Letter To Labor Relations Director Asks About Potential Fabrication Unit Sale

The profession aerospace union SPEEA has sent a letter to Jeff Clark, Director Labor Relations & Workforce Strategies at Spirit AeroSystems, concerning rumors of the sale of Spirit's parts manufacturing unit.

"One of the rumors surrounding this is that GKN Aerospace is buying all of the non-Boeing assembly work and all detail parts fabrication," wrote Midwest Director Bob Brewer. "Another part of this rumor is that former Spirit CEO Jeff Turner and Mike King are purchasing all of the non-Boeing assembly work and all detail parts fabrication. Is there any truth to either of these alleged plans?

"Multiple SPEEA members have relayed information that Spirit will announce some variant of the above on July 2. Is there to be any announcement coming on July 2, 3 or another date? Furthermore, some have heard that employees working in areas subject to divestiture will be required to reapply to obtain their prior position. Is there any validity to that claim?

"In addition, we've been told that in preparation for these moves and announcements, Spirit purchased a supply of riot gear and Tasers. Along with that rumor, multiple members have relayed information that Spirit has hired more than 100 additional security guards who are scheduled to report for work July 3. Is there any truth to this?

"We have heard The Boeing Company purchased all of the Boeing program assembly work currently being done by Spirit. Is this true?"

Brewer said that the union's contract with the company outlines specific procedures for notifying employees if there is to be such a sale.

The Wichita Eagle reports that Frank Molina, an official with the Machinists Union which represents hourly workers at Spirit, said that members of his union have also heard the rumors. The machinists contract with Spirit gives the union an opportunity to block outsourcing. Molina said that Spirit has indicated its willingness to meet, but that does not help quell rumors in the short term.

Spirit reportedly has not responded to the requests for information from SPEEA.

FMI: www.speea.org