Good Aerospace Commentary by High School Senior

Yesterday's Everett Herald had an excellent oped by Yoo Jung Kim, a senior at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo. Headlined "If Boeing leaves all Washingtonians lose," the commentary makes clear what's at stake.

The biggest losers, therefore, should a second line go to Charleston, will be our communities: the everyday people who benefit directly and indirectly from Boeing’s stability and the patronage of its employees.

The impact of the current Boeing crisis is far from isolated. Local politicians must facilitate an open line of communication — not just among professionals, Boeing, and members of the IAM, but with the community as well.

And there's this sharp business insight.

A second, non-unionized production site would slash the efficacy of the Everett International Aerospace Machinists’ (IAM) primary weapon: labor strikes. In addition, parallel competition between two plants will be good for big business, but not necessarily for the workers. If Boeing places a second assembly line South Carolina, the future of the aerospace industry in Washington — along with the stability of existing jobs — will be at the mercy of the Charleston plant’s future performance.

Well done.