SPEEA Supports Machinists as Union Starts Talks with Boeing

SEATTLE – A delegation of 10 SPEEA officers and staff were on hand to show support as Machinists Union members began talks with Boeing on a new labor agreement.

“Their fight is our fight,” said Jeff Forbes, who is one of SPEEA’s Northwest Regional Vice Presidents. “The contract they win at the bargaining table this year will be the foundation for our contract negotiations in 2026. Our next contract, in turn, will set the table their next round of talks.”

Jon Holden, the president and directing business representative of IAM District 751, took questions from reporters after the initial meeting with the Boeing negotiating team.

“This is ‘Our Future, Our Fight’ to secure a better life for ourselves, our families, our communities and the next generations,” Holden said. “We aren’t just fighting for our livelihoods at that table, we are fighting for everyone. We must never lose sight that any success at the bargaining table will be a success for current members, future union workers, engineers, other Boeing employees and the supply chain.”

Along with SPEEA, representatives from Teamsters Local 174, which represents Boeing drivers, also came in a show of solidarity.

This is the first time in 16 years since the Machinists have had the opportunity to open traditional bargaining in all areas of the contract. Holden said the Machinists are focused on improving wages, health care benefits, working conditions as well as safety and quality.

“It’s important to us to build safe quality airplanes,” he said.

IAM represents 32,000 hourly Boeing workers in Western Washington and Portland, Ore. They work closely with the 16,000 Boeing engineers, scientists, technical workers and pilots represented by SPEEA.

A SPEEA delegation came out March 8 to support Machinists Union members as they started their contract talks with the Boeing Co. in Seattle. From left, SPEEA Organizing Director April Rebello, Administrative Assistant Ally Garza, Contract Administrator Peter Campbell, SPEEA Secretary Shaunna Winston, IAM District W-24 President Brandon Bryant, IAM District 751 President Jon Holden, SPEEA NW Regional Vice President John Dimas, SPEEA Treasurer Dan Nowlin, Legislative Director Brandon Anderson and Communications Assistant Julia Groves. (SPEEA photo by Karen McLean) IAM 751 represents some 32,000 hourly workers at Boeing in Western Washington and Portland, Ore., who work closely with about 16,000 SPEEA-represented engineers, technical workers, scientists and pilots.