SPEEA Pushes for Aerospace/Labor Issues with Washington State Lawmakers

By Bryan Corliss, Senior Communications Specialist

OLYMPIA, Wash. – More than 20 members of SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 met with about 30 Washington state lawmakers in Olympia to urge support for labor and aerospace issues.

Along with members of the Northwest Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) Committee, many newer and younger members took part in the one-day effort Jan. 31. They took the time off to be there to show their support for these issues.

“The impressive turnout of SPEEA members, notably the influx of younger and first-time attendees, was inspiring,” said SPEEA Legislative Director Brandon Anderson. “Our members arrived prepared to champion the interests of our workforce, including the expansion of unemployment insurance for striking workers. The significance of this bill cannot be overstated—it stands as a linchpin in cultivating a more just negotiating environment and ensuring a fair and promising future for all workers in our state."

In the meetings, SPEEA members pushed for:

• Unemployment insurance for striking workers

• Banning captive audience meetings (Employee Free Choice Act)

• Aerospace workforce and apprenticeships

They also sought support for bills related to sustainable aviation fuels, health insurance coverage for fertility treatments, layoff support, and support for collective bargaining efforts among legislative staffers and others.

Brandon Nepute, who is a SPEEA member and third-year Boeing employee, is glad he went. “It was a learning experience for me. I will definitely be back next year.”

Some of the SPEEA lobby day participants are shown here at a training before heading off to small-group meetings with lawmakers. More than 20 were able to attend on behalf of SPEEA. They met with about 30 lawmakers who represent their districts.