Boeing Whistleblower Claims His Firing Was Related to Safety Complaints

Facts

• Richard Cuevas, an aircraft mechanic subcontracted to work on Boeing planes, this week alleged he was fired after raising safety concerns relating to poor manufacturing and maintenance work.¹
• Cuevas, who had been an employee of Strom Aviation — a subcontractor of Spirit AeroSystems, also subcontracted by Boeing — said he first raised the complaints in Oct. 2023 after witnessing substandard work on the Boeing 787. Specifically, this was allegedly on its forward pressure bulkhead, the dome at the front of the aircraft.²
• Per Cuevas' lawyers — who this month filed complaints with the US government — the 'shoddy work' allegedly included drilling holes to attach fasteners and using a sealant on the part of the plane that keeps it pressurized. They also accused Spirit of 'routinely cutting corners.'³
• Once those concerns were shared with Boeing and Spirit, Cuevas was fired the following March — reportedly on the same day that investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were to inspect a Boeing plant in Washington state where Cuevas was stationed at the time.²
• While Strom Aviation did not respond to requests for comment, a spokesman for Spirit said: 'Our leadership is aware of the allegations and looking into the matter. We encourage all Spirit employees with concerns to come forward, safe in knowing they will be protected.'²
• A statement for Boeing said: 'A subcontractor’s employee previously reported concerns to us that we thoroughly investigated as we take seriously any safety-related matter. Engineering analysis determined that the issues raised did not present a safety concern and were addressed.'⁴

Sources: ¹BBC News, ²The Seattle Times, ³Katz Banks Kumin and ⁴CNN.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Business Insider. Boeing can't be surprised that hardly anyone believes their response to Cuevas' complaints when you consider he's just the latest in a long line of whistleblowers to describe dangerous practices and troubling problems with aircraft at Boeing. These issues can lead to catastrophic results if the company isn't more transparent with its processes and doesn't work with the government to make sure its safety procedures are impeccable.
• Narrative B, as provided by CBS. Boeing is working diligently to ensure its planes are as safe as possible. It's also striving for transparency — as evidenced by its recently granting journalists access to its manufacturing facilities — to assure the public that there's nothing to fear when taking Boeing aircraft. Boeing will continue to cooperate with government agencies to make sure all their questions are answered.

Predictions