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Gov. Gregoire issues statement on tentative contract agreement reached by Machinists and Boeing

For Immediate Release: November 30, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the tentative contract agreement reached by Boeing and the Machinists:

�I commend both Boeing management and the Machinists for coming to the table, negotiating in good faith and working together to reach an agreement. This tentative deal recognizes the talent of Boeing�s highly trained workforce, while providing the company the confidence it needs to assure its customers that planes will be delivered on schedule. And as this sector becomes increasingly competitive, this initial agreement shows a strong commitment by both sides to secure the future of aerospace in Washington state.

�Washington state is, and will continue to be, the world�s premier center for aerospace known for building the safest and most innovative planes. In the last few years, I�m proud that Washington state has landed the 787, the Air Force refueling tanker, and now the 737 MAX.

�In this internationally competitive market, we must not take anything for granted. I urge the Legislature to pass my action agenda I announced earlier this month that supports Boeing and our entire aerospace industry. A company�s success � and its ability to grow jobs � is dependent on the talent of its employees. The proposals I laid out will train the workforce needed to ensure this critical industry expands now, and for generations to come.