Aviation Subcommittee Chair Larsen and Washington State Democrats Seek Answers from Boeing on Impact to Workers

Two weeks after successfully urging Congress to approve billions in aid for the aerospace, The Boeing Corporation is reportedly contemplating refusing to accept the taxpayer-funded bailout due to minimal requirements, such as not using the money to buy back stocks, and not laying off more than 10% of their workforce over the next six months. 

In response, House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Rick Larsen led a letter with six of his House colleagues to Boeing President & CEO David Calhoun, writing that, “we are disappointed to read reports that you are now considering forgoing the relief Boeing requested.” 

The letter brings forward the concerns of people working in the aerospace industry, including not just workers employed by Boeing or aerospace workers in the state, but throughout the supplier network spread across the U.S. The letter specifically asks Boeing their intentions on accepting financial assistance through the third COVID relief bill, CARES Act, what steps the company will take to maintain employment, what occupational safety measures are being put in place, and how the company will support the suppliers that depend of the top-tier aircraft manufacturer. 

IFPTE thanks Chairman Larsen for his leadership and the Members on these issues, which are significant not only to IFPTE members, but the U.S. economy