The Union is working hard in Olympia,
as state legislators struggle with a revenue shortfall projected
at over 2 billion dollars. District 751 continued to press hard
on workers' issues, as well as striving to make legislative adjustments
designed to keep Boeing and other employers in this state. Top
issues include transportation, unemployment, tax equity, prescription
drugs, preserving ergonomics, and facilitating a port near Mukilteo.
With the present economy, it is a tough fight on every issue.
Following is a brief update on various issues of importance to
our membership.
Transportation: Continue to push for legislators to take
action to improve transportation in this area to make it more
inviting for businesses to remain.
Support
HB1933 - Revises Shoreline
and Growth Management Act to allow us to facilitate a port at
the current Mukilteo tanker site. Boeing has identified this as
a priority. It is another step toward getting the new 7E7 built
in Everett.
Elevator
Maintenance - Our Union
is working to ensure our facilities/maintenance people will still
be allowed to perform elevator maintenance at Boeing. An amendment
was introduced that would exempt our members from the proposed
rule. This is in direct response to concerns expressed by our
facilities members.
Unemployment/Tax
Equity: Pushing to maintain
unemployment benefits and ensure companies get fairly taxed by
the Employment Security Trust Fund.
Workplace safety: On February 18, the State Senate passed SB 5161
which would make it voluntary for employers to comply with the
state workplace ergonomics rule.
"Make no mistake, this is still the ergonomics repeal bill,"
said Rick Bender, President of the Washington State Labor Council,
AFL-CIO. "Making the rule voluntary is the same as killing
it. Just as President Bush did with the federal standard, this
bill invites employers to ignore their responsibility to provide
a safe and healthy work environment."
Governor Locke has promised to veto any legislation that threatens
the ergonomics rule.
Prescription drugs: On a strong 64-33 bipartisan vote early in
February, the House passed HB 1214 establishing a consortium for
state drug purchasing that will save state taxpayers millions
by buying in bulk, and will allow consumers to participate and
also save money on prescription drugs. Additionally, many private
plans would benefit from being able to buy through a large consortium.
The Senate Health Care Committee has yet to take action on HB
1214.
District 751 Political Director Linda Lanham noted, "Things
are very tense in Olympia as everyone struggles to get their issues
heard and addressed in a very tough economy. Our priority remains
jobs, which means we must improve the business environment in
this state to keep employers like Boeing committed to this state.
If Boeing identifies issues to remain here, we will work round
the clock to make it happen and keep our jobs in this state."
Check back for updates and for legislators that may need to hear
from their constituents.