work stoppage” (strike) and the process that makes it work, which is YOU!!! Finally, please take time to fill out and turn in the latest survey (it matters!!). Fraternally, Tom […]

GKN Speed Facts

Dear GKN Brothers and Sisters, The Union recently made a request of GKN Aerospace to allow those of our members wishing to leave work early on December 23, 2021, to waive the charging of attendance points on this day.  The Company responded to the Union’s request with a firm “no”, they would not be able to meet the Union’s request at this time. It is disappointing to the Union that the Company refused to accommodate this modest request during the holiday season as you have diligently reported to work throughout the ongoing pandemic. District offices will be closed December 24, […]

Boeing Speed Facts

Dear Brothers and Sisters, The Company has agreed to allow employees to leave early from work on Thursday,  December 23, 2021, without any charge to your attendance; provided you arrive at work on time and remain at work for at least four (4) hours.  All other absences will be counted as usual under the Attendance Policy. District offices will be closed December 24, 2021, through January 3, 2022, returning to business as usual, Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Enjoy you Union negotiated holiday break with family and friends and please be safe. On behalf of your Business Representatives, Plant Chairmen, and […]

Boeing Speed Fact

Dear Brothers and Sisters:                                                                                            November 15, 2021      The Union and Company met again on Friday 11/12/2021 to discuss the vaccine mandate and the effects it will have on our membership. As I have said all along this is a fluid situation and changes/updates are continuously being made by the administration and the Company. We feel some of the changes made are a positive step to keep our membership employed and safe while we work through this process. We are hearing of members who received their accommodations and are hopeful everyone who has requested an accommodation is approved. We […]

Boeing SpeedFact

Dear Brothers and Sisters:                                          November 01, 2021      These have certainly been some of the toughest times for our members, as we have all been impacted by the COVID pandemic. First and foremost, we are continuing to engage in effects bargaining with The Boeing Company. We are not close to reaching an agreement and will continue to schedule meetings in the future. It is important for us to communicate today, as we understand the anxiety and stress this vaccine mandate has caused for our members. We want to encourage members that are considering submission of a medical or religious exemption […]

Boeing SpeedFact

Boeing Brothers and Sisters, The Union was notified by Boeing over the weekend of a flier circulating on the shop floor regarding a possible work stoppage that would take place this week by some of our members in protest of the recent vaccine mandate.  I want to be very clear in my message, the Union strongly encourages the membership Not to Participate in this activity.  By interception of this flier, the Company has been made aware of the intent of those who participate.  Article 20 Section 1 of the collective bargaining agreement states: A. There shall be no slowdowns, picketing, […]

Boeing Speed Fact

Brothers and Sisters, We were officially notified yesterday (October 12, 2021) that Boeing would be moving forward with a vaccine mandate in line with Executive Order 14042 and President’s Biden’s COVID-19 action plan. The Company announced they will require all U.S. based Boeing employees to either show proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have an approved reasonable accommodation (based on a medical or religious belief) in place by Dec. 8, 2021. This morning we demanded to bargain the effects of this decision. The Executive Order includes the ability to request religious and medical exemptions for those unable or […]

GKN Speed Facts

GKN Brothers and Sisters, DISTRICT PICNIC: The IAM District 837 picnic will be held on Saturday, September 18, from 11am – 5pm in the park at the union hall, 212 Utz Lane, Hazelwood, MO  63042.  Beverages will be served (for beer – must be 21 and have ID) and food will be served from 12pm till 3pm.  There will be many activities including coed washers and bags tournaments,  a dunking booth benefiting Guide Dogs of America and kid’s activities.  This is a great family friendly event with pony rides, petting zoo, arm painting, balloon twister and bounce house.  Members can […]

Boeing Speed Facts

Boeing Brothers and Sisters, CONTRACT SURVEY: The first contract survey was distributed throughout the shop this month and you; the membership did an excellent job of expressing to your bargaining committee the issues that are important to you.  So, what happens next?  When the survey results are completed your bargaining committee will use those results to formulate a strategy that will provide the opportunity to meet your contract expectations during negotiations.  If you have not returned your survey, they must be returned to your shop steward or plant chairman by Friday, September 3, 2021. With less than 11 months before […]

Boeing Contact Update as of August 3, 2021

Recently, your Negotiating Committee completed their week-long Bargaining class in preparation for the Boeing contract negotiations that will happen next year. A major takeaway from this training is the importance of the role you, the membership, will play throughout the coming year. Your negotiating committee can only be as effective at the table as the membership’s solidarity is on the shop floor. We know that a majority of the membership have never been through a Boeing contact negotiation in St. Louis and therefore many may not know how the bargaining process is accomplished. Over the next year, your negotiating committee, […]

