Boeing Bonus Today Could Make it a “Green Friday” in Everett

(Updated 4:34am Dec 15) Along with their regular pay, nearly 18,000 machinists who work at the Everett Boeing Plant will find an extra $5000.00 in their paychecks today. The payout comes after machinists ratified a contract extension last week. While a fair amount will go to taxes that still leaves a lot of cash for Christmas.

My Everett News spoke with several Everett businesses about their expectations for a “Green Friday”. Dennis Butterfield, General Manager at Hyundai of Everett said, “We may see a couple deals Friday but the time between December 26th and New Year’s Eve is really where more than 40% of our business for the month will come.” Butterfield noted that Boeing employees traditionally have the week between Christmas and New Year’s off and that gives them more time to shop and compare with their families.

Gary Skrla owns the Silver Lake Ace Hardware store in south Everett. “We may sell more power equipment and power tools” said Skrla, “but this bonus is different from years past, this isn’t a booming economy.” He added the thought that most would pay bills and set money aside for savings.

Over at Everett Power Sports, Dan Wheeler is the service manager, “There are a few of the younger Boeing workers who’ve been in eyeing things and making their wish list” said Wheeler, “Bike sales are down but we should sell more parts and accessories.

Just the bonuses paid out to the Everett workers will mean an infusion of more than $850,000.00 to the local economy. Once those checks are cashed, that could mean a “Green Friday” for Everett business owners.