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Boeing CEO Defends His Safety Record, Spars With Senators And Apologizes To Crash Victims’ Relatives

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6 months ago

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Boeing | AP News Image

During a bruising Senate hearing on Tuesday, Boeing CEO David Calhoun defended the company’s safety record while members accused him of prioritizing profits over safety, failing to protect whistleblowers, and even receiving excessive pay.

Relatives of victims killed in two Boeing 737 Max plane tragedies were in the room, some holding photos of their loved ones to remind the CEO of the dangers. Calhoun began his speech by standing, turning to face the families, and apologizing “for the grief that we have caused,” pledging to prioritize safety.

Calhoun’s testimony before Congress was the first by a high-ranking Boeing official since a panel blew off a 737 Max on an Alaska Airlines flight in January. The event did not result in significant injuries but aroused new concerns about the company’s best-selling commercial aircraft.

The tone of the hearing before the Senate investigations subcommittee was established hours earlier when the panel released a 204-page report containing additional charges from a whistleblower who expressed concern that defective parts were being used in 737s. The whistleblower is the latest in a long line of current and former Boeing employees who have expressed concerns about the company’s manufacturing practices, which federal regulators are investigating.

boeing

Boeing | AP News Image

Boeing CEO Defends His Safety Record, Spars With Senators And Apologizes To Crash Victims’ Relatives

“This hearing is a moment of reckoning,” subcommittee chairman Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., declared. “It’s about a company, a once iconic company, that somehow lost its way.”

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., blamed Calhoun, claiming that the man who became CEO in January 2020 was too focused on the bottom line.

“You are cutting corners, you are eliminating safety procedures, you are sticking it to your employees, you are cutting back jobs because you are trying to squeeze very piece of profit you can out of this company,” Hawley stated in a higher tone. “You are strip-mining Boeing.”

Hawley repeatedly cited Calhoun’s $32.8 million salary from last year and questioned why the CEO had not resigned.

“Senator, I’m going to see this through. I’m proud to have taken this position. I’m pleased of our safety record, and I’m proud of our Boeing employees,” said Calhoun, who has announced his resignation by the end of the year.

Hawley interrupted. “You’re proud of the safety record?” he asked, perplexed.

“I am proud of every action we have taken,” Calhoun said.

Senators grilled Calhoun on allegations that Boeing managers penalized employees who raised safety concerns. They asked the CEO if he had ever spoken with any whistleblowers. He said he hadn’t but agreed it was a nice idea.

The latest whistleblower, Sam Mohawk, a quality assurance investigator at Boeing’s 737 assembly facility outside Seattle, told the subcommittee that “nonconforming” parts — those that could be defective or not properly documented — could end up in 737 Max aircraft.

Mohawk alleged that Boeing suppressed evidence after the Federal Aviation Administration informed the business that it planned to inspect the factory in June 2023.

“Once Boeing received such a notice, it ordered the majority of the (nonconforming) parts that were being stored outside to be moved to another location,” Mohawk stated in the report. “Approximately 80% of the parts were moved to avoid the watchful eyes of the FAA inspectors.”

Mohawk stated that the parts, which included rudders, wing flaps, and other components necessary for aircraft control, were later returned or lost.

A Boeing spokeswoman stated that the firm received the subcommittee report late Monday night and is evaluating the claims.

The FAA stated that it would “thoroughly investigate” the allegations. A spokeswoman stated that the government has received more reports of safety issues from Boeing personnel since the January 5 rupture on the Alaska Airlines Max.

The 737 Max has a troublesome history. After Max jets crashed in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019, killing 346 people each, the FAA and other agencies grounded the aircraft for more than a year and a half. The Justice Department is considering prosecuting Boeing for breaking the terms of a 2021 settlement over charges that the corporation misled regulators who authorized the plane.

Mohawk told the Senate hearing that the quantity of problematic parts has increased dramatically since production of the Max resumed following the incidents. He claimed that the increase prompted superiors to instruct him and other employees to “cancel” documents indicating that the parts were unsuitable for plane installation.

Following the mid-air burst of a plug covering an emergency exit on an Alaska Airlines plane in January, the FAA temporarily grounded certain Max flights. The agency and the National Transportation Safety Board began separate investigations into Boeing, which are still ongoing.

boeing

Boeing | AP News Image

Boeing CEO Defends His Safety Record, Spars With Senators And Apologizes To Crash Victims’ Relatives

Calhoun stated that Boeing has responded to the Alaska tragedy by reducing production, encouraging employees to raise safety problems, shutting down assembly lines daily to allow workers to discuss safety, and appointing a former Navy admiral to conduct a quality review. Late last month, Boeing delivered an improvement plan requested by the FAA.

Calhoun defended the company’s safety culture, admitting it “is far from perfect.”

