WASHINGTON, D.C.—Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) recently led a group of Democratic Washington lawmakers urging Boeing and union firefighters represented by International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local I-66 to continue to negotiate in good faith toward an agreement that provides Boeing firefighters with fair pay and benefits.
Larsen was joined by Reps. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Adam Smith (WA-09) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) in sending a letter to Boeing President David Calhoun and IAFF Local I-66 President Casey Yeager.
“Union firefighters at Boeing facilities in Washington state perform dangerous and important work, responding to industrial emergencies in potentially hazardous settings. As such, we have heard from constituents about the safety consequences of Boeing’s decision to lock out its union firefighters,” wrote the lawmakers.
The statement continued, “Following the latest round of negotiations, we urge both parties to continue to negotiate in good faith toward an agreement that provides Boeing firefighters with fair pay and benefits. And while these negotiations are underway, we urge Boeing to address concerns about the safety of its entire workforce by ensuring union firefighters can return to duty.”
IAFF Local I-66 and Boeing have been in negotiations for pay increases since mid-February. On Wednesday, May 22, Boeing fire fighters rejected the company’s latest contract offer after hitting the picket lines on May 4.
“Boeing locked out its 125 fire fighters and emergency medical workers on May 4 after refusing to seriously address IAAF Local I-66’s concerns over low pay and its impact on safety. Despite their critical work, I-66 members earn up to 30% less than firefighters at nearby fire departments – forcing many Boeing firefighters to leave the company for pay commensurate with their dangerous work and the opportunity to earn family-sustaining wages,” the union released in a May 22 statement.
According to Boeing fire fighters, the company’s offer only reduced the time it takes to reach top pay by one year from 14 to 13 years, calling it inadequate.
As a contingency plan, Boeing has been utilizing the services of other qualified firefighters.
Local I-66 represents 125 firefighters who staff at Boeing fire stations in Auburn, Everett, Renton, Seattle and Moses Lake.
Author: Mario Lotmore
