As I
write this column, my thoughts are with over 1,300 of our members
receiving WARN notices today, and the nearly 600 IAM members whose
last day at work was today. Workers of all classifications --
Production workers, Inspectors, PCO, Facilities Maintenance workers,
Tooling workers with 20 plus years of seniority have been impacted.Our bargaining unit at Boeing has suffered layoffs of over 5,000 members since December, in addition to the more than 5,500 who were already on the layoff roster (Category A list) from 1999. It is our number one priority to return each and every one of these workers, our brothers and sisters, back to work. I know that the coming months will be trying times for all members -- especially those who are laid off, but we will succeed. Whether we are laid-off, working in the shop, or retired, we are all Union and in this together.
Our final survey says it all. Job Security is the top issue. Pension ranks right with Job Security. But that is no surprise. Our members have been talking both issues for a long time.
We MUST have a substantial increase in PENSION BENEFITS -- along with JOB SECURITY so that our members can collect these increased benefits upon retirement. In our contract talks with the Company, this Union's position has been established - Substantial increase in the pension benefits and job security -- nothing less. And it isn't too much to ask.
Boeing must make the same commitment to this workforce that they have made to overseas and domestic "partners." Let me rephrase that, it isn't too much to DEMAND! DEMAND the respect that is given to customers, vendors, and subcontractors. DEMAND that Boeing jobs are American jobs, Union jobs, Puget Sound and Spokane jobs. DEMAND that after you give your working life to make this Company the best aerospace company in the world, you can retire with dignity. Retire in a fashion that allows you to maintain your current lifestyle. Our message is clear: The key to Boeing's future success is to find a way at this contract negotiations to meet this Union's DEMANDS.
This Union has been very successful on the legislative front. There are assistance programs now in place so our laid-off members can advance their education and re-enter the workplace. These programs were initiated by the Machinists Union and secured due to your support. Thank you. We also thank our State and Federal representatives who worked for us on these issues. Our friends in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as United States Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, deserve our continued support.
In early April, I will be accompanying the staff of our U.S. Senators on a tour of the Volpentest Hammer Training Facility at Hanford. This facility provides safety training for our members and other workers at the Hanford nuclear site. Our members are also involved in the training and instruction of their peers. We continue to seek federal funding for this training center from which all workers benefit. President Bush has proposed cutting funding dramatically and we intend to get this funding restored. The safety of workers and the community depends on it.
We continue to press Boeing to keep the Spokane Plant open, and to keep it a Boeing Plant. The Company is now meeting prospective buyers to further "evaluate" their options. They tell me every option is still open. Regardless of their decision, this Union will be there to represent the interests of our members in Spokane.