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.
