Health & Fitness
Layoffs 'not the start of a Boeing down cycle,' union says
Boeing says it will lay off about 2.5 percent of its Machinists Union workforce as it winds down the developmental stage of its 747-8 and 787 programs.
SEATTLE — Machinists Union District Lodge 751 issued the following statement this afternoon:
“The Boeing Co. informed us today of a reduction in employment levels for 2013, which is due mainly to less disruption on the 787 line and the winding down of the change incorp and refurb work packages for 747-8 associated with developmental efforts.
“Boeing is trying to mitigate the impact and find other jobs, but ultimately it will results in some layoffs. They estimate about 800 layoffs will occur, but again that is just an estimate.
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“This is not the start of a Boeing down cycle. Unlike past layoffs, there are no production rate decreases on any airplane line. Production rates remain high and there is a seven-year backlog.”
Originally formed in 1935 to represent hourly workers at Boeing, District Lodge 751 of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers now represents nearly 34,000 working men and women at 49 employers, including more than 32,000 at Boeing.