Puget Sound-area political leaders, from left, former Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke, Snohomish County Executive John Lovick, Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson, Renton Mayor Denis Law and Port of Everett Commissioner Troy McClelland, smile at a news conference where they urged Boeing Machinists to vote in favor of a contract offer to build the new 777X, Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, in Everett, Wash. The Boeing Co. told the government leaders earlier Monday that this week's vote will determine the fate of some jobs on the new 777X airplane. Boeing executive Ray Conner told them earlier in the day that an accepted contract will ensure that the wing work stays in the Puget Sound, but a vote to reject the deal will ensure the jobs go elsewhere. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
December 30, 2013 - 11:32 AM
SEATTLE - Boeing has told local political leaders that this week's vote by Machinists will determine the fate of some jobs on the new 777X airplane.
In a press conference Monday morning, local politicians gathered in Everett to discuss the importance of approving the contract. They said Boeing executive Ray Conner told them in a meeting that the union vote will decide whether the new 777X composite wing is built in the region.
Conner told the politicians that an accepted contract will ensure that the wing work stays in the Puget Sound while a vote to reject the deal will ensure the jobs go elsewhere.
Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke says there is no other choice but to vote yes.
Local union leaders say the contract involves too many concessions, including a plan to shift workers away from traditional pensions.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013