Picket lines at Boeing facilities across Washington, Oregon, Kansas and California remain strong as the strike enters its third week. Western Territory General Vice President Lee Pearson and some of his staff visited nine sites in Washington and the Portland, Oregon strike line last week.
At left, GVP Pearson and Administrative Assistant Gary Allen receive a strike update from District 751 President Tom Wroblewski. Both sides are talking to the Federal Mediator on a daily basis, although Boeing has yet to submit a revised proposal that eliminates take-aways and addresses IAM members' concerns.
On the Flight Line, IAM members stand with GVP Pearson, District 751 P/DBR Tom Wroblewski and AA Gary Allen. The vest worn by Brother Wroblewski has been worn on every Boeing picket line since 1948 and the sign in the middle was first held on the line in '89.
The Frederickson strike line proudly bears the sign establishing the "Frederickson Union Hall" on September 6, 2008.
In Portland, GVP Pearson is accompanied by District 24 Directing Business Representative Bob Petroff, IAM Chief Shop Steward Steve Wilson and Grand Lodge Representative Charles Toby.
Portland held a rally on the line Saturday, September 20th. A host of other unions came out in support of the strikers, along with Aerospace Coordinator Mark Blondin, Retired Aerospace Coordinator Dick Schneider, Oregon's Labor Commissioner, Brad Avakian, Jeff Merkley, candidate for US Senate, and Tom Chamberlain, who leads the Oregon AFL-CIO.
At right, a future union member shows her solidarity to GVP Pearson.
