WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators and Representatives from Washington state have issued a letter urging Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) to reach a contract agreement soon.
The letter, signed by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), along with Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA) and Rick Larsen (D-WA), addresses the ongoing contract negotiations between Boeing and IAM Districts 751 and W24.
“We are writing about the contract negotiations between the Boeing Company and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Districts 751 and W24. With the machinist strike now lasting well over a month, and with no further talks currently scheduled, we urge you to redouble your efforts to reach a mutually beneficial resolution,” the letter states.
The lawmakers emphasize the importance of rebuilding the partnership between management and workers, noting that over 42,000 single-aisle and wide-body commercial aircraft are projected to be manufactured over the next 20 years, valued at $8 trillion. They stress the need for investment in next-generation manufacturing techniques and fair wages and benefits for workers.
“IAM 751 and W24 represent a vital workforce in the Pacific Northwest and have made it possible for Boeing to produce aircraft that fly millions of passengers each day, connecting communities and economies around the world,” the letter continues. “With these contributions in mind, we hope you will expeditiously work out a fair and durable deal that recognizes the importance of the machinist workforce to Boeing’s future, the aerospace economy of the Pacific Northwest, and the nation.”
