The layoff notices for thousands of Boeing workers across the U.S. will go out within a few weeks, a move announced last week by the aircraft manufacturer as it deals with a crippling strike.
The question remains—will some of the 17,000 jobs to be cut by Boeing take place in Oklahoma? If so, what would the impact be on Oklahoma’s economy?
It’s defense work like that carried out at Tinker Air Force Base that is bleeding red for Boeing. Defense One reported, “In a letter to employees, CEO Kelly Ortberg noted “substantial new losses” for Boeing’s defense business, driven by work stoppage on military aircraft built at its factories, including the commercial-derived Air Force KC-46 tanker and Navy P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, continued program challenges, and the decision to end production of its 767 freighter, the basis of the KC-46, in 2027.”
The Boeing website in Oklahoma states “After growing our presence in the area for decades, we now employ more than 3,700 experienced professionals.” Their operations exist next to Tinker Air Force Base.
“Our operations in the heart of Oklahoma City focus on modernizing and modifying aircraft for the U.S. military and our international allies. You’ll add decades to the service time of well-known platforms such as the AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), legendary B-52 and B-1 bombers, and the “Flying Pentagon” E-4B.”
But—will some of those 3,700 be among the 17,000 expected soon to get layoff notices?
Reuters reported this week that even as Boeing prepared to send out the layoff notices across the country, a senior U.S. official, Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su, was enroute to Seattle to do something about the strike.
“Acting Secretary Su is meeting with both parties today to assess the situation and encourage both parties to move forward in the bargaining process,” a Department of Labor spokesperson said on Monday reported the news agency.
Some 33,000 Boeing workers have been on strike since the middle of September as they demand a 40% wage hike over four years.
Boeing announced last week it would send out 60-day notices to thousands of workers as it made a 10% cut in its workforce. In effect, it would mean the laid-off workers would leave Boeing in the midddle of January. If necessary, the company might also roll out a second phase of notices in December.
Just four years ago, Boeing announced a $20 million, 60,770 square-foot expansion project at Tinker Air Force Base in an effort to grow its modernization efforts of the B-52 bomber. At the time, the company said the expansion of a new high-bay addition to its existing facility would create openings for more than 300 engineers.
