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The IAM has successfully secured additional federal assistance for approximately 5,000 recently laid-off IAM District 751 members at Boeing locations in Washington state and Oregon.
The benefits fall under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, which protects U.S. workers who lose their jobs due to outsourcing. The program offers extended unemployment benefits for up to two years while members participate in retraining classes, out-of-area job search allowances and more.
Members of the Washington state congressional delegation, led by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), supported the IAM’s petition in a recent letter to the U.S. Labor Department. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Reps. Derek Kilmer, Denny Heck, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen also supported the increased benefits.
“The Machinists Union is dedicated to helping improve not just the lives of our members, but others throughout our communities,” said IAM District 751 President Jon Holden. “TAA provides a substantial safety net for our members and other Boeing employees who get laid-off. We hope all impacted will take advantage of these enhanced benefits.”
The TAA petition was a joint effort between the IAM, the Washington State Labor Council and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA).
“Thanks to the quick action of IAM District 751 leadership and the IAM Legislative Department, thousands of IAM members of Boeing will now have extra resources to help themselves, their families and their communities get through this crisis,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “We will continue to fight for the safety and well-being of every IAM member.”
The TAA program benefits apply to anyone from Boeing in Washington state and Oregon laid off between May 5, 2019 and June 23, 2022.
”The power of the political alliances forged by the IAM is working for members,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “One of the great advantages for members of our union is the fact that the relationships we have forged in the political arena, enable us to champion the needs of our membership at all levels of government. On behalf of the Western Territory we extend our gratitude to all involved.”
