The
IAM, SPEEA, and Boeing Government Relations are working together
to create and preserve jobs, as well exploring ways to combat
what has become a real threat to our jobs - Airbus. In recent
months, several strategy meetings have taken place to map out
a comprehensive plan to take on the European conglomerate, including
a communications plan to educate and engage the general public.
Other options may include: drafting legislation, negotiating new
trade agreements, filing countervailing duty petitions or any
other means that might have an impact.The theme of the concerted campaign will focus on bringing back jobs where they belong - namely here in Puget Sound. The issues are complicated in dealing with organizations such as the World Trade Organization and multi-national trade agreements.
IAM Political Director Linda Lanham noted, "The Unions have been exploring these strategies for the past few years. I am excited to have Boeing join in this fight and throw their resources toward bringing back jobs. This Union has pledged to fight for jobs by whatever means are available."
An extensive outline of the campaign will be unveiled in the next few months, including action items our members can take to make a difference and save our jobs.
Senator Patty Murray is also taking an active role in this battle. In March, the Department of Commerce responded to Senator Murray's call for the agency to investigate Airbus' claims to be a significant contributor to the U.S. aerospace industry.
Senator Murray asked the Department of Commerce to verify Airbus claims that it has created 100,000 jobs in the United States, and contracts with more than 800 U.S. firms and contributes $5 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
Senator Murray's letter asserted that Airbus, rather than aiding the U.S. economy, is responsible for hurting U.S. aerospace workers and poses an ongoing threat to the U.S. aerospace industry.
"The time has come to take a closer look at Airbus' total impact on U.S. workers, rather than simply buying into the Airbus propaganda," Senator Murray said. "At a time when U.S. jobs are under attack from French competition, I will continue to stand up for America's workers."
The Commerce Department response confirms that Airbus is wildly overstating its contribution to the U.S. economy. Commerce could only verify 500 of the 100,000 jobs Airbus claimed to have created in the U.S., as well as locating only 250 U.S. firms working with Airbus.
751 President Mark Blondin applauded Murray's efforts and the progress being made and noted, "I am encouraged by how elected officials, Boeing, SPEEA and 751 are working together on these issues. Our focus remains on jobs. I hope this is the start of bringing jobs back where they belong and building a stronger economy for the entire state of Washington."
This is just the beginning of tackling this issue on a global scale.