Boeing Reneges on Promise to Wichita
Washington, DC – The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) is disappointed in the Boeing Company’s decision to move the U.S. Air Force KC-767 tanker program out of Wichita, Kansas, reneging on their commitment to bring 7,500 jobs to the area. In fact, this surprising move will close the facility and put more than 2,000 people out of work.
Said IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Paul Shearon, “Less than one year ago, SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001, Kansas’s congressional delegation, IFPTE, and many allies worked tirelessly with Boeing to bring this $35 billion dollar tanker contract back to the American people, particularly the citizens of Wichita where a Boeing facility has resided for more than 80 years. The victory was a testament to what could be accomplished when stakeholders work together for a common cause.
“However, Boeing decided to renege on its promises to its employees, to the city, and to the citizens of Wichita, Kansas who stood with the company in their time of need. This is yet another slap in the face from a multi-national corporation who agreed to something mutually beneficial to all parties, and then reneged on the agreement without reservation. From many reports, it looks as though this was the company’s intention all along. IFPTE condemns Boeing’s despicable actions and urges Kansas’ congressional delegation as well as any other state legislature to wake up to these broken promises. It is time to send a message to the Boeing Company and all corporations and hold them accountable for their actions.”
IFPTE is a labor union representing upwards of 90,000 workers in Canada and the United States including the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA/Local 2001).