Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company, has begun furloughing tens of thousands of its employees amidst an ongoing machinist strike. The workers, part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union, have been striking over disputes about contract terms and pay.
The furlough is expected to affect a significant percentage of Boeing’s workforce. Boeing is one of the largest employers in the United States, with over 150,000 employees globally. The furloughs could significantly impact local economies, especially in regions with a high concentration of Boeing employees, such as Washington State.
Boeing has stated that furloughed employees will be given the opportunity to return to work once the strike is over. However, it’s unclear when this will occur. The company and the machinists union have yet to reach a resolution on the disputed issues. The negotiations between the two sides are ongoing, and it is hoped that a resolution can be reached soon to minimize the impact on the affected employees and the broader aerospace industry.
In the meantime, Boeing is implementing steps to continue production as much as possible. These include utilizing non-union workers, outsourcing to third-party suppliers, and shifting resources inside the company.
