Boeing union’s windfall arrives

EVERETT – Roughly 19,000 Machinists union workers had a little extra to be thankful for last Thursday.

The Boeing Co. paid out approximately $57 million in bonuses, holding up its end of a contract struck last fall between the plane manufacturer and members of the International Association of Machinists.

A 28-day union strike came to an end after, among other things, Boeing agreed to hand out $3,000 bonuses to machinists by Dec. 1 in both 2006 and 2007.

For Garth Luarki, a materials handler at Boeing, that meant a year planning what to do with the extra money. By the time the bonus showed up in his check last week, Luarki had most of it earmarked.

He likes to plan his finances as best he can, Luarki said.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The bonuses might not mean an immediate boost in the local economy, but Luarki imagines that most of his will trickle in eventually. Luarki intends to spend part of his bonus on Christmas, put some into savings and use some to buy his daughter a car for her 16th birthday next July.

In September 2005, Boeing and the union struck a three-year deal that left machinists’ health care plans intact, increased their pensions, gave them a ratification bonus and guaranteed them a $3,000 bonus this year and next year. Any machinist on Boeing’s payroll on Sept. 1, 2006, qualified for the $3,000 payout.

Boeing’s Debbie Nomaguchi estimated that more than 19,000 workers received the bonus last week. Union membership continues to rise with Boeing’s employment numbers. From Jan. 31, 2006, to the end of October, Boeing’s employment levels in Washington state have jumped from 62,842 to 67,601.

And in the two months since Sept. 1, IAM’s membership has risen to about 20,000, according to a recent Boeing report, Nomaguchi said.

Machinist spokeswoman Connie Kelliher said the union not only is seeing the rehiring of a number of laid-off members, but also new employees. Until recently, the average machinist was 50 or older. But with Boeing’s need to staff its 787 Dreamliner program, the company and the union have been adding 19- and 20-year-old employees.

“It’s good to see younger faces,” Kelliher said.

For the average machinist, the $3,000 bonus adds up to about 13 days’ pay.

And for Greg Campos, a toolmaker and IAM member, that might not be enough to cover the next strike. A 17-year Boeing employee, Campos has learned to stash away money to cover the next labor negotiations.

“It’s always nice to have a little bit saved up,” he said.

Michelle Dunlop: 425-339-3454 or mdunlop@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Aaron Weinstock uses an x-ray machine toy inside the Imagine Children Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Imagine Children’s Museum $250k grant reinstated following federal court order

The federal grant supports a program that brings free science lessons to children throughout rural Snohomish County.

Snohomish County 911 Executive Director Kurt Mills talks about the improvements made in the new call center space during a tour of the building on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New 911 center in Everett built to survive disaster

The $67.5 million facility brings all emergency staff under one roof with seismic upgrades, wellness features and space to expand.

Everett
Five arrested in connection with Everett toddler’s 2024 overdose death

More than a year after 13-month-old died, Everett police make arrests in overdose case.

Madison Family Shelter Family Support Specialist Dan Blizard talks about one of the pallet homes on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Madison Family Shelter reopens after hiatus

The Pallet shelter village, formerly Faith Family Village, provides housing for up to eight families for 90 days.

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

Everett Historic Theater owner Curtis Shriner inside the theater on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Historic Everett Theatre sale on horizon, future uncertain

With expected new ownership, events for July and August will be canceled. The schedule for the fall and beyond is unclear.

People swim in the Yost Pool during Open Fitness and Lap Swim on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Feeling the heat in Snohomish County: How hot will it get where you live?

Everett is expected to hit low 80s with inland areas reaching near 90.

The Mukilteo Boulevard Homer on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Homer Hedge’: A Simpsons meme takes root in Everett — D’oh!

Homer has been lurking in the bushes on West Mukilteo Boulevard since 2023. Stop by for a selfie.

Pat Cronin and Jamie Lyon look over a zoning district map draft of Everett on display during an Everett Planning Department open house at Everett Station on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett to release final draft of comp plan

The city will release the draft of the planning document on May 30, staff said. It will likely go to a vote before the council in June.

Traffic moves across the US 2 trestle between Everett and Lake Stevens on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Washington climate goals jeopardized by U.S. Senate vote

The U.S. Senate revoked waivers allowing Washington to mandate strict vehicle emission standards

The Everett City Council on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett City Council approves apprenticeship ordinance

The new ordinance builds upon state law, requiring many city public works contracts to use at least 15% apprentice labor.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Stanwood in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Stanwood nears completion of deployable floodwall

The new floodwall will provide quick protection to the downtown area during flood conditions.

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.