Biggest tax break ever not enough?

The politicos, and the community have all been singing the praises of the Boeing Co., and the scheduled building of the 777X airplane. While all the praising and singing has been going on, the state granted Boeing the largest tax and other rights give- away of public money in U.S. history — a very big financial gain to the Boeing. A company that snubbed Washington when it moved its headquarters to Chicago some years back.

Now it threatens to move more of its operations, yes, it has already moved part of its 787 Dreamliner to South Carolina and is saying it will move all of that operation. A line that has given them dismal production. Has the Washington taxpayer aided in supplementing Boeing’s losses in South Carolina? Now Boeing and the Washington community want more concessions from union members.

Boeing has gained wealth and greatness in the business world and the Puget Sound area, from not only good management, but being in an area that provides it with intelligent, productive and willing employees. Yes, the employees earn a good wage and benefit package, all earned through fair and timely negotiations through their union. But Boeing and the Washington politicos and seemingly much of our entire community want Boeing employees to give up more to the company that has already received the largest grant in U.S. history.

If the state can give out such a large amount to Boeing and all the leaders, then they should offer the union members something too… How about a reduction in their property tax? Maybe half off auto tabs? Free hunting and fishing licenses, half off all ferry rides no tolls on highways or bridges? After all, the 31,000 members asked to concede their earned benefits will provide much more to the state and local economy than those costs would add up to.

That’s a different look at a contract that only goes one way. Making Boeing bigger and richer.

No, I am not a Boeing employee, but yes, I am a retired union member (Teamster). If you take a good look at the history of international presidents (Wow!) you’ll see why the locals should run the locals and solve their own problems through their membership.

Bob Wilson

Granite Falls

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, March 28

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Initiative promoter Tim Eyman takes a selfie photo before the start of a session of Thurston County Superior Court, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Olympia, Wash. Eyman, who ran initiative campaigns across Washington for decades, will no longer be allowed to have any financial control over political committees, under a ruling from Superior Court Judge James Dixon Wednesday that blasted Eyman for using donor's contributions to line his own pocket. Eyman was also told to pay more than $2.5 million in penalties. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Editorial: Initiative fee increase protects process, taxpayers

Bumped up to $156 from $5, the increase may discourage attempts to game the initiative process.

Protecting forests and prevent another landslide like Oso

Thank you for the powerful and heartbreaking article about the Oso landslide… Continue reading

Boeing’s downfall started when engineers demoted

Boeing used to be run by engineers who made money to build… Continue reading

Learn swimming safety to protect kids at beach, pool

Don’t forget to dive into water safety before hitting the pool or… Continue reading

Comment: Why shootings have decreased but gun deaths haven’t

High-capacity magazines and ‘Glock switches’ that allow automatic fire have increased lethality.

Washington state senators and representatives along with Governor Inslee and FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez break ground at the Swift Orange Line on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Community Transit making most of Link’s arrival

The Lynnwood light rail station will allow the transit agency to improve routes and frequency of buses.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, March 27

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

An image of Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin is reflected in a storefront window during the State of the City Address on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at thee Everett Mall in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: State of city address makes case for Everett’s future

Mayor Franklin outlines challenges and responses as the city approaches significant decisions.

FILE - The massive mudslide that killed 43 people in the community of Oso, Wash., is viewed from the air on March 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Editorial: Mapping landslide risks honors those lost in Oso

Efforts continue in the state to map areas prone to landslides and prevent losses of life and property.

Burke: ‘Why not write about Biden, for once?’ Don’t mind if I do.

They asked; I’ll oblige. Let’s consider what the president has accomplished since the 2020 election.

Comment: Catherine missed chance to dispel shame of cancer

She wasn’t obligated to do so, but she might have used her diagnosis to educate a sympathetic public.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.