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
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