Legislative Advocacy
Why we advocate
No workforce is more iconic to Washington state than the aerospace industry. Washington’s aerospace workforce, and union-wage jobs, play a vital role in the health of the state and local economy. The aerospace workforce in Washington, anchored by The Boeing Company and stretching across a vast supplier network, continues to be a major pillar of the statewide economy and a leading source of employment and wealth creation across the state. In fact, the total economic impact of aerospace jobs in the state was roughly $20.5 billion in 2018.
Much like their Washingtonian counterparts, SPEEA members at Boeing Wichita and Spirit Defense in Wichita, and their union-wage jobs, play a crucial role in the strength and vitality of the Kansas economy. As the “Air Capital of the World,” SPEEA members’ work is critical to the overall health of U.S. manufacturing and international trade.
Much like their Washingtonian counterparts, SPEEA members at Boeing Wichita and Spirit Defense in Wichita, and their union-wage jobs, play a crucial role in the strength and vitality of the Kansas economy. As the “Air Capital of the World,” SPEEA members’ work is critical to the overall health of U.S. manufacturing and international trade.
SPEEA members know what can happen if we rely on politicians and industry lobbyists to do the right thing for workers. We also know what happens when we roll up our sleeves, put our heads together and go to work to ensure our interests are considered. Involvement is the only way to ensure better results. Together, through SPEEA’s legislative advocacy, we have a powerful and effective voice to shape public policy and our industry.
Making our voice stronger - IFPTE LEAP - PAC
The past few years show how necessary and beneficial it is for union members to pay attention to the actions in Congress and our state legislatures. The IFPTE Legislative Education Action Program (LEAP), Political Action Committee (PAC) is an important tool that allows union members to support the people in Congress and state legislatures who support the issues that matter most to our careers, families and issues for working families.
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Key Facts IFPTE LEAP-PAC
A Political Action Committee – PAC – is an account set up to pool money for use in the political process. Labor unions, along with corporations like The Boeing Company and Spirit AeroSystems, cannot make direct contributions to candidates or elections. However, they can set up PACs that can collect and pool money contributed by individuals.
The IFPTE LEAP-PAC collects and pools money from union members in IFPTE local unions. That money can then be used to support candidates.
- All contributions are voluntary.
- No dues money is used.
- Payroll deduction is from the first paycheck of the month.
- IFPTE LEAP-PAC supports candidates who support the issues important to IFPTE members.
- The IFPTE Executive Council, including three SPEEA vice presidents, oversees and distributes funds.
Five areas of SPEEA legislative action
Advocacy
One important way to help advocate for aerospace workers is to participate in union member “calls to action” communications, union-hosted events, lobby days and remote campaigns. These calls are announced in the biweekly newsletter and when time allows, the monthly Spotlite magazine. Calls to action also are made through emails to members who sign up for Legislative Action Alerts.
Members guide our work
Through the SPEEA, Northwest and Midwest Legislative & Public Affairs (L&PA) committees, union members can help guide the public policy and legislative agenda for our union and play an active role in reviewing and advancing SPEEA’s legislative priorities. Look for information on L&PA committees.
Invest in legislative action
No part of SPEEA members’ union dues go to political action. Instead, members who choose to support our legislative work donate to the IFPTE Legislative Education Action Program (LEAP), Political Action Committee (PAC). LEAP PAC is funded completely by the voluntary contributions made by members of all IFPTE local unions.
LEAP PAC is an important tool that allows union members, including members of SPEEA, IFPTE Local 2001, to advocate at the state and federal level for issues and support candidates important to aerospace families. It also gives our union members the ability to “flex our political muscle” when we need to hold lawmakers accountable.
As little as $5 a paycheck (a coffee a paycheck), can make a big difference in IFPTE’s ability to support worker issues at the federal, state and local level. Every dollar helps grow our union’s political power. Get more information about IFPTE LEAP PAC. Please log in to the Member Portal before accessing.
Vote!
While SPEEA today does not endorse candidates, we provide candidates the opportunity to answer questionnaires and be rated on issues important to professional aerospace workers. We also aim to provide union members access to candidates and decision-makers so they can help educate politicians and policy officials on the issues important to our workforce and industry. Register or update your voter registration here.
Connect and get involved!
SPEEA has many more ways union members can engage in the legislative process, including providing public testimony, letters to the editor, phone-banking, legislative candidate training, and more.
If you are interested in learning more and getting involved in our efforts, contact SPEEA Legislative Director Brandon Anderson via email at brandona@speea.org.
Additional Resources
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)
Other associations that SPEEA Affiliates with