Washington, D.C., February 18, 2014 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today welcomed the news that the composite wings for Boeing’s new 777X will be built by IAM members in a new 1.5 million square foot complex in Everett, WA.
“This announcement marks the first step in a bricks and mortar commitment by Boeing to build a facility that will be home to the jobs and technology of tomorrow – not in a foreign country or a distant state, but right here in the Pacific Northwest,” said IAM President Tom Buffenbarger. “While this construction was certain to begin, there was no certainty it would be here until Machinists Union members in Seattle and Portland ratified a contract that ended the bidding by more than a dozen states.”
IAM members of District 751, District W-24 and District 70 voted on January 3, 2014 to ratify a contract extension with the Boeing Company that included a commitment that IAM members would manufacture and assemble the wings and fuselage for the new777X. The exact location of the new wing plant, which will include the world’s largest autoclave, was the subject of much speculation until today’s announcement.
