Tip Sheets
Boeing’s decision to lay off striking workers not the ‘sign of a well-run company’
October 16, 2024
Media Contact
Adam Allington
Boeing is preparing to lay off thousands and implement steep cost-cutting measures in the coming weeks, a move which prompted an in-person visit from acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su.
Arthur Wheaton
Director of Labor Studies, ILR School
Art Wheaton serves as director of labor studies at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations and says Boeing’s recent moves are only compounding its problems.
Wheaton says:
“Boeing is facing serious financial pressures and catastrophic public relations embarrassment. The decision to announce 17,000 job cuts during a strike sounds desperate and not necessarily a sign of a well-run company.
“The missteps of the bargaining and labor relations team by Boeing Management have not improved their position in Washington DC, especially after being forced to testify in front of Congress for mismanagement. Having Labor Secretary Julie Su show up in-person to pressure results at the bargaining table shows that the Biden Administration is trying to help get a deal but is not necessarily what the Boeing management team had in mind.
“Cost-cutting is important for business. Having employees working instead of striking is more important. Lessons do not come cheap in dealing with a strike.”
