200 Wichita workers to pitch in at Everett Boeing plant

Published 4:31 pm Friday, May 27, 2011

The Boeing Co. and its Machinists union recently agreed to bring in workers from its Kansas site to help out temporarily in Everett.

“Boeing is need of experienced mechanics and inspectors,” said Bev Holland, a spokeswoman for Boeing.

Nearly 200 Wichita workers could lend a hand on Boe

ing’s 747 and 767 lines in Everett.

The union and Boeing agreed to transfer up to 150 mechanics and 28 inspectors to help on the 747-8 line. Those workers could stay in Everett through November. Another 14 mechanics from Wichita will be in Everett through October to work on the 767 line.

“Boeing approached us about bringing them out,” said Tom Wroblewski, president of the local Machinists union. “They need help on the 747-8.”

The company hopes to deliver the first 747-8 freighter mid-year and the first 747-8 passenger plane later this year. Boeing recently froze the 747-8 jumbo jet line in place in Everett in order to catch up on unfinished tasks. After lifting the hold next month, Boeing will begin ramping up the rate of production on 747-8.

Both Boeing’s Holland and the Machinists’ Wroblewski agree the temporary transfer makes sense. There’s a lull in work in Wichita, meaning those Machinists could face layoffs, Wroblewski said. And Boeing’s defense workers in Wichita have experience on 747 and 767 jets.

The jet maker has been hiring at a rapid pace in the Puget Sound region to keep up with production increases and retirement of its aging workforce.

“They’re hiring every single week,” Wroblewski said. “There’s a real need for skilled workers.”

Boeing’s Holland noted that bringing in temporary workers is a way for the company to keep from laying off people when the orders cycle declines and production slows.

Wroblewski said the union will keep an eye on hiring here in the Puget Sound region. As long as Boeing continues bringing on more workers, then its Machinists union doesn’t have a problem with the temporary help.