Boeing strike spurs cuts at South Carolina plant

Published 2:08 pm Saturday, October 25, 2008

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — A South Carolina supplier for Boeing Co. says it will lay off 50 workers, has dismissed 65 contractors and may temporarily shut down because of an ongoing strike at the Seattle-based airplane manufacturer.

Vought Aircraft Industries Inc. told The Post and Courier of Charleston on Friday that workers will continue to receive benefits through November. Not including contractors, Vought had 300 employees on its North Charleston payroll two months ago.

Last week, Boeing reported a 38 percent decrease in earnings because of the strike that began Sept. 6 and has been estimated to cost $100 million a day in deferred revenue and production delays on the 787 Dreamliner.

Dallas-based Vought makes the aft section of the 787 fuselage in North Charleston.