By Wendy Poischbeg and Doug Purcell / For The Herald
As we drive along Highway 526 in Everett, Boeing’s massive assembly plant serves as a constant reminder of what defines our region: We build great things.
For more than 50 years, this plant has been the backbone of our economy, where generations of skilled workers have transformed rivets, metal and now, carbon fiber and advanced composites into airplanes that connect the world. But it’s more than just materials and machines; it’s about the people, families and communities whose lives have been shaped by this work.
Boeing and its workforce have been central to Snohomish County’s story, driving not only innovation but also economic stability. The recently proposed four-year contract between Boeing and IAM District 751 isn’t just another labor agreement. It represents a commitment to our region’s future, ensuring that the partnership between Boeing and the people of Snohomish County continues to thrive.
Supporting our makers; the foundation of our economy: At Economic Alliance Snohomish County, we understand this contract is not solely about compensation; it’s about acknowledging the dedication and expertise of the people who have made this region a leader in aerospace. Boeing’s proposed 25 percent wage increase over the four-year contract duration, with up to 42.3 percent for specific pay grades, demonstrates the company’s recognition of its workforce’s contributions. This contract provides the security and support that allow families across our region to plan confidently for the future.
Equally important are the retirement benefits and health care provisions. The addition of a Machinists Retirement Savings Plan and increased 401(k) contributions will provide long-term financial security for workers, reinforcing Boeing’s investment in its employees’ futures. We’ve heard firsthand from community members about what this agreement truly means. One local machinist shared how these changes will not only provide him with stability but also help him save for his grandchildren’s education. Stories like these illustrate this agreement’s lasting impact on not just current Boeing employees but future generations as well.
Building job security and economic stability for the region: Boeing’s decision to build its next commercial airplane in the Puget Sound area is a resounding vote of confidence in the skill and expertise of Snohomish County’s workforce. This commitment to a new airplane will provide work over a twenty-year span as well as secure the continuation of vital production lines like the 737 Max, 767 and 777X, ensuring job security for thousands of families. It also represents a critical step in preserving the region’s economic stability, ensuring our legacy of innovation for generations to come.
The ripple effects of this contract will extend far beyond Boeing’s walls. Gina Morken, owner of a small machine shop in Mukilteo, notes: “When Boeing thrives, we all benefit. This contract means steady business for us and the ability to plan for our future growth.” From logistics companies in Arlington to restaurants in Everett, the entire region stands to prosper from the stability this agreement provides.
Recognition of the importance of people: We are encouraged by the provisions in this contract that reflect the evolving needs of today’s workforce, including paid parental leave, reduced mandatory overtime, and greater worker input in safety and quality matters. These elements demonstrate Boeing’s understanding that supporting its workforce’s well-being is essential to maintaining a healthy and productive workplace. When people feel supported, they bring their best to the job; and that benefits everyone.
The $3,000 lump sum payment upon ratification, combined with improvements to health care, further ensures that workers can focus on their jobs, knowing their families are well cared for. This comprehensive approach to employee welfare sets a new standard for industry partnerships.
Leadership in innovation: Every time a Boeing airplane takes flight from Paine Field, it stands as a testament to the collective effort of thousands of workers who have made Everett the aerospace capital of the world. Their work isn’t just about constructing airplanes; it’s about driving innovation that extends beyond aerospace. The expertise of Snohomish County’s builders is setting new standards in fields like robotics, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.
Consider how aerospace innovations have affected everyday life: The GPS technology in your smartphone and the lightweight materials in your bicycle likely have roots in aerospace research and development. These contributions are shaping the future of aviation and paving the way for the technological advancements that will define tomorrow’s world.
A shared vision for the future: This contract represents a pivotal moment for Snohomish County’s future. It strengthens our economy, ensures stability for thousands of workers, and reinforces our region’s position as a leader in manufacturing. It’s about collaboration; among Boeing, its workforce, and the broader community.
As Boeing and IAM District 751 move forward together, this contract lays the foundation for a future built on shared values and mutual success. In Snohomish County, we don’t just construct airplanes; we forge communities, cultivate economies and shape futures. This agreement ensures that the next generation of makers will continue to turn ideas into reality, keeping Snohomish County at the forefront of global manufacturing.
Together, we are building a future where innovation, progress and opportunity thrive.
Wendy Poischbeg is interim president & CEO of Economic Alliance Snohomish County. Douglas W. Purcell, Purcell Legal & Mediation Services, PLLC, is board chair of Economic Alliance Snohomish County.
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