Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Boeing employees have plenty to say about Wednesday's announcement. But many say they knew it was coming.

"(It's) not the best news we ever wanted to hear, but it was coming. We could all tell," said one employee as he left the parking lot Wednesday.

It was a solemn tone as hundreds of Boeing Defense workers were given the rest of the day off after being told the news that the defense plant would be shuttered by the end of next year.

"It's difficult in aircraft especially, at least military wise," said another worker. "Commercially, I look for Spirit to maybe take over operations there. They have more work than they know what to do with."

Some were thankful that they were of retirement age and would be able to cope, but they were also worried about their colleagues who have dedicated their lives to a company that has had a Wichita presence for nearly 80 years.

"They told us they have until the third quarter when they will actually start start laying people off and transitioning us to Oklahoma, San Antonio and Seattle."

For many, however, Wichita is their home... just like Boeing made them feel at home when the tanker contract was awarded to them.

"It's just really sad," one worker said as she cried. "I've worked here for 32 years."

Mayor Carl Brewer said Wednesday that this is a dark day in Wichita history. Many of the people here are trying to keep their heads held high in spite of the terrible feelings they clearly have inside.