GKN SpeedFacts

I.A.M.A.W. DISTRICT 837212 UTZ LANEHAZELWOOD, MO 63042(314) 731-0603 January 19, 2021 Sisters and Brothers,Your IAM Local 387 bargaining committee has been working hard to secure a contract offer from GKN Aerospace that meets the demands of our members. On Friday, the Company was not prepared to provide a final offer and requested more time to address the union’s proposals. Both parties agreed to a contract extension until midnight February 21, 2021 in order to continue working toward a successful agreement. If there is continued progress from the Company, your bargaining committee believes it’s better to bargain at the table rather […]

GKN SpeedFacts

I.A.M.A.W. DISTRICT 837212 UTZ LANEHAZELWOOD, MO 63042(314) 731-0603 January 08, 2021 SIGN UP FOR STRIKE DUTIES Dear Brothers and Sisters, The expiration of the current contract is rapidly approaching. Your Bargaining Committee has been formulating our Union proposals and negotiations are underway. Thank you for your continued support. The Bargaining Committee fully recognizes the fact that it is the solidarity and support from each of you that enables a successful completion to the negotiating process. Must return by Friday, January 15, 2021. If not returned by 01/15/21, you will be assigned appropriately. Name___________________________________ Building # _ Clock Number _Address________________________________ City […]

Boeing Speed Facts

Most Essential Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters, As our communities and our states begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Boeing decided to make the wearing of face masks in the workplace a requirement across the enterprise beginning, June 15, 2020. I encourage all members to adhere to this policy and use common sense, social distancing practices. Please address any safety concerns you may have with your manager and union representative. For over two months IAM 837 members have continued to come to work as designated “essential workers”, making a profit for the Boeing Company during […]

GKN Speed Facts

Back To Business Tuesday, June 9, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Last week during a (3) hour conference call with GKN leadership, the Union discussed many topics. One was the continued efforts to keep employees safe despite political decisions to open up our state for business. We encouraged continual cleaning practices, access to sufficient safety supplies, and improved communication about COVID-19 related incidences in the shop. We discussed current grievances and the need to select arbitrators on multiple grievances where we are unable to reach an agreement. As a result of the pandemic, all arbitrations have been postponed until it […]

GKN Upcoming Negotiations

Dear Brothers and Sisters, COVID-19 pandemic has changed our workplace forever. While GKN has made strides in keeping IAM members safe, the implementation of safety practices, supplies, and policies has been chaotic. Frankly, we have elements of management who still can’t even adhere to the most basic contract language, much less treat IAM members with the respect they deserve. In only 6 months, we will begin negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement with the company. The experience of a worldwide pandemic has revealed many more contract issues that will need to be addressed. Now is the time all of […]

Boeing Safety, Seniority and Charity

Thursday, May 21, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters, The company has introduced numerous additional safety guidelines around the requirements to wear a mask while at work. I have urged the company to use common sense in its enforcement. Managers must involve your union representative over issues arising due to the mask-wearing policy. At this time, there is no end date for this requirement. Another safety requirement implemented at the guidance of St. Louis County Health, is the requirement that all employees check their temperature before arriving at work. Since this action is  considered work-related, I have secured an agreement with […]

Essential Worker SpeedFact

         Dear “Essential” Machinist Member, As you have witnessed, the Worldwide Pandemic we have endured the last 2 months has changed our workplace safety practices.  We now live in a very different world that requires each one of us to adopt new safety measures as we move forward.  While some of these changes may seem challenging, a safe work environment is what we are expecting from the company.   Being designated as “essential employees” during this pandemic I have continually pressed the Company to recognize the dangers of exposure to my members.   I continue to appeal for hazard pay, appreciation […]

(GKN)Safety First

Dear “Essential” Machinist Member, We continue to see progress being made with regard to the company providing adequate safety supplies, however, your union continues to press for more improvements. I am frustrated by the company’s refusal to relax attendance and LOA guidelines and its practice of forcing employees to quarantine without pay or forced to use available PTO. Common sense dictates that employees should not have to choose between potentially exposing coworkers and getting a paycheck. It ‘s already stressful enough to be forced to be working in a potentially unsafe environment because of strict attendance and LOA rules. The […]

Emotions Run High

Dear Brothers and Sisters, With every day that goes by it seems the world changes before our eyes. Right in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, District 837 members must still go to work. On one hand we still have the opportunity to earn a paycheck, while on the other is the need to be safe and the fear of contracting a potentially fatal virus. Never before have we faced such a stressful dilemma. This pandemic has raised known and unknown issues of safety and company policy that need to be addressed and/or negotiated. While both companies portray an image […]