Thousands of jobs in the hands of Congress for Long Beach's Boeing C-17 plant
The Boeing C-17 cargo/transfer aircraft plant is nearly a landmark in Long Beach after decades of manufacturing (previously McDonald Douglas). As the last major airplane factory in Southern California, it's future is now being debated by the Senate. With our nation's economic challenges, the federal government has looked to trim the budget where they can. Despite bi-partisan support from California representatives, the United States Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, feels that more production of this aircraft may no longer be necessary.We can generally understand and appreciate the need to cut expenses, especially in light of the nation's budget deficit. However, when it comes to losing over 5,000 jobs in our community it's very difficult to swallow. Some of the employees at this plant have been there for 40+ years. Needless to say, the personal loss to these employees is devastating. Additionally, the impact to the local economy could certainly cut deep.
The planned cuts would happen by 2011 if no solution can be found to save our Long Beach plant.
http://www.cbs2.com/video/?id=112081@kcbs.dayport.com
Thanks cbs2.com for the video and latimes.com for the photo
Comment
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Comment by The Man on August 21, 2009 at 11:03am -
This is bad news and a lot of people are about to lose their job. I'm glad I wasn't an employee there. It's going to be tough for all those people to find another job.
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Comment by JulsnMatt1028 on August 21, 2009 at 9:53am -
Thanks for the positive outlook Stu!
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Comment by Stu Padazzo on August 21, 2009 at 9:38am -
Keeping in mind that this is the best plane of it's class ever and there are no viable alternatives, I have faith that the plant will stay open and operating at least in some capacity even if the budget cuts reduce US demands. Also Keep in mind that other governments order C-17s as well (keeping fingers crossed for all).
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Comment by 12 0 13 on August 21, 2009 at 8:49am -
Unbelievable -- it's as simple as that... I can say with confidence that this will have a HUGE impact on our local community. I wish there was a way that the locals had a say in this matter, or even the population as a whole, but then again, a budget cut is a budget cut nonetheless.
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Comment by JulsnMatt1028 on August 21, 2009 at 7:44am
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Man, this is rough... I too am usually in favor of trimming budgets, but yeah a lot o good people work there. Actually a a matter of fact my cousin and her husbands jobs also hang in the balance of this plane... Dang.
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