BERKELEY, Mo. – The Boeing strike in St. Louis is still drawing national attention as hundreds of workers remain off the job. For the first time since the walk-out began, Boeing leaders faced questions about the dispute.

“What I want most for our 3,200 representatives to come back to work and be back at work,” Dan Gillian, Boeing’s vice president and general manager of air dominance, said.

One month into the regional Boeing strike, things are intensifying as workers stand in solidarity outside the aerospace giant’s Berkeley facility.

“It’s the percentages compared to our brothers in Seattle. It’s our 401(k) being worse than them; our vacation being worse; time to progress to the top of the scale being worse,” Matthew Paronish said. “…We are kind of like the stepchild of Boeing. We’re always treated as second rate despite doing first-class work.”

For the first time since the works stoppage began, Boeing leadership made themselves available to answer questions.

“To understand what our offer means to them and their families. An average of 40% wage growth across the four years, more vacation time, more sick time, and 33% faster through progression from the bottom of the pay scale to the top,” Gillian said. “And if accept ed, our offer over the next four years would move the amount of people at max rates by more than double.”

In response, leadership with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 released a statement saying the strike is about much more than minor adjustments.

Our members are proud to build the F-15, the F/A-18, and cutting-edge missile and defense technologies that keep our nation safe. Many are veterans and second- or third-generation Boeing workers who take pride in the work they do every day. But pride doesn’t take care of their families. Our members have spoken, and they want a fair contract reflecting their skillsets and production at Boeing Defense.

The members have the final say in what they accept or reject, and they responded loud and clear with their overwhelming vote. Our members are the ones who decide their future, not the company, not politicians, not IAM Union leadership, not anyone else.

Our members at Boeing are standing together for more than just ‘minor adjustments.’ They want fair pay increases, faster wage progression and an increased ratification bonus. They’re fighting for work-life balance. They’re fighting for dignity. And they’re fighting for all working people in St. Louis and beyond.

-Tom Boelling, District 837 president and directing business representative

“Right now, it’s in the company’s hands. They gotta negotiate, they gotta be willing to come back and give us a better deal,” Steve Schaefer said. “They can act like they don't have the money but, in reality, we know they do.”

Negotiations between Boeing and union leaders are ongoing. There's no word when the two sides will return to the bargaining table.