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Boeing In The Spotlight As Congress Calls A Whistleblower To Testify About Defects In Planes

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8 months ago

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AP - VOR News

Boeing is the focus of back-to-back Senate hearings on Wednesday as Congress investigates allegations of severe safety failings at the troubled aircraft manufacturer.

The Senate Commerce Committee was hearing testimony from members of an expert team that discovered major weaknesses in Boeing’s safety culture. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said the public expects the Federal Aviation Administration and Congress to ensure that boarding one of the company’s planes is safe.

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Boeing In The Spotlight As Congress Calls A Whistleblower To Testify About Defects In Planes

“Commercial air travel is the safest mode of transportation, although recent events have justifiably concerned the flying public. Cruz stated, “The perception is that things are getting worse.”

In a February study, the expert panel stated that, despite reforms made following the Max crashes, Boeing’s safety culture remains faulty, and employees who express concerns may face pressure and punishment.

One of the witnesses, MIT aeronautics instructor Javier de Luis, lost his sister when a Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashed in Ethiopia in 2019.

A second Senate hearing will feature a Boeing engineer who believes that pieces of the 787 Dreamliner’s skin are improperly connected and may eventually fall apart. The whistleblower’s lawyer claims Boeing ignored the engineer’s warnings and prohibited him from speaking with specialists about the problems.

Sam Salehpour, a whistleblower, provided information to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating the quality and safety of Boeing’s manufacturing. Ed Pierson, a former manager on the Boeing 737 program, is also slated to appear before a Senate investigative subcommittee on Wednesday. Two other aircraft technical specialists are also on the witness list.

The Democratic chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s subcommittee, as well as its top Republican, have requested papers dating back six years from Boeing.

One of the witnesses, MIT aeronautics lecturer Javier de Luis, lost his sister when a Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashed in Ethiopia in 2019.A second Senate hearing will feature a Boeing engineer who claims that sections of the skin on 787 Dreamliner jets are not properly fastened and could eventually break apart. The whistleblower’s lawyer says Boeing has ignored the engineer’s concerns and prevented him from talking to experts about fixing the defects. The whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, sent documents to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating the quality and safety of Boeing’s manufacturing. Also scheduled to testify before a Senate investigations subcommittee Wednesday is Ed Pierson, a former manager on the Boeing 737 program. Two other aviation technical experts are on the witness list as well. The Democrat who chairs the subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and its senior Republican have asked Boeing for troves of documents going back six years. The lawmakers are seeking all records about manufacturing of Boeing 787 and 777 planes, including any safety concerns or complaints raised by Boeing employees, contractors or airlines. Some of the questions seek information about Salehpour’s allegations about poorly fitted carbon-composite panels on the Dreamliner. A Boeing spokesperson said the company is cooperating with the lawmakers’ inquiry and offered to provide documents and briefings. The company says claims about the 787’s structural integrity are false. Two Boeing engineering executives said this week that in both design testing and inspections of planes — some of them 12 years old — there have been no findings of fatigue or cracking in the composite panels. They suggested that the material, formed from carbon fibers and resin, is nearly impervious to fatigue that is a constant worry with conventional aluminum fuselages. The Boeing officials also dismissed another of Salehpour’s allegations: that he saw factory workers jumping on sections of fuselage on 777s to make them align. Salehpour is the latest whistleblower to emerge with allegations about manufacturing problems at Boeing. The company has been pushed into crisis mode since a door-plug panel blew off a 737 Max jetliners during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Investigators are focusing on four bolts that were removed and apparently not replaced during a repair job in Boeing’s factory. The company faces a criminal investigation by the Justice Department and separate investigations by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. CEO David Calhoun, who will step down at the end of the year, has said many times that Boeing is taking steps to improve its manufacturing quality and safety culture. He called the blowout on the Alaska jet a “watershed moment” from which a better Boeing will emerge. There is plenty of skepticism about comments like that. “We need to look at what Boeing does, not just what it says it’s doing,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, said before Wednesday’s hearing. The FAA is also likely to take some hits. Duckworth said that until recently, the agency “looked past far too many of Boeing’s repeated bad behaviors,” particularly when it certified the 737 Max nearly a decade ago. Two Max jets crashed in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people, after faulty activations of a flight-control system that FAA did not fully understand. The leaders of the Senate investigations subcommittee have also requested FAA documents about its oversight of Boeing.

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Boeing In The Spotlight As Congress Calls A Whistleblower To Testify About Defects In Planes

The senators want all information about the production of Boeing 787 and 777 planes, including any safety issues or complaints submitted by Boeing employees, contractors, or airlines. Some issues concern Salehpour’s claims about poorly installed carbon-composite panels on the Dreamliner.

