Under the new US federal health care law, Boeing has stated that it would be charging 90,000 non-union employees more for health insurance. Although the aircraft manufacturer said it would have made the change regardless of the new law as it has very generous health benefits, the news was jumped on by Republican candidate Dino Rossi in a bid to attack his democrat opponent Patty Murray two weeks before the election.
A letter sent to Boeing employees said: "The newly enacted health care reform legislation, while intended to expand access to care for millions of uninsured Americans, is also adding cost pressure as requirements of the new law are phased in over the next several years," according to Rick Stephens, senior vice president.