WSLC: Boeing’s best chance for success is here in Washington

SEATTLE (Sept. 30, 2020) — Amid news reports that Boeing may have decided to shift 787 production from Everett to South Carolina, the following statement was issued Wednesday by Larry Brown, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, who is a former Boeing employee and previously served as Political Director for IAM District 751:

“Until we hear a formal announcement from Boeing about its plans for 787 production, we will continue to make the case that Washington remains the smart choice for its 787 assembly. Here in Washington, the company has a long history of success. Here in Washington, state and local governments have gone to extraordinary lengths — from major tax incentives to workforce training programs — to help Boeing succeed. But most importantly, here in Washington, you’ll find what is widely acknowledged to be the best and most efficient aerospace workforce in the world.

“Because of the pandemic, the company is already experiencing a significant talent drain by laying off experienced Machinists and Engineers. It would be a mistake to accelerate that loss of expertise by shifting production away from Washington. To emerge from this downturn, Boeing needs to invest in its future and in the development of new airplane programs to rebuild its market share. Industry analysts agree that Washington is the best place for that to happen — now and in the future.”

The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, is the largest union organization in Washington state, representing the interests of some 600 local union organizations — including both of the largest unions representing Boeing employees, IAM District 751 and SPEEA/IFPTE 2001 — with some 550,000 rank-and-file members across Washington state. For more information, visit www.wslc.org.

PREVIOUSLY at The Stand:

Washington #1 state (by far) to build new Boeing jet, study says (June 7, 2018) — Washington state is the best location in the U.S. to design, manufacture and ensure a successful launch of Boeing’s next airplane, according to a new state-by-state study. And it wasn’t even close. The study used 41 common metrics to produce the most comprehensive, data-driven aerospace competitiveness study ever done. It was performed by respected aerospace analyst Richard Aboulafia of the Teal Group.

Washington ranked #1 (again) for aerospace manufacturing (Sept. 13, 2018) — A new analysis released by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a multinational business and tax consulting firm based in London, finds that Washington state is the best location in the world for aerospace manufacturing.