17,000 'White Collar' Jobs Threatened, Michigan To Be Hit Hard

Boeing is making headlines again, and not for good reasons. The aerospace giant has announced plans to lay off over 17,000 employees worldwide, including many in Michigan, amid a protracted strike involving 33,000 workers.

According to aerospace reporter Dominic Gates, the layoffs will primarily affect white-collar positions as part of Boeing's “Reduction In Force” plan, with managers set to finalize decisions by the end of October. Employees will receive 60-day notices starting November 13, with the last working day for some set for January 17. A second wave of layoffs could follow in February if necessary.

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The ongoing strike, which began on September 13 after failed contract negotiations with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, is projected to cost Boeing more than $1 billion a month (WOOD TV).

In Michigan, where the aerospace sector is a key part of the economy, local leaders are concerened about the potential economic fallout. The layoffs could lead to increased unemployment and diminished consumer spending, further straining local businesses already affected by the strike.

Not only are things not looking great for certain Michiganders, but this Centurion Trial Attorney/ TikToker goes into great detail about the 'tailspin' Boeing has found themselves in:

@attorneyryan 33,000 Boeing workers WALKED OFF the factory floor. They are demanding raises and protection from forced overtime. But the MOST important thing they want is something Boeing isn’t willing to give: Their pensions back. . Which is frustrating, because Boeing has done something PARTICULARLY uncool since cancelling pensions in 2014. . Without a deal, Boeing is now playing dirty. As of Monday, 9/30/24, Boeing workers lost their health insurance. . Listen in to become the Most Informed Person (MIP) on this topic! . . We got great feedback on the last long video. I like these because they leave room for nuance. Please let me know how I can make them better. . . #workingclass #economicnews #economy #business #aviation #airtravel #work #unions #money #financialliteracy ♬ original sound - Attorney Ryan

Seems like the company simply may not recover.

As the layoffs loom, the urgency for support and retraining programs for displaced workers has never been clearer. With job security hanging in the balance, communities are left grappling with uncertainty about their economic future.