Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his reaction to the tragic events unfolding in Baltimore after a ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge leading to its collapse. Buffenbarger then discussed the history of Boeing’s leadership changes that led to their current situation and how it compares to what he experienced with General Electric.
Buffenbarger, who lives approximately 30 miles from Baltimore, talked about the sense of dread as he woke up to news about the tragic events that occurred in the Baltimore Harbor early on March 26. Buffenbarger expressed his concerns for those involved, and said many images in his life will stay with him, but seeing the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse will be stuck with him forever.
As news came out about the moves to remove leaders at Boeing, Buffenbarger talked about the company's history, which he believes could have led to the company's current situation. To Buffenbarger, it feels like Boeing has focused more on profitability than safety and customer satisfaction. He pointed to the issues with several Boeing planes as a primary reason for the necessity of the leadership change.
Boeing’s situation reminds Buffenbarger of his experience working at General Electric in the 1970s and 80s. GE originally was an entire union operation in the 70s, but due to the influence of Wall Street investors, their union workforce was nearly eliminated, he said. Now he’s seeing the same thing occurring to Boeing and the impact that will have on the several thousand union workers in St. Louis, Philadelphia and Wichita, Kansas. Buffenbarger spent a lot of time working closely with these shops during his time as President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
To hear more from Buffenbarger, please listen to the show above.
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