Economists at the University of Washington say that each additional Boeing worker brought 2.8 new jobs, usually in retail.
The latest blow, layoffs of up to 30,000 Boeing workers, was announced just as the polls were closing on Tuesday night.
There is also the question of how best to train and develop the skills of Boeing workers.
Boeing workers were divided on the issue.
Many of those former Boeing workers had technical skill specific to making airplanes.
And many Boeing workers, as well as people here with no official connection to the company, seemed shell-shocked.
What is more, many Boeing workers have never had a raise.
Many Boeing workers, however, had anticipated that the company would propose a relatively small wage increase.
As of last night, Boeing workers still had not determined how many files were lost, a spokesman, David Suffia, said.
Some Boeing workers have a different view.