Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Put Washington's Aerospace Workers and Safety Experts on Manufacturer Boards
Safety Starts at the Top Act would require large aerospace manufacturers to add labor and safety experts to their boards of directors
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 7, 2026) – Rep. Adam Smith today introduced the Safety Starts at the Top Act of 2026, legislation that would require large aerospace manufacturers to include worker representatives and safety experts on their boards of directors.
Washington's 9th District sits at the center of the nation's aerospace manufacturing workforce, home to thousands of machinists, engineers, and skilled tradespeople who design and build commercial aircraft flown by millions of passengers every day. The bill would ensure that expertise has a permanent, guaranteed voice at the highest levels of corporate decision-making.
“Washington's aerospace workforce builds some of the safest aircraft in the world, and they know better than anyone what it takes to keep it that way. This bill gives them a permanent seat at the table where safety decisions get made,” said Rep. Adam Smith.
The bill is the House companion to legislation introduced by Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) in the Senate.
“For years, Boeing has prioritized financial engineering over mechanical engineering, undermining the company’s safety culture. It's time for that to change,” said Senator Edward Markey. “Without input from the workers on the factory floor every day, Boeing is flying blind. By requiring Boeing’s Board to include worker and safety representatives, the Safety Starts at the Top Act will ensure that Boeing listens to the professionals who know safety best.”
The Safety Starts at the Top Act would require any Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) holder with at least $15 billion in annual gross revenue to annually certify to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator that its board of directors includes two labor representatives — one from each union representing employees directly involved in aircraft design and manufacturing — and two aerospace safety experts with proven, demonstrable safety outcomes. The FAA Administrator would be directed to rescind the ODA delegation of any manufacturer that does not meet these requirements within 90 days of enactment.
The Safety Starts at the Top Act is endorsed by the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM), IAM Local 751, IAM District W24, and SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001.
Statements of Support:
“Safe airplanes are built by people who are empowered to speak up and leaders who are willing to listen. America's aerospace engineers and technical professionals bring decades of expertise to designing and manufacturing the world's safest aircraft, yet too often their voices have not reached the highest levels of corporate leadership. The Safety Starts at the Top Act helps ensure that the knowledge and experience of frontline workers, together with aviation safety experts, are represented where the most consequential decisions are made. That's good governance, good public policy, and most importantly, good for the flying public,” said Brandon Anderson, Legislative Director of the Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, (SPEEA, IFPTE Local 2001).
“IAM 751 appreciates and supports this proposed legislation and if passed would ensure that workers voices are heard at the highest levels when decisions impacting aerospace manufacturing and safety are being discussed and implemented,” said Jason Chan, President & Directing Business Representative for the International Association of Machinists (IAM) District 751.
“IAM District W24 supports the Safety Starts at the Top Act of 2026. When passed, it will allow workers' concerns and their voices to be heard. Safety has been a foundation of our Union, and when decisions are made with workers' input, manufacturing and working safely can be mutually beneficial,” said Brandon Bryant, President & Directing Business Representative for the International Association of Machinists (IAM) District W24.