SPEEA members joined hundreds of union members from around the state on Friday (Feb. 20) for a rally on the steps of the Washington state capitol to stand up for shared prosperity,  jobs and tax incentive accountability.

The rally was held in conjunction with the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) Legislative Conference. Many SPEEA and IAM District 751 members shared a bus to make the trip to Olympia.

Issues at the event included: 

• Accountability from aerospace companies that get subsidies from taxpayers
• Investment in schools, transportation, infrastructure and public employees
• An END to attacks on collective bargaining and other fundamental worker rights

SPEEA continues to arrange meetings for members to take their experiences with layoffs and the impact of work moving to their state representatives. To become part of the effort contact Chelsea Orvella at: chelseao@speea.org.

Rep. June Robinson (D-Everett) introduced the jobs bill.
Seattle broadcast news media at the event, which took place overlooking Renton Boeing.

RENTON – A state-wide poll shows that more than two-thirds of likely Washington voters support tying tax breaks for aerospace companies to requirements for maintaining jobs and providing living wages.

The poll, along with proposed legislation, were announced Monday (Feb. 16) during a press conference that brought together SPEEA, IAM District Lodge 751 and state Rep. June Robinson for a press conference.

"If some jobs are lost it makes sense that some of the tax break should be lost too," Robinson said. "It's what is right for tax payers.

“Our legislation will ensure aerospace tax incentives are used to benefit the people who grant them – taxpayers in Washington,” said Robinson. “Other states require Boeing to bring jobs to receive tax breaks and it’s only fair that the citizens of Washington demand the same treatment.”

The findings show strong support for two pieces of legislation now being considered in Olympia that would add accountability to the $8.7 billion aerospace tax preference bill. Approved in November 2013 during a special session, the legislation extended current cuts in Business & Occupation tax rates for aerospace companies, including Boeing, along with other tax credits, until 2040.

The two legislative bills, one addressing jobs and the other wages, will bring aerospace tax incentives in line with legislation in other states and Washington’s original intent to maintain and grow the state’s aerospace industry with good, family wage jobs.