Boeing Layoffs Hit Washington Workforce Amid $6.17B Loss

Boeing has laid off 2,199 employees in Washington state as part of its workforce reduction measures, according to a notice submitted to Washington’s Employment Security Department. The layoffs, which began on November 1, 2024, are part of the company’s efforts to stabilize financially after a challenging period.

Among those affected, over 400 employees are members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), which represents around 17,000 Boeing workers across Washington, Oregon, California, and Utah. Specifically, 218 layoffs occurred in SPEEA’s professional unit, comprising engineers and scientists, while 220 were from the technical unit, including technicians. These employees will remain on payroll until mid-January 2025 and are eligible for subsidized healthcare benefits for up to three months.

Boeing spokesperson Bobbie Egan commented in an email to the Washington State Standard that the layoffs span across various departments and geographic locations without further details provided.

The announcement follows Boeing’s October 14, 2024, decision to issue 60-day layoff notices impacting approximately 10% of its 66,000 employees in Washington state. These reductions come in the wake of a seven-week strike involving 33,000 workers along the U.S. West Coast, which ended on November 5, 2024. The strike concluded with 58% of union members voting to accept a new pay agreement that includes a 38% salary increase.

The strike significantly impacted Boeing’s financial health, resulting in a $6.17 billion loss for the third quarter of 2024. The layoffs are part of broader measures aimed at restoring the company’s profitability while navigating the challenges of a competitive aerospace industry.

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