U.S. Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) are working to support the Kansas workforce after Wichita-based Spirit AeroSystems, the largest employer in Kansas and a major supplier for Boeing and its troubled 737 Max aircraft, on Jan. 10 announced 2,800 layoffs at its headquarters.
The Kansas members are communicating with the Trump administration, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), state lawmakers, and others since the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX for safety reasons.
The layoffs announcement came a day after documents became public showing that Boeing employees were doubtful about the safety of the 737 Max and reportedly tried to hide related problems from the FAA.
“I have had numerous discussions with the Trump administration, the FAA, the governor, Boeing and other stakeholders about the impact these layoffs will have on employees at Spirit and various other industry suppliers throughout our region,” said Rep. Estes, adding that he will continue to work with the FAA to ensure that the grounded aircraft causing these layoffs become safe and are ready to fly.
“In the meantime, my office in Wichita is available to help connect affected employees with the Department of Labor and other resources,” he said.
Sen. Moran, who said that the layoffs “have dealt a harsh blow not only to the company but also to Spirit suppliers and subcontractors,” also is discussing the situation with both the incoming CEO at Boeing and the FAA administrator. And he’s spoken with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence about the negative impact the layoffs will have in Kansas and throughout the aviation and aerospace industry.
“I plan to continue working with the administration and Department of Defense to showcase the capabilities of Wichita manufacturers in an effort to diversify the industry and bring more job opportunities to the region,” he said.
Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) also released a statement regarding the layoffs announcement. “While I know these furloughs will affect a large part of the aerospace workforce in Wichita, I know the community is prepared to assist in every way possible,” Sen. Roberts said. “Wichita is the Air Capital of the World and I am committed to making sure that does not change.”