Seattle, Washington – Boeing is facing scrutiny yet again after a Federal Aviation Administration investigation was opened on Monday following the deaths of two whistleblowers in recent months. The aircraft manufacturer is now striving to maintain its reputation amid allegations of safety concerns within the company.
In a memo sent to employees on April 29, Scott Stocker, vice president and general manager of Boeing’s 787 Program, commended an employee for raising a red flag on a quality issue during a test involving a jet’s wing-body connection. While the exact nature of the irregularities was not disclosed, Stocker emphasized the importance of speaking up about safety concerns and reinforced Boeing’s zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance with safety protocols.
The employee’s report prompted Boeing to notify the FAA, leading to an investigation into the company’s inspection processes for Dreamliner aircraft and allegations of records falsification at a South Carolina facility. The FAA has instructed Boeing to reinspect all 787 airplanes in production and develop a plan to address the existing fleet.
Amidst these challenges, Boeing is facing backlash from whistleblowers who have criticized the company’s safety culture. Testimonies from employees, including Sam Salehpour, a quality engineer with 30 years at Boeing, revealed allegations of retaliation for reporting safety issues. Salehpour claimed he was transferred to another division and reprimanded for speaking out about improper practices within the company. This sentiment was echoed in a lawsuit filed by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), alleging retaliation against members who raised concerns about safety practices.
Despite Boeing’s vocal support for employees reporting safety concerns, the company’s actions have come under scrutiny. The allegations of retaliation and a lack of transparency have raised concerns about the company’s commitment to safety and accountability within its operations. As Boeing navigates through these challenges, it must address the issues raised by whistleblowers and demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of safety and openness within the organization.