"Whatever it takes to keep Boeing here," remains our battle cry in Olympia. Union members have joined in the fight by sending literally thousands of e-mail and phone messages to state legislators, who have heard our message that "These jobs are worth fighting for!"

Perhaps nothing drove this point home more than the recent news articles reporting other states are offering millions of dollars in incentives to lure Boeing and its family-wage jobs to their region. These enticements are proof that our state lawmakers MUST take action NOW because the decision of where to build the 7E7 is hanging in the balance. Thanks to an intensive lobbying campaign by the Union and our members, state lawmakers not only understand the urgency of making changes, but have put partisan politics aside to work issues Boeing has identified as key to preserving jobs in Washington State.

Legislative leaders even went so far as to appoint a special task force specifically assigned to addressing Boeing issues. Systematically, lawmakers have worked each issue. As the regular session ended, five issues were resolved. Only one remained pending, and it was being worked.
Keep in mind that each of these measures does more than just preserve Boeing jobs and enhance our chances of securing the 7E7. Each of these bills reaches beyond Boeing and improves the business climate, which will help attract and retain other employers in this region -- again with the goal of creating and preserving jobs.

Members need to continue to keep pressure on legislators with e-mails and phone calls as the issues arise. Check the Union web site (www. iam751. org) for action alerts or call the 751 hotline at 1-800-763-1310 for updates. The Company expects to finalize 7E7 criteria in the next month or two. Once the Union has the 7E7 list, expect a tireless effort to complete those items as well -- including a public relations cam