Massive Traffic Congestion at Airport Way Due to Boeing Strike Vote

Massive congestion on the Airport Way Exit and surrounding area today due to the Boeing strike vote.

A vote is being held by Boeing machinists at Kasch Park, next to the Sno-Isle Skills Center, which caused massive delays for the buses, students and parents.

The vote will take place all day, ending at 8pm, so expect to see congestion in the area and avoid it if possible.

One parent told us:

“The last mile into the Sno-Isle Skills Center took me one hour and 15 minutes. It was very poorly organized.

If they ever do this again, they need to find a way to let students be picked up and dropped off.”

Mayor Cassie Franklin sent out this warning:

“Heads up for anyone traveling through southwest Everett this afternoon:

Expect significant congestion until 6 pm on Airport Road approaching Kasch Park Road, on Casino Road, and near the SR 526 ramps.

If you can, choose alternate routes. If you must travel through, please be sure to watch for pedestrians and allow additional time to reach your destination.”

One person informed us that the Everett Parks department was warned, ahead of time, that there would be up to 30,000 people voting, but the city didn’t provide any traffic assistance, so supervisors had to volunteer to direct traffic.

Many expect the 33,000 Boeing aircraft assembly workers will go on strike, but we won’t know until late tonight or early tomorrow. The proposal is a 25% general wage increase, enhanced retirement benefits, fewer hours of mandatory overtime work and increased parental leave.

Union members argue the 25% number is misleading as their bonuses are being removed, which makes it more like a 9% raise over four years. If members reject the proposed contract, the will strike will officially begin at Midnight tonight.

Update: Machinists Reject Boeing’s Contract and Vote to Go On Strike