The Kansas CW | Aviation Subcontractors Wait For Layoff Trickle-Down
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by Cliff Judy(WICHITA, Kan.)
Wichita's aviation manufacturers have passed on bad news to their workers this month, and that bad news could pass on to several more local companies. On Tuesday, Boeing announced its plans to lay off more than 800 people through next year, bringing November's local aviation layoff total to more than 1,600.
McGinty Machine Company makes parts for several aviation companies, including Boeing. Don McGinty says his machine shop has plenty of work right now, but that could slow down after the first of the year.
McGinty, whose company was founded in 1948, says he's been through a slumping economy before, and he understands layoffs from big manufacturers will affect everyone.
"You keep trying to go out and get as much work as you can to support your business," says McGinty, "but at the same time, you're going to have to cut costs."
Wichita State University researchers estimate for every job lost locally in the aviation industry, 2.9 are lost somewhere else.
Earlier this month, Hawker Beechcraft laid off approximately 320 workers in Wichita, and Cessna has announced plans to lay off 500 workers.
Eyewitness News talked with Spirit Aerosystems and Bombardier Learjet on Thursday. Spokespeople for both companies say they don't have any plans for layoffs right now.
