Boeing is laying off several experienced contractors as part of broad cost-cutting measures announced by the company’s finance chief on Monday. The manufacturing giant said it was considering furloughs for some management and executive-level staff.
The Seattle Times reports that some layoffs have already begun. The manufacturer reportedly removed “dozens” of engineering contractor positions with only a day’s notice.
These contractors are largely retired employees who were brought back to help fix ongoing manufacturing issues with the Boeing 777X, 787 Dreamliner, and 737 MAX. Speaking to The Seattle Times, one engineer described the contractors as “vital,” calling the move “just another very bad decision in a continuing long line of bad decisions.”
Boeing continues to grapple with an ongoing strike of its Machinists. The labor group walked off the jobs on Friday after negotiations with the company fell through.
According to some estimates, the strike could cost Boeing up to $3.5 billion.
