Famous airplace manufacturer Boeing has decided to open a second production line for its 787 dreamliner jet in North Charleston, a move which could create up to 900 new jobs for the the state - but is this good news?
Boeing's decision to move production south from Everett Washington follows well publicized difficulties between the jet producers and union workers. The production of this much anticipated Dreamliner jet has been delayed many times due to workers' strikes and it is believed the company has lost up to $1.6 in this years third quarter. Despite holding talks with the local branch of The International Association of Machinists Union in Washington, Boeing finalized their decision to locate their second production line in South Carolina.
It comes as no surprise that many believe the demands of the workers union and the eight-week closure that resulted from strike's last year has caused the company to choose a more business friendly location. In the end they have started this second production line in order to compensate for time lost from industrial action. As such it is no coincidence that that labor force at Boeings Charleston branch have effectively decertified themselves from the union which caused the company so much trouble in Washington.
The umemployed will no doubt benefit from this decision, with 900 jobs available in well-paid positions. However if this is to come at the expense of workers rights, are we not regressing? In times of economic difficulty social partnership becomes a pressing issue and we have already seen bargaining among workers and companies in the auto and steel industries. Will this move be good or bad for the workers of North Charleston? We shall see.
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