Boeing to shrink workforce, lay off 800 machinists
Mar 22, 2013, 1:43 PM | Updated: 4:14 pm
Boeing has announced it will shrink its workforce in the Puget Sound region by at least 2,000 positions before the end of 2013. (AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
Boeing has announced it will shrink its workforce in the Puget Sound region by at least 2,000 positions before the end of 2013.
The company said it plans to lay off at least 800 machinists by the end of the year as fewer people are needed to work on the 747 and the 787 Dreamliner.
The Daily Herald reports the job cuts will be mostly from the 747 and 787 jet programs in Everett. The company says production rates on those airplanes will not be affected.
In a statement, Boeing said it will also be leaving some vacant positions unfilled.
The reduction will come mostly from those who work on refurbishing and modifications to jets that have already rolled off the assembly line.
The company said it continues to explore all options to lessen the layoffs and it will work with the International Association of Machinists to support those who are affected. Boeing says it has already redeployed over 500 employees since the beginning of the year.
