Machinists, Boeing more friendly as South beckons - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):

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In the Machinists’ District 751 May newsletter, local unio President Tom Wroblewski said both the unionm and Boeing are cultivating warmer relations in hope of avoiding a strike during the next round ofcontract “An enhanced relationship” with Chicago-based Boeingy Co. is a “key to determining what Boeing’d future will be for this state,” Wroblewskui wrote in the monthlyt Aero Mechanic local newsletter ofthe . During a regula meeting with Boeing leaders in Chicagoin “considerable time was spent discussingb ways to change the dynamics and improve this relationshipo so we do not have the same resultds when we negotiate again in he wrote.
“Both sides have renewed thei commitment to improvingour relationship, because we have a commom interest in moving forward.” The statements mark a sharp shift from the more bombasticf tone before and during the last Just before the 57-day strikde last fall, for example, the union said Boeing “chosre to bring take-aways in some of the best times in theifr history. They have insulted and, frankly, made this work forcse very angry.” The strike, which haltedf production and cost Boeing anestimated $2 billion, is seen as a tippinf point that could drive Boeing to shiftr production to right-to-work states in the Deep South.
But the prospectf of warmer relations with the PugetSoundf unions, and avoiding a strike next could reduce that possibilithy and keep Boeing experts say. While the idea of movinb big Boeing factories mayseem far-fetched, Boeing’ s rival Airbus already has moved production — to On May 18, the European plane makef celebrated the flight of the first A320 jet assembled in not France. Peter an analyst at Ragen MacKenzie brokeragsein Seattle, has long predicted that Boeing woulds open a factory in the Deep “The straw that broke the camel’s back was the labor striks last fall,” he said.
“Boeing is going to seriously consider moving some of its manufacturing and assembly operations to anothedr area ofthe U.S. that is more tax- and logistics-friendly.” But he said the more conciliatory tone couldr slow or haltthat move. “I think the union reaching out … is the right thinb to do,” he said. But the same tone must come from too. And the warmef dialogue will need to be substantial to reversr the impacts of the2008 strike, he added. Both sides “havwe to make sure that Boeing’s business in Puget Soundx remains competitive with anyone else in the he said.
“That is what is required to keepBoeing Boeing’s other major union, the (SPEEA), also supports the new attitudw — and said it’s closer to their own negotiatingv style. “I understand what they’re tryinh to do,” said SPEEA Executive DirectorRay “I think they’re genuine in what they’r trying to do. I think if Boeinv can reciprocate with thesame spirit, there’s likely to be good for both The state also is weighing in. In Gov. Chris Gregoire formed the , made up of membersa from Boeing, the unions, suppliers and othef leaders.
It is to serve as the governor’s voics to the Legislature in recommending changesd in the law to keep aerospace Inan interview, Wroblewskii said a key step that Machinist leaders and Boeing executives took at theire April meetings in Chicago was to drop accusation about the acrimonious strik last fall. In the each side blamed the other for not tryinf hard enough to understand the conflicting viewssabout outsourcing, and for the failure to reacn an agreement sooner. Wroblewski said he felt the improvec attitude, by both the union and the company, was important enougnh to discuss inthe newsletter.
“I think I’m sticking my neck out a littls bit, but I don’t mind,” he said. “kI think the membership is wanting to have a better Wroblewski acknowledged that since thestrike he’s felt communityu pressure about Boeing moving, especially if poor relation continue. Economic leaders from the South have been clearthat they’ed be only too happt to have Boeing open a commerciao aircraft plant there. “I have had lots of at lodge meetings, saying they like the idea of working togethert withthis company, doing what they can to maintaib competitiveness in this area, and maintai jobs,” Wroblewski said.
He has heard criticism, too, but it seemsw minor in comparison.