Silke Mayr Boeing will lay off over 2,000 workers in Washington and Oregon by December 20. The move is part of a global workforce reduction affecting 17,000 jobs, or about 10% of the company’s total workforce. The layoffs were disclosed in a filing with the Washington State Employment Security Department.
The Washington State Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) database shows 2,199 Washington employees will be affected. Of those, 438 are members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA). The impacted SPEEA members include 218 engineers and 220 technicians, according to Reuters.
Boeing’s Global Job Reduction Strategy
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg announced plans to reduce the company’s global workforce by 10% in the coming months. The cuts will affect workers at various levels, including executives, managers, and frontline employees.
“Over the coming months, we are planning to reduce the size of our total workforce by roughly 10 percent,” said Ortberg. “These reductions will include executives, managers, and employees. The state of our business and our future recovery require tough actions.”
Boeing’s decision to reduce its workforce aims to address financial pressures and operational challenges. The layoffs impact employees at different levels, reflecting the company’s efforts to stabilize operations.
Strikes and Safety Issues Add Pressure on Boeing
Boeing faces multiple challenges, including labor unrest and safety issues with its aircraft. Workers in Seattle staged a strike in October, marking the first walkout in 16 years. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) participated in the strike, which ended on November 4 after a new agreement was reached. The walkout raised concerns that some striking workers might now face layoffs.
In addition to labor disputes, Boeing is dealing with safety issues related to its aircraft. In September, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued an urgent warning about a potential flaw in the rudder control system of Boeing 737 planes. The NTSB highlighted that the system could fail in cold weather, posing safety risks for passengers and crew.
These workforce reductions come as Boeing faces financial strain and operational hurdles. The company’s strategy to cut jobs is part of its broader effort to stabilize business and address ongoing challenges related to labor and aircraft safety.