Boeing machinists return to work, boosting local economies in Everett and Renton

After a seven-week strike, Boeing machinists are finally back on the job.

This is not just welcome news for the workers and Boeing but also for the cities that these facilities are in like Everett and Renton.

On Wednesday, we talked with business owners in downtown Renton, who said the strike ending should mean that dollars will once again be spent locally more often.

Debbie Natelson, who owns Liberty Café in downtown Renton, has seen the changes over the decades. She said whenever there's a strike, it not only affects the workers and the company, but also the local economy.

She said, "It's scary and depressing, but we supported the workers. We gave coffee to those who came in, and we tried our best, but it definitely had a ripple effect on business. It's been really slow."

Data from the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce shows the impact and the dollars being spent.

Between Auburn and Renton, aerospace workers contributed $725 million to the local economies. Between Lynnwood and Everett, it was even more: $1 billion in local spending last year.

Renton tattoo artist Justin Carey said things should now improve, for everyone.

"It's going to be good because first of all, those people are going to be back to work. They will be making money, but the little businesses around the community will be making money," Carey said.

In a statement to KOMO News, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone said, "We are pleased to see the 33,000 IAM Local 751 machinists across the Pacific Northwest getting back to work with a contract that reflects the value of their contributions and the importance of their work. Here in Renton, we'll be getting back to building the world's best planes."