Governor Jay Nixon (D) has announced an agreement with St. Louis-area labor unions leaders designed to further entice Boeing into awarding its 777X contract to Missouri.
Nixon told reporters during a conference call Tuesday that leaders from three construction union groups have all committed to a 24-hour work schedule with no overtime pay, while constructing the facility where the new passenger jet is to be built.
"This aggressive work schedule would double the number of work hours each week, triple the committed work force, and reduce the construction time, and thus cost, by at least a year," Nixon said. "It's also a great example of how when it comes to competing for game-changing economic development projects, Missouri's skilled work force is one of the best advantages we have."
The three union groups taking part in the agreement are the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council, the Eastern Missouri Laborers District Council, and the Carpenters District Council of Greater St. Louis. The rank-and-file union members have not voted on the agreement, but Nixon says he's confident their leaders speak for them.
Missouri lawmakers are in special session this week to consider legislation that would provide $150 million in incentives as part of the state's bid to land the 777X contract.
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