They 'have fueled so much of Boeing's success.' Washington officials react to machinist strike

It didn't take long after news broke that Boeing machinists were going on strike for state and federal officials to start weighing in, encouraging both parties to find a path forward.

"I strongly urge the parties to return to the negotiating table and participate in good faith discussions that result in a strong agreement," Congressmember Adam Smith said in a statement shortly after the union approved a strike late Thursday evening.

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Boeing and its machinist union reached a tentative agreement on Monday, but when it came time to vote, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers overwhelmingly voted to reject Boeing's most recent contract offer (by 94.6%) and to authorize a strike (by 96%).

The strike affects 33,000 machinists, most of whom are based in Washington state and work on the 737 Max, 777, and the 767 cargo airplane at factories in Everett and Renton. According to the Associated Press, Boeing machinists in Washington make an average of $75,608 annually. Boeing's offer to raise wages 25% over four years would eventually bring that up to $106,350. The union, however, is aiming for a 40% raise in wages as well as increase 401K contributions (Boeing nixed its pension program about 10 years ago).

“The message was clear that the tentative agreement we reached with IAM leadership was not acceptable to the members," Boeing said in a statement. "We remain committed to resetting our relationship with our employees and the union, and we are ready to get back to the table to reach a new agreement."

The strike was authorized shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday. Minutes later, Rep. Smith issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter). Smith represents the 9th Congressional District, which includes Renton.

"Across corporate America, so much of the wealth has wound up in the hands of so few people," Smith wrote. "Large corporations have increasingly prioritized their own profits and shareholders at the expense of workers. It is crucial that Boeing behaves as a responsible steward for its employees, so that every employee at their company is respected with fair wages and working conditions. Unions remain essential for workers and their families, and I will always champion the right to organize and collectively bargain for better working conditions. I sincerely hope that the parties reach an agreement that respects all employees as well as the company as a whole."

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Gov. Jay Inslee also didn't waste any time weighing in.

"Washington’s machinists are among the most-skilled in the world, and their knowledge and expertise is why Boeing is globally recognized as a world-class company," Inslee said in a statement. "We all hope that the machinists and Boeing come to an agreement as soon as possible."

Congressmember Suzan DelBene, who represents the Washington's 1st Congressional District that neighbors Boeing's Everett factory, echoed those sentiments Friday morning.

Congressmember Rick Larsen (Washington's 2nd Congressional District that covers Everett)

U.S. Senator Patty Murray

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