Spirit could have layoffs after Boeing strike continues

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — On Wednesday night, 64% of Boeing machinists in Washington voted to reject the latest contract offer.

A Spirit spokesperson told KSN News that regardless of the outcome, 700 Spirit workers in Wichita are still being furloughed on Monday.

The offer would have given 33,000 Boeing machinists a 35% wage increase over four years and end the 41-day strike.

KSN’s Derek Lytle sat down with Spirit AeroSystems spokesperson Joe Buccino to learn what this means for people on the shop floor in Wichita.

Buccino said because Boeing machinists turned down this contract offer, more drastic cuts could be coming.

“Unfortunately, due to a significant inventory overstock on our 767 and 777 programs, we are moving forward with the furlough of approximately 700 Spirit teammates,” said Buccino.

Buccino said the “no” vote means job losses could be coming.

“Should the strike continue beyond November 25th, financial pressures and a significant inventory buffer will force additional measures for us, more drastic furloughs certainly and layoffs of our teammates,” said Buccino.

Buccino said Spirit is taking additional steps, such as cutting travel, air shows, and other money-saving measures across the board.

“It’s a tough decision for our leadership to make, but given the pressures here I’ve described, it’s a decision that became inevitable,” said Buccino.

Decisions, Buccino said, are hard, and those conversations with employees at every level are happening now.

“It’s a tough moment as we come into the holidays; our leadership at all levels is talking to our shop floor workers,” said Buccino.

KSN asked Buccino if the aviation industry and Spirit AeroSystems are healthy in 2025 and beyond. He told KSN he’d prefer to speak about the current moment.

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