MESA, AZ — Boeing has laid off 184 employees at its Mesa facility, according to a notice filed Wednesday with the Arizona Job Connection. The job cuts come as part of a larger wave of layoffs announced by the aerospace giant, which recently issued termination notices to more than 400 employees nationwide on November 16.
The layoffs primarily impact members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA)and will keep affected employees on payroll until mid-January, according to reports from The Seattle Times.
Nationwide Layoffs Amid Workforce Reductions
Boeing, which announced plans in October to reduce its global workforce by 10%, is cutting approximately 17,000 jobsacross multiple facilities, including locations in Washington, Missouri, Arizona, and South Carolina. The reductions span Boeing’s three major divisions: commercial airplanes, defense, and global services.
Despite these challenges, Boeing leadership attributed the layoffs to overstaffing rather than external disruptions, such as the recent labor strike that temporarily halted production.
“We are taking necessary steps to right-size our workforce and improve operational efficiency,” said CEO Kelly Ortberg during an October earnings call.
Financial Challenges Facing Boeing
The layoffs follow a turbulent period for Boeing, which has faced significant financial and operational difficulties in 2024. Key challenges include:
- Production Delays: Following an incident in January when a panel detached from the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines plane, production rates slowed, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) capped production of the 737 MAX at 38 planes per month.
- Labor Strike: A November labor strike temporarily disrupted production but was not cited as a direct cause for the layoffs.
- Financial Strain: Boeing has been grappling with rising costs and operational challenges, affecting its ability to maintain profitability.
Broader Industry Impact
The recent cuts at Boeing reflect broader struggles within the aerospace sector, which has faced disruptions from supply chain issues, economic uncertainty, and evolving market demand.
For affected employees, Boeing is offering resources to assist with the transition, though the company has not disclosed details about severance packages or support programs.
Boeing, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, continues to adjust its workforce to align with its current production and financial outlook, leaving the future of its workforce in Mesa and other facilities uncertain.
