EDITOR’S NOTE: South King Media Founder/Publisher Scott Schaefer serves on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce.
The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce this week launched a campaign to better understand the local economic impact of the ongoing International Association of Machinists (IAM) strike at The Boeing Company.
The strike, now in its second month, has led to widespread furloughs and potential ripple effects on businesses and industries throughout the region.
Boeing has long been a key player in Washington’s economy, supporting nearly 200,000 jobs, generating over $71 billion in business revenues, and contributing significantly to local taxes. As Boeing navigates this strike, the Chamber is seeking input from businesses, community leaders, and community members on how the strike may be impacting local businesses, industries, and the broader community.
“Our goal is to understand the economic consequences for our region,” said Samantha Le, President & CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce. “We know the aerospace industry is critical to Washington’s economy, and we are committed to supporting businesses that may be affected by these developments.”
The Chamber has launched a survey to gather insights from local stakeholders, with responses helping to guide future efforts to support impacted businesses. Community Leaders and Members are also being consulted for their observations on the strike’s effects within their jurisdictions.
Key Data from Aerospace Industry Report:
- The aerospace industry generates $71 billion in business revenue annually and supports 194,000 jobs directly, with an even broader impact on surrounding businesses.
- In 2023, the industry paid $19.4 billion in worker wages and contributed $580 million in state taxes.
- Small businesses, including restaurants, retailers, and health services, significantly benefit from the industry’s presence in the region.
The Chamber encourages businesses and community members affected by the strike to share their experiences through the survey. This feedback will be critical in shaping the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate the strike’s economic impact on Southwest King County.
Take the Survey:
The survey is open to all businesses and community members. Responses are requested by Monday, October 21st, 2024.
To participate, please visit:
IAM Strike Impact Survey
For more information or to discuss the impact of the strike, please contact the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce at staff@seattlesouthsidechamber.com.
About the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce
The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit business organization, has proudly served the communities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila since 1988. Committed to fostering a strong, equitable economy, the Chamber works to advance business growth and create a thriving, vibrant environment where both businesses and the community can prosper. Through advocacy, resources, and collaboration, the Chamber plays a vital role in promoting local business success and supporting long-term community development. For more information, visit www.seattlesouthsidechamber.com.
