Spirit AeroSystems is offering its employees the chance to voluntarily leave the company, as it continues to deal with the impact of Boeing’s decision to suspend production of the 737 MAX jetliner. The offer was announced in a letter sent to workers Monday by Spirit chief executive officer Tom Gentile.
The company is offering eligible employees in Wichita, Tulsa and McAlester, Oklahoma to be laid off “consistent with the terms of their applicable collective bargaining agreements.”
Spirit and other companies are facing uncertain times with Boeing’s recent decision to suspend production of the MAX. Gentile said the voluntary layoffs are being offered as the company lacks clarity on the timing for resuming MAX production.
The company also said Monday it is looking at a range of potential actions to reduce costs due to ongoing uncertainty regarding the MAX. It’s not clear how long production will be on hold, and the company said it continues to work with Boeing on resuming production of the aircraft.
