Spirit AeroSystems is considering additional furloughs or layoffs for hundreds of employees if the ongoing Boeing machinists' strike extends beyond November 25.
The strike, which has entered its sixth week, follows a 64% vote against a proposed labor contract, leading to a halt in production for most Boeing aircraft, particularly affecting the Seattle area.
The company, which manufactures fuselages for the Boeing 737 Max among other components, had already planned to furlough approximately 700 workers at its Wichita, Kansas facilities, with those furloughs potentially starting next week.
A spokesperson indicated that further reductions are under consideration, highlighting the significant impact of the prolonged strike on the already fragile aerospace supply chain.
Boeing suppliers, including Spirit, have been cautious about workforce reductions, having spent years rebuilding after pandemic-related disruptions.
The strike has involved over 32,000 machinists across the Puget Sound area, Oregon, and other locations since September 13, exacerbating supply chain pressures that are also affecting Airbus.