U.S. planemaker Boeing is letting 396 employees go at various locations in Washington, a notice from the state’s Employment Security Department showed. This is part of wider cuts announced in October that are expected to affect a total of 17,000 Boeing jobs, around 10% of the company’s global workforce, either through layoffs or by not filling vacancies.
Boeing is attempting to get production of its strongest-selling 737 MAX back on track after a weeks-long strike by more than 33,000 U.S. West Coast workers halted output of most of its commercial jets. Boeing pointed to earlier statements that the company is adjusting its workforce levels to align with its “financial reality and a more focused set of priorities.”
The company closed a $24.3 billion equity offering in November as it looked to strengthen its finances and preserve its investment-grade credit rating. A similar notice in November said the company would lay off more than 2,500 workers in Washington, Oregon, South Carolina, and Missouri. Washington state, where Boeing has its largest workforce of over 60,000 people and produces most of its commercial jets, has been most affected by the layoffs.
