In December 2009, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner takes off on its inaugural flight in Everett, Washington, as captured by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images. The image shows the Dreamliner accelerating down the runway.
The Boeing engineer, Sam Salehpour, recently raised concerns about the 787 Dreamliner and another Boeing jet in Washington. Salehpour highlighted that Boeing, in its rush to meet production targets, cut corners when assembling the carbon-composite fuselage of the 787. This hasty process could significantly reduce the aircraft’s lifespan, potentially leading to structural issues during flight. Salehpour’s disclosures shed light on potential safety risks associated with Boeing’s manufacturing practices.
Boeing’s Need for Improvement
Salehpour emphasized the necessity for Boeing to enhance its operations to avoid failure and ensure success. He expressed concerns about the company’s current trajectory, indicating the need for improvement.
Contrary to Salehpour’s assertions, Boeing refutes his claims, labeling them as “inaccurate” and asserting full confidence in the 787 aircraft.
Joining a chorus of voices, Salehpour, along with other present and past Boeing staff, alleges that the company dismisses their feedback and takes retaliatory actions against them. While Boeing denies these allegations, industry experts suggest that the company should prioritize listening to its employees.
These recent developments occur amid Boeing’s efforts to regain trust from both airlines and the general public following an incident involving a 737 Max 9 aircraft in January, where a door plug panel malfunctioned mid-flight.
As a response to this incident, CEO Dave Calhoun addressed concerns, focusing on the issue of Boeing whistleblower retaliation.
**Boeing Acknowledges Mistakes and Plans for Change**
**Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer Acknowledges Mistakes**
Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer, Brian West, admitted to errors within the company, stating that prioritizing speed over accuracy in aircraft production has been a longstanding issue. At an investor conference, West emphasized the need for a shift in this approach, recognizing the necessity for change. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of improved communication with Boeing’s workforce to foster a more collaborative environment.
**Boeing 787 Dreamliner Production in North Charleston, S.C.**
In 2022, the production of Boeing 787 Dreamliner fuselages at the manufacturing facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, showcases the company’s ongoing operations. The images captured during this process provide insight into Boeing’s manufacturing practices and the scale of its production activities. The commitment to quality and efficiency in aircraft assembly is evident in the meticulous processes observed at the facility.
By addressing concerns raised by whistleblowers and taking proactive steps towards improvement, Boeing aims to enhance its operational standards and regain trust within the industry. The company’s willingness to acknowledge past mistakes and embrace change signals a positive shift towards a more transparent and accountable organizational culture.
**Encouraging a Culture of Speaking Up at Boeing**
Boeing emphasized the importance of employees speaking up in response to recent allegations, stating that retaliation is strictly prohibited. However, independent experts evaluating the company’s safety practices suggest that many Boeing employees do not perceive it that way. According to Javier de Luis, a lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, a safety culture cannot thrive if employees lack trust in the information they receive.
De Luis’s Involvement in Investigating Boeing’s Management Issues
De Luis, whose sister Graziella tragically perished in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash in 2019, actively participated in an expert panel assembled by the Federal Aviation Administration. This panel was formed in response to the fatal incidents involving the Boeing 737 Max 8 jet, which claimed the lives of 346 individuals across two separate accidents.
During the investigation, De Luis highlighted a significant “disconnect” between the upper management at Boeing and the employees on the factory floor. He emphasized the challenges faced by workers who attempted to raise concerns about safety issues within the company.
Challenges Faced by Whistleblowers
De Luis recounted instances where employees who dared to speak up about potential problems encountered severe repercussions. He shared stories of individuals who faced transfers or disciplinary actions for minor infractions after voicing their concerns.
Retaliation Against Whistleblowers
One such case is that of former Boeing mechanic Davin Fischer, who bravely spoke out against issues within the company and subsequently experienced harsh consequences as a result.
The Experience of a Boeing Whistleblower Facing Retaliation
At the Renton, Wash. factory where Boeing constructs the 737 Max, Fischer, a former mechanic, witnessed a relentless push from Boeing’s leadership to accelerate production.
Fischer recalls the constant demand for speed, stating, “They prioritized shareholders and investors over everything else, neglecting the well-being of planes, employees, and more.”
Upon confronting this pressure, Fischer faced demotion as a form of retaliation, ultimately leading to his termination from Boeing in 2019. He notes that many of his colleagues at Boeing remain silent out of fear.
Reflecting on the atmosphere at Boeing, Fischer expresses, “People there are scared without exception, fearing the repercussions of speaking up.”
In 2019, John Barnett, a seasoned quality manager, exposed Boeing for concealing critical defects with the 787 Dreamliner, becoming a whistleblower amid allegations of retaliation against him.
In a 2019 interview with Ralph Nader, Barnett expressed the challenges he faced, stating, “It’s been tough on me and my family. I continue to grapple with issues, experiencing anxiety attacks and PTSD.” Barnett alleged that his Boeing managers retaliated by reducing his pay and fostering a hostile work environment, leading to his premature retirement. Despite the toll on his mental and emotional well-being, Barnett emphasized the importance of prioritizing aircraft safety. He shared, “It’s a struggle that keeps me awake at night. The impact has been significant.” Barnett lodged a complaint regarding whistleblower retaliation at Boeing, focusing on the keyphrase “Boeing whistleblower retaliation.”
Engineer Sam Salehpour, the most recent whistleblower at Boeing, claims he experienced retaliation. According to his attorney, Debra Katz, Salehpour raised his concerns with management multiple times. Initially, he was instructed to remain silent, then labeled as a troublemaker, and eventually, he was excluded from meetings. Katz revealed that Salehpour was prohibited from communicating with structural engineers and mathematicians to clarify the data. Additionally, his supervisor even went as far as threatening him with physical harm.
The Boeing Whistleblower’s Response to Retaliation
According to Katz, Salehpour took action by reporting the threat to human resources, prompting Boeing to transfer him from the 787 to a different aircraft. Despite the challenges he faced, Salehpour maintains that he is not harboring any resentment.
Speaking to reporters recently, Salehpour expressed, “Despite the treatment and retaliation I have experienced in the company, I’m not bitter. Boeing needs to understand that fostering a genuine safety culture moving forward involves acknowledging and rectifying the errors accumulated over the past two decades.”
Next week, Salehpour is set to testify before a Senate subcommittee on Wednesday, providing another opportunity to share his ordeal.
While Boeing has also received an invitation, it is probable that a representative from the company will testify at a later date.
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