Boeing loses first employee to COVID-19, shuts Washington factories

Boeing will be suspending production at all its factories across Washington, following the death of an employee due to the coronavirus. About 29 members of Boeing’s workforce have tested positive for COVID-19, but this is the first life lost to the virus.

The deceased employee belonged to the American multinational aerospace company’s Everett facility. Of the 29 confirmed cases at Boeing, 24 affected employees were employed at the Puget Sound facility, of Washington.  The Company’s other facilities are located in Missouri, South Carolina, Arizona and Pennsylvania. In total, Boeing has a 70,000 strong workforce. However, Washington is the state that has reported the maximum number of victims, leading to a state of emergency.

The Company has assured that the affected employees who are unable to work from home will continue to be paid for the period of suspended production, that is, ten working days.  The move to shut down temporarily is intended to safeguard the workers, their families, as well as the local community. Boeing will continue to be in touch with its customer, suppliers and other stakeholders—impacted by the temporary shut down— and has been working closely with the public health department too.

Earlier this month, employees of Boeing had been in fear with their co-workers being tested positive and the Company’s facilities continuing to function.  The airplane manufacturer is facing a financial crisis of sorts with its 737 MAX being grounded for a year. It is now struggling to stay afloat during a slump in the airline business across the globe.