Today Boeing union members face a tough vote on a new contract. Polls are open until 6 p.m. and the International Association of Machinists will have results by about 9 p.m. on whether or not they will approve some contract cuts in order to secure the new Boeing 777X production in the Seattle area. Boeing got huge tax cuts recently from the state of Washington in order to keep production local, but the union still has to approve the new contract. If it doesn’t, Boeing 777X production could move out of state or even to Japan.

This was a tough, quick <5 minute shoot while a PR rep was babysitting me, but it was still quite fascinating to be there documenting a historic vote and I was grateful to have access. Pics below; thanks for looking.

 

A union member displays his vote against the proposed contract during a union vote at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Jim Rose casts his ballot at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters during a union vote in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

A union member casts his ballot at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters during a union vote in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Union members cast their ballots at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters during a union vote in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Union members fill out their ballots at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters during a union vote in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

A sign directs union members at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters during a union vote in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Union members check in at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters during a union vote in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)