EVERETT, Wash. — Local businesses anticipate it taking weeks, if not months or years, to recover from the impact of the 53-day Boeing machinist strike that ended on Nov. 4.
Kris Johnson, president and CEO of the Association of Washington Business, said the strike "cost an estimated $5 billion nationally and brought uncertainty and harm to the aerospace supply chain and countless communities, families and individuals across the nation."
Employees at Cedar Rivers BBQ said they didn't need to know a number to know the strike cost them money.
Cynthia Stowers, an employee, said business has been slow.
"We have big caterings from Boeing, not so much anymore," Stowers said. "You could tell by the empty chairs, orders. It wasn't really coming in."
The strike ended Monday, Nov. 4, with 59% of IAM District 751 member ship approving a new contract with Boeing. The approved contract offers a 38% wage increase, improved 401(k) contributions and a $12,000 ratification bonus, up from the previous offer of $7,000. Union negotiators have encouraged machinists to accept the offer, despite the company not budging on bringing back the pension plans.
With workers returning as early as Wednesday, Nov. 6, Stowers said she hopes for a busy lunch rush.
"I wish this place was full of customers. I hope business picks up to help everywhere," she said.
Boeing Machinists have until Nov. 12 to return to work.