Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 1, 2004
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Gov. Gary Locke’s Statement on Alcoa Agreement
OLYMPIA – Oct. 1, 2004 – Gov. Gary Locke today issued the following statement on the tentative agreement between Alcoa and the unions representing approximately 400 workers at the idled aluminum smelter in Wenatchee:
“This is very good news for the people of the Wenatchee Valley. These good-paying jobs are critical to the economic vitality of the area and the state.
“When I brought both sides together in Olympia in July, I encouraged them to keep talking and to be flexible. I’m pleased that we were able to suggest ideas to help break the impasse.
“This has been a difficult time for everyone involved. I applaud the diligence of both sides and am pleased that they were able to reach a tentative agreement.
“We’re hopeful that the plant will reopen and that the employees will soon be back at work.”