Boeing to Hire New Workers Amid Ongoing U.S. Union Strike

Boeing announced Thursday that it has begun recruiting “permanent” manufacturing employees to replace striking union staff in the United States.

The aerospace giant is advertising job openings and will hold a job fair on September 16, according to an email from Boeing Vice President Dan Gillian, seen by AFP.

Around 3,200 workers in Missouri and Illinois walked out on August 4 after rejecting a proposed contract.

Gillian noted that Boeing has continued its pace of deliveries and product development testing since the strike began but said the company was now advancing to the “next step in our contingency plan” due to stalled talks.

“We have consistently communicated we are willing to consider changes to our best and final offer that are within the current economic framework,” Gillian wrote. “Unfortunately, the union continues to demand more of everything while also saying it has no control over what it will take to end the strike, driving the parties further apart.”

The International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Earlier Thursday, however, the union wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Boeing says they won’t do any better. IAM members in Saint Louis say we won’t accept that.” The union added it was seeking more than “minor adjustments” to wages and benefits.