Boeing reportedly dismantled its global diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) department as part of an overhaul of its operations ordered by the company’s new top executive — becoming the latest major company to abandon the controversial initiative.
Aerospace giant – who was slammed Tech mogul Elon Musk Alaska Airlines—to prioritize DEI over safety and quality control following a near-catastrophic explosion during an Alaska Airlines flight—said its DEI office staff would be rolled over into another human resources team focused on talent and employee experience. According to Bloomberg News.
Company vice president Sarah Liang Bowen, who was put in charge of the now-shuttered DEI unit, left the company on Thursday.
“The team accomplished a lot – sometimes imperfectly, sometimes not easily – and still dreamed of doing a lot more,” Bowen wrote in a farewell post on LinkedIn.
“Leading equity, diversity and inclusion at The Boeing Company over the past 5+ years has been the privilege of my lifetime. Our team strives every day to support the emerging talent and creativity of our workforce.
A conservative influencer who has launched a viral campaign that has forced other high-profile companies to close – Including John Deere, Harley Davidson and Jack Daniels – Boeing’s overhaul was credited with dismantling their DEI policies.
Robbie Starbuck said he contacted Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and board chairman Steve Mollenkopf by email last month and told them he would launch an online campaign against their DEI policies.
“Our campaigns are so effective that we are forcing some of the largest corporations on Earth to change their policies, even without me posting the video first out of fear that the next company we expose will ” Starbucks wrote on Thursday.
He said that “the landscape of corporate America is rapidly changing toward prudence and neutrality.”
Musk called out Boeing in the wake of the January mid-air incident over a filing that showed the company had used DEI goals as an incentive for executive compensation after focusing solely on safety and quality control two years ago. Started using.
“Do you want to fly on an airplane where they prioritized DEI recruitment over your safety? That’s actually what’s happening,” Musk said on X.
Subsequently, Musk wrote: “People will die because of DEI,” citing a news article on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which made an emergency landing at Portland International Airport after a portion of the plane flew off at approximately 16,000 feet. Laid. Leaving an empty hole in the plane.
The company, which has been embroiled in damaging labor strikes, has ramped up its DEI initiatives following the death of George Floyd in May 2020 — pledging to increase total Black employment to 20% by 2025.
Last year, Boeing reported that it had increased Black employment by 17% since 2020.
The company said after the news that it would eliminate its DEI department, “Boeing is committed to recruiting and retaining top talent and creating an inclusive work environment where every teammate around the world is aligned with the company’s mission.” can perform at their best with the support of
Corporate America has gradually moved away from DEI initiatives due to the intense backlash on social media.
In June, Tractor Supply Co. said it had eliminated DEI roles and withdrew from various DEI-related activities.
Farm equipment maker John Deere recently ended its support for “social and cultural awareness programs”, while Harley-Davidson pulled out of participation in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.
Toyota and Ford also announced they were reducing their DEI programs and policies.
Critics argue that education, government, and business programs that segregate participants based on factors such as race, gender, and sexual orientation are unfair and that everyone should be given equal opportunities.
Meanwhile, striking Boeing workers will vote on Monday on a proposal that increases pay increases to 38% over four years from the previous 35% increase and offers an improved $12,000 ratification bonus, but with a defined return. Does not meet their major demand. -Benefit pension.
About 33,000 IAM members have been on strike for seven weeks, halting production of most Boeing airline jets, including the company’s best-selling 737 Max.
The strike began on 13 September when over 94% of workers voted rejected the offer of 25% over four years. Last week, 64% rejected a proposal to increase general pay by 35% over four years.
with post wire
