Boeing has issued layoff notices to over 400 members of its professional aerospace labor union, the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA).
This move is part of a larger wave of job cuts announced by the company as it grapples with financial difficulties, regulatory hurdles, and the aftermath of an eight-week strike by its machinists’ union.
The affected SPEEA members, who received their notices last week, will remain on the payroll until mid-January.
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The layoffs include:
- 218 members of SPEEA’s professional unit: This unit comprises engineers and scientists.
- 220 members of SPEEA’s technical unit: This unit includes analysts, planners, technicians, and skilled tradespeople.
These cuts are part of Boeing’s plan to reduce its workforce by 10%, or approximately 17,000 jobs, in the coming months. CEO Kelly Ortberg cited the need to “reset workforce levels” to align with the company’s current financial reality.
Boeing has faced significant challenges this year, including:
- Financial strain: An eight-week strike by the machinists’ union impacted the company’s finances.
- Regulatory scrutiny: A January incident involving a blown fuselage panel on an Alaska Airlines plane led to increased FAA scrutiny and production caps on the 737 MAX.
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While Ortberg attributed the layoffs to overstaffing rather than the strike, the company’s struggles are undeniable. Boeing is offering eligible employees career transition services, subsidized healthcare benefits, and severance packages to help them navigate this difficult period.
This wave of layoffs marks a challenging chapter for Boeing and its employees as the company works to overcome its current difficulties and regain stability in the aerospace industry.
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