The drumbeat of bad news for Boeing has continued throughout the last week. The FAA said it was looking into how falsely documented titanium parts ended up in Boeing’s supply chain; the company revealed that fasteners were incorrectly installed on the fuselages of some jets, and federal officials examined “substantial” damage to a Southwest Airlines 737 Max following an unusual mid-flight control issue.

During the hearing, Howard McKenzie, Boeing’s top engineer, stated that the problem with the Southwest airliner, which he did not describe in detail, was limited to that plane.

Blumenthal first requested Calhoun’s appearance before the Senate subcommittee when another whistleblower, a Boeing quality engineer, claimed that manufacturing flaws were posing safety hazards on two of Boeing’s largest jets, the 787 Dreamliner and the 777. He stated that the corporation needed to explain why the public should believe in Boeing’s work.

Boeing denied the whistleblower’s assertions, claiming that comprehensive testing and inspections revealed none of the issues the engineer had foreseen.

boeing

Boeing | AP News Image

Boeing CEO Defends His Safety Record, Spars With Senators And Apologizes To Crash Victims’ Relatives

Last month, the Justice Department found that Boeing breached a 2021 settlement that protected the firm from fraud charges for allegedly deceiving regulators who approved the 737 Max. According to a senior department official, Boeing failed to implement steps to detect and prevent future infractions of anti-fraud rules.

Prosecutors have until July 7 to decide what they will do next. Blumenthal claimed that there is “mounting evidence” that the firm should be penalized.

Families of the victims of the Max crashes have frequently urged the Justice Department to punish the business and its leaders. They want a federal judge in Texas to overturn the 2021 deferred-prosecution agreement or DPA — effectively a plea deal — that allowed Boeing to escape prosecution for fraud in connection with the Max.

Catherine Berthet, whose daughter Camille perished in the second disaster, stated outside the Capitol on Tuesday that despite having three years to improve their safety process, they failed to do so. “Now they have to be made accountable.”

SOURCE – (AP)

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Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics.

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Sonic the Hedgehog Dominates Christmas Wish Lists

Published

2 days ago

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2024-12-21

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Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog Merchandise are hot Christmas Items

Sonic the Hedgehog is dominating Christmas wish lists this year. The lovable blue hedgehog is back in the spotlight, from sonic the hedgehog toys and games to sonic the hedgehog coloring pages and movie hype.

Sonic-themed holiday merchandise is on fire, from quirky sweaters to action figures flying off shelves. Sonic the Hedgehog Christmas outfits for kids are selling out fast, making them a go-to gift option for festive fun.

Retailers have been quick to recognize Sonic’s holiday appeal. Special promotions and exclusive items, like the Sonic holiday t-shirts, are everywhere.

Everyone’s stocking up on Sonic merchandise, from big-box stores to boutique retailers.

Online shopping platforms are seeing a surge in searches for Sonic items. Whether it’s Sonic Christmas-themed tops or Sonic the Hedgehog coloring pages, Sonic the Hedgehog toys or Sonic and the Hedgehog 3, the demand is skyrocketing.

Retailers who tap into this trend are sure to see strong holiday sales.

Sonic has been around since the early 90s, but his popularity never wanes. With the release of Sonic 3, fans are more excited than ever.

sonic the hedgehog 4

Sonic the Hedgehog 4

Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures is preparing “Sonic the Hedgehog 4,” with the newest addition in the family-friendly genre set for a spring 2027 release.

The announcement comes as “Sonic 3” opens in theatres on Friday, estimated to gross $55 million to $60 million from 3,800 North American locations.

The sequel is shaping up to be a good holiday season blockbuster for Paramount, which explains the desire in future “Sonic” adventures. On the international front, the film will be released on Christmas Day in 52 markets.

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave “Sonic 3” an outstanding 87% fresh score.

The first two films grossed a total of $725.2 million at the global box office and generated over $180 million in global consumer expenditure through home entertainment rentals and digital purchases.

They also inspired a spinoff Paramount+ series, “Knuckles,” which premiered earlier this year.

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Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union 10,000 Walkout

Published

3 days ago

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2024-12-20

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Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union
Teamsters members were demonstrating at "hundreds" of other Amazon locations.

An Amazon strike has hit facilities in the United States in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the corporation for a labour agreement during a peak shopping season.

The Teamsters union told the Associated Press that Amazon delivery drivers at seven facilities in the United States walked off the job on Thursday after the firm failed to discuss a labour contract.

According to the union, Amazon employees in Teamsters union jackets were protesting at “hundreds” of additional Amazon facilities, which the union billed as the “largest strike” in US history involving the company.

The corporation, which employs over 800,000 people in its US delivery network, stated that its services will be unaffected.

It was unclear how many people, including members of Germany’s United Services Union, participated in Thursday’s demonstration. The Teamsters union reported that thousands of Amazon employees were implicated in the United States.

