Roughly 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) went on strike at Boeing Defense's St. Louis-area facilities on August 4 after rejecting the company's four-year contract offer. They assemble Boeing's F-15 and F/A-18 fighters, the T-7 trainer jet, munitions, and wing sections for the company's commercial 777X jet.

Bryant was among the union leaders who joined workers in picketing, along with Bell, whose congressional district includes many of the workers.

The offer rejected by St. Louis-area workers included a 20% general wage increase, a $5,000 ratification bonus and more vacation time and sick leave. At the time, Boeing said the bonus would not be offered again if that offer was rejected.