The workers build F-15 and F-18 aircraft as well as other military equipment like drones and missiles. A strike at the Boeing plants is expected to significantly effect Boeing and also supply chains to the U.S. military.

The union is demanding pay increases to keep up with rapidly rising costs, and to keep retirement plans in effect, as well as to get rid of a two-tier system for Boeing workers which is currently in place. They say that over the last seven years, workers at the bottom of the pay scale received only 6% in pay increases, and workers at the top of the scale have seen no raise at all despite skyrocketing inflation and cost of living.

IAM released a statement that said in part, “It is the bravest decision a union member can ever make to go on strike, putting their family and loved ones at risk. We do not make this decision lightly or in haste, but do so in order to stand up for working people around the globe and fight for the contract we deserve.”

Unless a deal is reached in the next three days, IAM members at Boeing will be on strike.

#StLouisMO #StLouis #Boeing #InternationalAssociationOfMachinistsAndAerospaceWorkersIAM

13 people were arrested on the first day trying to occupy Compton Hill Reservoir Park. Police armed with batons attacked the Occupiers, causing several injuries. Protesters were initially threatened with felony charges, which were later dropped. Then on March 17, Occupy Wall Street protesters rallied against home foreclosures in front of the Wells Fargo Corporate Center, one of the big bailout banks. Unfazed by the previous day’s police violence, the protest then merged into the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Saint Louis chanting, “Banks got bailed out, we got sold out!”

Much of the weekend's agenda focused on the upcoming NATO/G8 protest against war makers and bankers in Chicago. Occupy Chicago, as well as organizers from the Coalition Against NATO/G8 gave presentations about the causes of war and poverty and facilitated discussions on building for the protests across the Midwest. Cities from around the country are organizing buses to Chicago for the May 20 day of action.

“We were excited to connect with organizers from around the country that are a part of the same movement against corporate domination and war,” said Danielle Meyer of Occupy Milwaukee, “We want to coordinate Occupy further and develop plans for future connected actions throughout the Midwest.”

#StLouisMO #OccupyWallStreet #NATOG8Summit2012