Spirit AeroSystems Temporarily Pauses Work for 700 Employees Amid Boeing Strike

Spirit AeroSystems, a major supplier for Boeing, has decided to put 700 of its employees on temporary leave. This comes as a result of the ongoing strike by machinists at Boeing, which has now lasted for six weeks. The strike started on September 13 when over 32,000 Boeing workers rejected a tentative labor agreement. This has added to Boeing's financial struggles and presented a new hurdle for CEO Kelly Ortberg, who has only been in the role for a couple of months. The 700 workers on leave represent about 5% of Spirit's total U. S. workforce. Most of these workers are from Spirit's largest facilities in Wichita, Kansas. Spirit is considering deeper cuts if the strike continues past November. "If the strike persists into November, we might have to do layoffs and more furloughs," said Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino. The strike between Boeing and the machinists' union shows no signs of ending anytime soon. This has a ripple effect on Boeing's suppliers, like Spirit AeroSystems, who are feeling the pressure. Companies like Spirit produce parts for Boeing's 737 Max planes, which are currently not being assembled due to the strike. It's important to remember that these furloughs are temporary, but what happens if the strike drags on? Companies like Spirit have to prepare for different scenarios to protect their business. This situation also highlights the complex nature of labor disputes and their impact on the broader industry.