A major labor union delivered a rare victory for common sense that points the way for more rational behavior by our political leaders.

The International Association of Machinists had overwhelmingly rejected a Boeing contract to produce the new 777X in the Seattle area, and when the company came back with an improved deal, local union leadership stridently demanded the contract’s rejection. Meanwhile, Boeing negotiated with other states like Texas to save money on labor costs, so the rank and file narrowly voted to approve the new contract, keeping plants in the Northwest for at least a decade.

The machinists preferred compromising with the company, rather than “standing on principle” and risking their jobs. In politics, as well as business, pride and stubbornness can sometimes damage your own most important goals unless you keep “your eyes on the prize.”