07:36 AM EDT, 08/22/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Boeing ( BA ) defended a contract proposal rejected by 3,200 striking Boeing Defense workers at its St. Louis plant, with local executive Dan Gillian saying the company's offer was "strong," Reuters reported Thursday.

The strike, which began Aug. 4, has halted production of F-15 and F/A-18 fighters. On Thursday, top officials from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and Democratic Congressman Wesley Bell joined striking workers outside the Boeing ( BA ) facility.

Boeing's ( BA ) proposal includes a 20% general wage increase, a $5,000 ratification bonus, and expanded sick leave and vacation time.

"Our offer was strong then and is strong now with an average of 40% wage growth," Gillian said Thursday, according to the Reuters report.

There currently is no plan to resume negotiations, the report said, citing officials from both sides.

Boeing ( BA ) did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires.

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