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Boeing Mechanic Claims He Was Fired For Being “Snitch”
https://www.whatjobs.com/news/usa/us-employment-news/boeing-mechanic-claims-he-was-fired-for-being-snitch
By Nithya Bose in Business News, posted June 28, 2024
An aircraft mechanic alleges he was labeled a "snitch" and fired for voicing safety concerns over Boeing's manufacturing practices.
Richard Cuevas has 40 years of experience in the aviation industry.
He reported witnessing substandard manufacturing and maintenance on a critical section of the Boeing 787 aircraft.
Cuevas was contracted to Spirit AeroSystems to work on the Boeing 787's forward pressure bulkhead, a vital component at the nose of the aircraft.
Mr Cuevas' lawyers, Debra Katz and Lisa Banks, said: “He recognised the substandard work and expressed concern.
"But Spirit and Boeing failed to stop the faulty manufacturing processes."
A colleague reportedly remarked: “We’ve got a snitch among us,” shortly before Cuevas was dismissed in March 2024.
Boeing, which has faced ongoing scrutiny over its safety culture, said Cuevas's concerns were thoroughly investigated and did not present a safety risk.
The company said it’s committed to addressing any safety-related matters seriously.
Spirit AeroSystems, Cuevas's direct employer, said it was are "looking into the matter."
The company reassured employees they could report concerns without fear of retaliation.
Cuevas' complaints allege critical safety risks.
“He recognised the substandard work and expressed concern. But Spirit and Boeing failed to stop the faulty manufacturing processes"
They have been filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).
His lawyers previously represented another Boeing whistleblower, Sam Salehpour.
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Salehpour, who testified before Congress earlier this year, claimed harassment and threats after exposing quality issues with the Boeing 787 model.
Boeing has been under increased scrutiny, especially after a mid-air cabin blowout involving a different model, the 737 Max, in January.
The company reported a rise in employee whistleblowing following assurances against retaliation.
Boeing claimed this indicated progress towards a robust reporting culture and reiterated their commitment to prioritizing safety and quality.
Boeing said: "We continue to put safety and quality above all else and share information transparently with our regulator, customers and other stakeholders."
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