Boeing released that employment at its Commercial Airplanes business unit is expected to decline by approximately 4,500 positions in 2009 as part of an effort to ensure competitiveness and control costs in the face of a weakening global economy. The reduction will bring Commercial Airplanes’ employment to approximately 63,500, similar to the level it was at the start of 2008.
Commercial Airplanes has begun a program to reduce overhead costs and discretionary spending. Although normal attrition and a reduction in contract labor will account for some of the job reductions, layoffs of Boeing employees also are necessary. Many of the job reductions will be in overhead functions and other areas not directly associated with airplane production.
Most of the reductions are expected to occur in Washington state in the second quarter of the year. Affected employees will receive 60-day notices beginning in late February. Boeing will support laid-off employees with layoff benefits and career-transition services.
