Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) released the following statement Jan. 4 in response to the machinists union vote approving Boeing’s latest contract offer to keep the 777X jetliner production jobs in the Puget Sound area:
“As chairman of the Assembly Select Committee on Aerospace, I joined in the fight to bring the 777X jobs to California and I will continue to work with Boeing to explore opportunities to save the C-17 manufacturing jobs in Long Beach. Our experienced workers know how to build airplanes. We have the necessary infrastructure, including the C-17 manufacturing facilities and the ports. We have the established supplier network. And the State of California is prepared to offer competitive tax credits supported by the governor and the Legislature this year.
“In sum, I am prepared to continue to work with the governor and the Legislature to make the state more competitive and to bring good aerospace jobs to our state.”
California was one of more than 20 states that moved to bid for work on Boeing’s 777X commercial plane. The bidding came to an end when Boeing machinists voted narrowly late Friday to approve a new labor contract that moves workers away from pensions. The move secured a deal to build the 777X in the Seattle area.
Muratsuchi represents the 66th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Lomita, the Los Angeles communities of Harbor City and Harbor Gateway, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance and the unincorporated communities of El Camino Village and West Carson.