IAM District 751 members in several shops at Boeing in Washington state are motivated to be part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of their production has shifted to 3-D printed face shields to support healthcare professionals and cloth masks to protect fellow IAM members and other workers.
Members in Everett, Seattle and Auburn are helping manufacture and assemble the 3-D printed face shields.
At the Boeing plant in Everett, IAM members in the Interiors Responsibility Center are cutting material to produce 33,000 cloth masks for workers. IAM members in the Everett blanket shop are then tasked with sewing the masks and attaching tie ribbons.
“This is an opportunity for our members to help provide essential equipment at such a critical time in our nation. Our members are proud to build face shields for the health care industry, as well as cloth masks for co-workers and other workers to do their part to help during this global pandemic,” said IAM District 751 President Jon Holden. “We continue asking Boeing to begin making other equipment for the health care industries, including much needed N95 masks to meet the challenges of COVID. This is a unique opportunity for Boeing and our members to help provide these essential pieces of personal protective equipment to help our communities and our nation.”
“Our Brothers and Sisters at District 751 are stepping once again and showing the world what it means to be a trade unionist,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “These talented and dedicated men and women have always joined together to confront any challenge before them. Our union is incredibly proud of every District 751 family.”
“The spirit of the Fighting Machinists is alive and well in District 751, as it is across our whole union,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Our members are making the essential PPE that are protecting Americans as we turn the tide on COVID-19. As we battle the virus and things look bleak, I want you all to know that I believe we will get through this and America and our union will emerge stronger than ever.”
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