Rep. Smith Statement on Boeing Machinists Contract Agreement

WASHINGTON - Rep. Smith released the following statement celebrating the deal agreed to by Boeing and the Machinists last night:

"Congratulations to the Machinist Union workers for their courage and tenacity. At great personal risk they stood up for each other for two challenging months. They set an example for working people everywhere - to fight for fair wages and benefits - and they were hugely successful. The deal that Machinists and Boeing came together last night to agree on delivers better benefits for Boeing workers, including a wage increase, stronger retirement plans, and other significant benefit improvements.

"I will always support the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain for better working conditions. I'm grateful today for the many leaders who rose to the occasion during these negotiations. Much is owed to Machinists President Job Holden, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, and the Biden-Harris Administration's Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su for their expertise and leadership in this process.

"This new agreement should represent a new chapter for Boeing. For many decades, Boeing was a pillar of American innovation and manufacturing, but in recent times its felt like they have chosen to prioritize shareholders and investors over their own employees. I am hopeful that with this successful negotiation with the Machinists, that Boeing can learn from this experience and get back to where the company came from: a business focused not only on short-term profits but on building the best airplanes in the world. It's their middle- and working-class employees that build value not only in Boeing but also in our broader economy. I'm glad to see their work being recognized with this agreement that sets a new standard for workers in the aerospace industry.

"Livable wages, strong retirement options, and good benefits should be the standard for workers everywhere. I am hopeful that this new chapter will bring great success to Boeing and all of its employees."