Posted 4/3/2025
SPEEA backs bill to put workers on boards of major aerospace companies

SPEEA supports a bill drafted by U.S. Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) that would require large aerospace manufacturers to include two labor representatives and two safety experts on their board of directors.

“This bill invests in our nation’s aerospace engineering and manufacturing leadership,” said SPEEA President John Dimas. “It makes sure that the leading aerospace firms are committed to build a safety culture, continuing to improve product quality and re-establishing effective communication between the bridge and the engine room.”

Markey introduced the bill he called the Safety Starts at the Top Act on Wednesday, April 2, just before Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg appeared before the Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to testify on steps his company has taken to improve its safety culture. Markey sits on the committee, which oversees the Federal Aviation Administration. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) is the ranking Democrat on the committee.

Markey said he drafted the bill in response to concerns that Boeing has prioritized profits over safety and had failed to consider the views of its workforce when making critical engineering decisions.

“For years, Boeing has prioritized financial engineering over mechanical engineering, undermining the company’s safety culture,” Markey said. “Without input from the workers on the factory floor every day, Boeing is flying blind.”

Adding workers and safety experts to the company’s board will “ensure that Boeing listens to the professionals who know safety best,” the senator said.

IAM District 751 President Jon Holden said his union “appreciates and supports this proposed legislation.”

The bill would “ensure workers’ voices are heard at the highest levels when decisions impacting aerospace manufacturing and safety are being discussed and implemented,” Holden said.

Dimas agreed. “With the Safety Starts at the Top Act, business decisions at these firms will be made with input from the men and women who design and build the greatest aerospace products in the world.”

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