Machinists Question Boeing Rocket Safety

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Nov. 21, 2005/Satnews Daily/ ¾ The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has accused Boeing Co. of circumventing critical safety regulations in an attempt to meet launch deadlines for NASA's plutonium powered New Horizons mission.

The Machinists Union representing striking technicians at Boeing's launch facility at Cape Canaveral, FL, said there are personnel currently working on this project who do not meet Air Force requirements for hazardous operations such as cranes, tools and test

equipment.

“At particular risk is the Pluto-bound New Horizons mission, planned for a January launch, carrying 24 pounds of highly radioactive plutonium,” IAM spokesman Bob Wood said.

IAM-represented technicians employed by Boeing at Cape Canaveral struck on Nov. 2 after Boeing proposed massive concessions in health care for current and future employees. The same proposals led to a costly 4-week strike at Boeing's Commercial Aircraft facilities in Kansas, Oregon and Washington.

“Boeing's practice of using unqualified and inexperienced replacement workers is a recipe for disaster,” warned Wood. “The Air Force's Range Safety department at the Cape has already issued two Corrective Action Reports (CAR), both in the first week of the strike.”

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