Boeing strike could delay 80 plane deliveries
An eight-week strike that idled Boeing Co.'s commercial airplane plants during a period of peak production may have delayed the delivery of as many as 80 planes, analysts said Monday.
The walkout, which ended Saturday after union workers ratified a deal with the company, also may mean the inaugural flight of its long-awaited 787 jetliner — initially expected by the end of the year — will not happen until February or March.
The Machinists union, representing about 27,000 workers in Washington state, Oregon and Kansas, voted three-to-one to end the strike that began Sept. 6.
The walkout by electricians, painters, mechanics and other production workers paralyzed Boeing's commercial plane business, which had been operating at full capacity with a record backlog of orders.
Boeing officials have said the standoff likely would result in a day-for-day delay of its production schedule, implying a two-month postponement of deliveries. The company plans to report delivery figures for October on Thursday.
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Re: Boeing strike could delay 80 plane deliveries
Does the strike allow suppliers to catch up on production of 787 parts, and allow Boeing to avoid penalties to customers by claiming events beyond their control caused the delivery delays?