A Boeing spokeswoman stated that the business is working with the MPs’ probe and has offered to share papers and briefings.

The business denies accusations regarding the 787’s structural integrity. This week, two Boeing engineering officials stated that no fatigue or cracking in the composite panels was discovered during design testing or inspections of planes, some of which were 12 years old. They claimed that the material, composed of carbon fibers and resin, is practically immune to fatigue, a continual concern with conventional aluminum fuselages.

Boeing executives also denied Salehpour’s claim that he had witnessed production workers jumping on fuselage parts on 777s to position them.

Salehpour is the latest whistleblower to come forward with allegations of production difficulties at Boeing. The business was plunged into crisis mode when a door-plug panel blew off a 737 Max jet during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Investigators focused on four bolts removed but not reinstalled during a repair procedure at Boeing’s manufacturing.

The Justice Department has launched a criminal inquiry into the company, while the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting separate probes.

CEO David Calhoun, who will step down at the end of the year, has repeatedly stated that Boeing is working to enhance its manufacturing quality and safety culture. He described the blowout on the Alaska jet as a “watershed moment” that will result in a better Boeing.

Such comments are met with widespread suspicion.

One of the witnesses, MIT aeronautics lecturer Javier de Luis, lost his sister when a Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashed in Ethiopia in 2019.A second Senate hearing will feature a Boeing engineer who claims that sections of the skin on 787 Dreamliner jets are not properly fastened and could eventually break apart. The whistleblower’s lawyer says Boeing has ignored the engineer’s concerns and prevented him from talking to experts about fixing the defects. The whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, sent documents to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating the quality and safety of Boeing’s manufacturing. Also scheduled to testify before a Senate investigations subcommittee Wednesday is Ed Pierson, a former manager on the Boeing 737 program. Two other aviation technical experts are on the witness list as well. The Democrat who chairs the subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and its senior Republican have asked Boeing for troves of documents going back six years. The lawmakers are seeking all records about manufacturing of Boeing 787 and 777 planes, including any safety concerns or complaints raised by Boeing employees, contractors or airlines. Some of the questions seek information about Salehpour’s allegations about poorly fitted carbon-composite panels on the Dreamliner. A Boeing spokesperson said the company is cooperating with the lawmakers’ inquiry and offered to provide documents and briefings. The company says claims about the 787’s structural integrity are false. Two Boeing engineering executives said this week that in both design testing and inspections of planes — some of them 12 years old — there have been no findings of fatigue or cracking in the composite panels. They suggested that the material, formed from carbon fibers and resin, is nearly impervious to fatigue that is a constant worry with conventional aluminum fuselages. The Boeing officials also dismissed another of Salehpour’s allegations: that he saw factory workers jumping on sections of fuselage on 777s to make them align. Salehpour is the latest whistleblower to emerge with allegations about manufacturing problems at Boeing. The company has been pushed into crisis mode since a door-plug panel blew off a 737 Max jetliners during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Investigators are focusing on four bolts that were removed and apparently not replaced during a repair job in Boeing’s factory. The company faces a criminal investigation by the Justice Department and separate investigations by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. CEO David Calhoun, who will step down at the end of the year, has said many times that Boeing is taking steps to improve its manufacturing quality and safety culture. He called the blowout on the Alaska jet a “watershed moment” from which a better Boeing will emerge. There is plenty of skepticism about comments like that. “We need to look at what Boeing does, not just what it says it’s doing,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, said before Wednesday’s hearing. The FAA is also likely to take some hits. Duckworth said that until recently, the agency “looked past far too many of Boeing’s repeated bad behaviors,” particularly when it certified the 737 Max nearly a decade ago. Two Max jets crashed in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people, after faulty activations of a flight-control system that FAA did not fully understand. The leaders of the Senate investigations subcommittee have also requested FAA documents about its oversight of Boeing.

AP – VOR News Image

Boeing In The Spotlight As Congress Calls A Whistleblower To Testify About Defects In Planes

“We need to look at what Boeing does, not just what it says it’s doing,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, before the hearing on Wednesday.

The FAA is also sure to face some criticism. Duckworth stated that until recently, the agency had “looked past far too many of Boeing’s repeated bad behaviors,” including when it certified the 737 Max more than a decade ago. Two Max jets crashed in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people, due to incorrect activation of a flight-control system that the FAA did not fully comprehend.

The heads of the Senate investigations panel have also demanded information from the FAA about its monitoring of Boeing.

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. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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Sonic the Hedgehog Dominates Christmas Wish Lists

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1 day 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

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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

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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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