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Washington Aerospace Partnership
Dear Friend of Washington Aerospace, Many of you have asked us how you can help protect and expand aerospace jobs in Washington state--a critical component of a strong, diverse economy. Here are a few simple things YOU can do now:
Your Regional Press List: Click here (PDF)
Below are templates on the Tanker and Dreamliner 2nd line that you can customize. Let us know which news outlets or elected leaders you communicate with--send us your letters and we'll share with others:christina@washington-aerospace.com. Tens of thousands of good-paying jobs in Washington's aerospace industry are riding on the outcome of a Pentagon decision to allow Boeing or Europe’s Airbus to build tanker aircraft for our military. It would seem like a no-brainer choosing between American workers during a recession or sending U.S. jobs overseas. Our state’s 200,000 aerospace workers—including the International Association of Machinists—are highly skilled and productive, and have contributed significantly to the regional economy. Yet, the tanker outcome is far from certain. Now is the time for aerospace workers and their supporters to back Boeing’s bid for this $35 billion project. 
This fall, the Pentagon will begin its selection process between Boeing and Europe’s Airbus for its $35 billion contract to build refueling tanker aircraft for our military. At stake for Washington state are tens of thousands of good-paying jobs that will be sustained over 15 years building as many as 180 tankers. Washington is the aerospace center of the world, with a highly skilled workforce of 200,000 in 650 companies across 28 counties. Major assembly facilities are already in place. In contrast, Airbus proposes designing the tanker overseas and assembling them in a not-yet-built factory in Alabama. Especially in a national recession, it is imperative that we keep all phases of the tanker project here in America. Business, labor and government must team up to protect and enhance this vital sector of our economy.
This fall, the Pentagon will begin a selection process that bears immense impact on both our state’s aerospace industry and the larger community. Its choice between Boeing and Airbus for the military’s tanker aircraft bid will affect not only tens of thousands of aerospace jobs in our state but the countless local organizations that receive donations and volunteer time from aerospace companies and workers. Over the years, the Boeing company, its employees and retirees have donated hundreds of millions of dollars and numerous volunteer services to United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, local food banks and other nonprofit groups. The Pentagon contract is worth a whopping $35 billion. With our aerospace workers facing fierce competition, let’s stand with the workers who have always supported us.
The Pentagon should choose an American company with an experienced workforce and ready-made facilities in the United States for its military refueling tanker contract. This fall, the Pentagon will begin its selection process between Boeing and an European consortium led by Airbus. The project would require sharing sensitive information about our fighter jets, and could risk compromising our national security. Boeing, which 50 years ago built the tankers that the Air Force currently uses, plans to assemble the new aircraft in Washington state. Let’s make sure that Boeing gets the contract—and that American military equipment is made here, not abroad.
In the near future, Boeing will be making critical decisions that affect the hundreds of thousands of aerospace workers across Washington state. Boeing will determine where to set up the second Dreamliner assembly line and where to build next-generation aircraft that are successors to the 737 and 777. Our state has the highest concentration of high-skilled aerospace workers anywhere in the world. Men and women such as the members of the International Association of Machinists have consistently and efficiently produced quality aircraft. If we want to protect our hundreds of thousands of aerospace jobs, we must work together to promote our workers and our region as the center for aerospace manufacturing.
Washington’s aerospace industry is at a critical crossroads. Boeing will soon be deciding where to set up a second Dreamliner assembly line and build next-generation aircraft, successors of the 737 and 777. Their choices will shape our state’s aerospace industry for decades to come. Washington has the most highly skilled aerospace workforce in the world. And, last year, Forbes magazine ranked the overall state “business climate” third best in the nation. It’s time for business, labor, government and citizens to get this message out and ensure that our state remains the aerospace capital of world.
With Boeing looking for locations to host the second Dreamliner assembly line and build next-generation aircraft, at stake are both the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of aerospace workers in our state as well as the contribution they make to our community. Every year, aerospace companies and employees donate millions of dollars and volunteer countless hours to organizations that service their local communities, such as United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters and local food banks. Now, it’s our turn to support the aerospace workers who supported us. Other regions and countries are competing for aerospace jobs like never before. Let’s stand with our aerospace workers and fight to keep Washington the aerospace center of the world. |