### Boeing to Cut 17,000 Jobs Amid Strikes and Safety Concerns

Boeing has announced plans to eliminate 17,000 jobs as part of efforts to align with its current financial situation, while simultaneously dealing with a massive strike and ongoing safety issues. The aerospace giant is also postponing the first delivery of its 777X commercial jetliner by a year and has warned investors of significant losses within its defense sector.

Kelly Ortberg, Boeing's new chief executive, emphasized the need for "tough decisions" and "structural changes" in a memo to employees last Friday. "We need to be clear-eyed about the work we face and realistic about the time it will take to achieve key milestones on the path to recovery," he wrote.

Approximately 33,000 Boeing employees in Washington and Oregon have been on strike for about a month, which has brought production of the 737 Max, 767, and 777 jets to a standstill. The strike stems from a dispute over pay, with negotiations currently at a bitter impasse.

This year has been particularly challenging for Boeing. In January, an incident involving a cabin panel blowout on a brand new Max jet highlighted renewed concerns about the safety and quality of its aircraft. Additionally, the recent mission of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft raised questions after it landed back on Earth last month without the two astronauts who were supposed to be onboard.

Ortberg reiterated that reducing the workforce is a necessary step to align with the company’s financial reality. "Over the coming months, we are planning to reduce the size of our total workforce by roughly 10%," he said, mentioning that the cuts would affect executives, managers, and other employees. Employees will receive more specific information about the impact on their departments next week.

Following the announcement, Boeing's shares fell by 1.6% in after-hours trading. Ortberg assured employees that throughout this challenging period, the company would maintain its commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. "We know these decisions will cause difficulty for you, your families, and our team," he said, adding, "However, the state of our business and our future recovery require tough actions."