Amazon Strike at 10 Locations

Overall, the group claims to represent “nearly 10,000” Amazon strikers, having signed up thousands of people at roughly ten locations across the country, many of whom have joined in recent months.

The organization has claimed recognition from Amazon going on strike, claiming the firm illegally neglected its obligation to bargain collectively over salary and working conditions.

The Teamsters is a long-standing US union with nearly one million members. It is well-known for securing lucrative contracts for its members at companies like delivery behemoth UPS.

Most of the Teamsters’ Amazon campaigns have concerned drivers working for third-party delivery companies that partner with the tech behemoth.

Amazon denies that it is liable as an employer in those circumstances, which is a point of legal contention. In at least one case, labour officials have taken a preliminary stance in favour of the union.

Stalled Contract Negotiations

Amazon employees at a major warehouse on Staten Island in New York have also chosen to join the Teamsters. Their warehouse is the only Amazon facility in the United States where labour officials have formally recognized a union win.

However, the Amazon strike is because contract negotiations have not progressed since the 2022 vote. It was not one of the areas scheduled to go on strike on Thursday.

Amazon, one of the largest employers in the United States, has long received criticism for its working conditions and has been the target of activists seeking to gain traction among its employees.

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Amazon Encounters Numerous Strikes As Unions Aim At The Holiday Shopping Surge.

Published

3 days ago

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2024-12-19

By

Amazon

(VOR News) – Thousands of Amazon employees at various sites across the country were scheduled to go on strike on Thursday in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the retail behemoth to acknowledge its unionised workers in the United States.

The walkout is expected to concentrate on seven Amazon locations across the country during the holiday purchasing surge and may be the most significant union action against Amazon in the nation’s history.

The business announced on Thursday morning that there had been no effect on operations. It also stated that it is “continuing to concentrate on fulfilling customers’ holiday orders.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters maintains that it represents more than 10,000 Amazon employees and contractors in aviation centres, warehouses, and delivery centres.

Amazon has refused to acknowledge the union for many years.

The retail giant, which employs approximately 1.5 million individuals, excludes contractors and part-timers. A strike has been initiated by delivery couriers and warehouse employees at seven distinct locations in order to exert pressure on the company to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that would encompass modifications to compensation, amenities, and working conditions.

Picketing was intended for New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Skokie, Illinois.

Also, the Teamsters assert that they are establishing picket lines at “hundreds” of additional warehouses and delivery centres by encouraging non-unionized workers to picket under U.S. labour law, which protects workers’ ability to take collective action to further their interests.

“Amazon workers are exercising their power,” Randy Korgan stated to NPR.

“They now realise there is a pathway to take on a corporate giant like this – and that they hold the power.” Amazon responds by accusing the Teamsters of fabricating information regarding the strikes, asserting that the participants are “entirely” outsiders rather than employees or subcontractors of the corporation.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that “the reality is that they were unable to secure sufficient support from our employees and partners and have invited external parties to harass and intimidate our team.” For more than a year, the Teamsters have been intentionally misleading the public by claiming to represent “thousands of employees and drivers.” They do not.

The Teamsters did not provide a specific duration for the strike; however, they informed NPR that it would extend beyond one day. Workers would receive $1,000 per week in strike money, as per the union.

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien issued a statement in which he stated, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can attribute it to Amazon’s insatiable greed.” We established a firm deadline for Amazon to attend the meeting and treat our members equitably. They disregarded it.

The Teamsters granted until December 15 to convene with its unionised employees and develop a collective bargaining agreement.

Amazon has opposed all unionisation efforts in court, asserting that unions were not advantageous to its employees and emphasising the compensation and benefits that the organisation currently provides.

Amazon has been accused of discriminatory labour practices on numerous occasions, including the termination of labour organisers. Furthermore, it has disputed its official status as a contract employer.

Teamsters organize Amazon delivery couriers and other employees.

In June, Amazon established its first unionised warehouse in Staten Island, New York, two years after making history by voting to join the fledgling Amazon Labour Union, which is also affiliated with the Teamsters.

The union is one of the most influential in the United States and Canada, with 1.3 million members. On Thursday, the German United Services Union declared that Amazon employees in Germany would participate in a strike in conjunction with their American counterparts.

In the past, Amazon has experienced demonstrations in Germany and Spain that were related to the holiday season in order to advocate for improved wages and working conditions.

“The holiday season has arrived.” Delivery is anticipated. Patricia Campos-Medina, the executive director of Cornell University’s Worker Institute, asserts that “this is the moment in which workers have control over the supply chain.”

The Teamsters have reported that Amazon’s profits have increased both during and after the pandemic. The corporation is currently valued at over $2.3 trillion, with net income of $15 billion in the most recent quarter alone. It is the second-largest private employer in the United States, following Walmart.

SOURCE: NPR

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