Here’s a sample of what people are saying about a tentative agreement between the Boeing Co. and its Machinists union. The deal will settle a federal labor dispute and secure 737 MAX work in Renton if Machinists members ratify a new four-year labor contract.
“We need to build airplanes, not worry about strikes. I congratulate our union leadership and the company leadership for doing something early. This is a great thing.”
— Chris Louye, who works for the Boeing and Machinists’ joint programs.
“This is a monumental day for the future of aerospace in Washington state. There is no better news for our region’s economy than a contract agreement between Boeing and the Machinists, and confirmation that Renton will remain home to the 737 line. The ramifications of this news will be felt in businesses large and small, around kitchen tables, and in communities throughout the Puget Sound for years to come.”
— U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
“This agreement recognizes the strength, dedication and value of Washington’s skilled and highly-valued aerospace workforce and the importance of fair and predictable time tables for Boeing’s customers. Washington’s workers can continue to build airplanes today and well into the future.”
— Washington Aerospace Partnership co-chairs Tayloe Washburn, Bob Drewel and Jeff Johnson.
“The Boeing Company’s commitment to work here in the state of Washington and in the Puget Sound region is big. It’s a pretty tough (contract) to just say no to. The last thing we want to do is go to contract negotiations and travel down the same roads we had to in the past.”
— Rod Sigvartson, who works for the Boeing and Machinists’ joint programs.
“This is a tsunami-sized deal between Boeing and the Machinists union. It is a transformation of the relationship between the company and workers to focus on quality, performance, and incentives.”
— U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.
“We recognize that this contract is not without its sacrifices, and I applaud the women and men of the IAM for making those sacrifices to protect the future of aerospace in Washington state. I also want to thank the Boeing Co. for its good-faith responsible negotiations.”
— Snohomish County executive Aaron Reardon.
“This is momentous news for all of Washington, and is further evidence that our aerospace workers are the best in the world. I applaud IAM and Boeing for reaching a contract agreement and working together to bring these thousands of good jobs for decades to come to Washington.”
— U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.
“This is really good news for employees, our communities and Boeing. This was a very proactive effort to make sure these planes are designed and built by the most experienced and productive workforce in the world.”
— Tom McCarty, president of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace.
“Washington state is, and will continue to be, the world’s premier center for aerospace known for building the safest and most innovative planes. In the last few years, I’m proud that Washington state has landed the 787, the Air Force refueling tanker, and now the 737 MAX.”
— Gov. Chris Gregoire.
“We have secured jobs for our members; we have secured jobs for the state of Washington and for this community.”
— Tom Wroblewski, president of the local 751 Machinists union.
“Obviously we’d have loved to see the 737 MAX built at Boeing’s Everett facility, but without question, keeping these jobs in our region is a huge victory for all of us. We now immediately turn our focus to ensuring Snohomish County will be home to the 777 and the next generation of airplanes.”
— Snohomish County Council Chair Dave Somers.
“The 737 MAX siting decision is great news for the State of Washington and our region. The tentative contract agreement between the International Association of Machinists and Boeing today is not only proof in the strength of partnership but is a positive signal for future opportunities in Snohomish County and the Puget Sound Region.”
— Troy McClelland, CEO and president of Economic Alliance Snohomish County.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
