Union’s Rejection Of Boeing Contract Threatens Jobs Among Aerospace Suppliers

The recent rejection of Boeing's latest contract offer by striking workers poses a new risk to operations at aerospace suppliers, including family-owned Independent Forge, Allison Lampert reported for Reuters.

Late last week, 64% of Boeing’s West Coast factory workers voted against the company's latest contract proposal. I Photo: Machinists Union Facebook

With over 33,000 U.S. Boeing workers on strike, suppliers like Independent Forge in Orange County, California, are bracing for potential operational cuts.

If the strike continues for another month, the company may need to reduce its workweek from five to three days to conserve costs and retain its workforce, said Andrew Flores, the company's president.

Late last week, 64% of Boeing’s West Coast factory workers voted against the company's latest contract proposal, causing further disruptions to assembly lines for most of Boeing’s commercial aircraft.

This has added new pressure on suppliers like Independent Forge, which has been in business since 1975.

The company has already laid off a few employees, but Flores is reluctant to let go of more.

 The 22 remaining workers are essential to the company's operations and will be crucial when the strike ends, and demand for aluminum aircraft parts resumes. "They are the backbone of our shop," Flores said.

"Their knowledge, I can't replace that."

Similarly, Seattle-area supplier Pathfinder, which runs a training program to attract young talent into aerospace, may also face more layoffs, according to CEO Dave Trader.