Wed, Mar 09, 2005
Union Hopes For Positive Change
The union representing more than
21,500 technical and professional workers at The Boeing Company is
looking ahead in the wake of today's (March 7) abrupt resignation
of President and CEO Harry Stonecipher.
The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace
(SPEEA) IFPTE Local 2001, AFL-CIO, asks represented employees to
reserve judgment on the change for the immediate future.
"We are hopeful that whoever takes the reigns will develop a
vision that helps move us toward a strong and positive future,"
said Charles Bofferding, executive director of SPEEA. "Boeing
thrives with an atmosphere that allows employees to use their
skills and experience."
Stonecipher was often the focus of employee anger within Boeing.
Relations improved in recent years, with Stonecipher meeting with
union leaders and helping push forward an "incentive plan" last
year during negotiation for a SPEEA-IFPTE bargaining unit in
Wichita, Kansas. A rebounding economy, the new 787 and other new
programs helped the union add numbers in recent months.
While the reason for the resignation
is surprising, SPEEA President Jennifer MacKay said employees were
aware Stonecipher (right) was planning to retire.
"It's time for the right change," MacKay said. "Employees have
had enough turmoil from Boeing's leadership. It's time to turn this
around and bring back The Boeing Company we know and love.
Employees are ready to get back to what we do best -- building the
best commercial and military aerospace products in the world."
Union officers will meet this week to discuss the change and
assess its impact on employees.
SPEEA represents 21,500 engineers, technical workers and other
professionals in aerospace, primarily at The Boeing Company.
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