According to the Futu Securities News app, Boeing, which is currently dealing with a strike, announced on Wednesday that the company will temporarily put thousands of employees on leave. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said in an email to employees: "We will start taking temporary leave in the next few days, which will affect a large number of executives, managers, and employees based in the United States." "We plan to rotate leave every 4 weeks during the strike, with one week off." Kelly Ortberg also stated that he and other Boeing executives "will accept corresponding pay cuts during the strike."

It is worth mentioning that Boeing announced cost reduction measures in a notice to its employees on Monday. Boeing stated that it already has $60 billion in debt on its balance sheet, and an extended strike could further damage its balance sheet. As a result, the company will freeze hiring and consider temporary leave as a way to reduce costs. Boeing CFO Brian West said, "This strike seriously endangers the company's recovery, and we must take necessary actions to preserve cash and secure our collective future."

The Boeing West Coast factory workers went on strike on September 13th local time, with about 0.033 million people participating. The strike will essentially shut down Boeing's commercial aircraft production. Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) held two days of negotiations with a federal mediator present. The union expressed disappointment with the first day of mediation on Tuesday. Later on Wednesday, it was announced that another day of negotiations had ended without "meaningful progress."

The union stated, "While we remain open to further discussions, whether through direct negotiations or through mediation, there are currently no additional dates scheduled." "We will do everything in our power to obtain the contract our members deserve." It is reported that the union has been seeking a 40% pay raise over the next four years, much higher than Boeing's previous offer of a 25% raise, which was rejected.

The large-scale temporary leave indicates that Kelly Ortberg is preparing for a long-term strike at Boeing. Given the anger of ordinary Boeing workers, this strike is unlikely to be resolved easily. Some analysts have said that the protracted labor dispute could cost Boeing billions of dollars, further intensify the company's financial strain, and threaten its credit rating. Ben Tsocanos, the head of aerospace at S&P Global Ratings, said, "(Boeing's) cost-cutting measures are unlikely to fully offset the costs of a prolonged strike."

IAM President Brian Bryant stated that considering Boeing's previous spending on executive bonuses and compensation, actions such as leave and pay cuts are equivalent to a "smokescreen." He said, "This is just part of their plan to make it look like they're trying to save money." "The ball is in Boeing's court, they can resolve this strike tomorrow." He added that it would require fair wages, pensions, restoration of bonuses, and medical insurance.

Kelly Ortberg also stated in the email to employees that Boeing will not take any actions that "hinder our ability to fully recover in the future," and that "all activities that are critical to our safety, quality, customer support, and key certifications will be given priority and continue, including the production of the Boeing 787."

The strike has been going on for six days, which has also brought risks to Boeing's extensive supplier network. Some of these suppliers are also considering taking leave. Nikki Malcolm, CEO of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance, said, "Suppliers are naturally concerned. If this situation continues for a long time, it will have a significant impact on suppliers."

It is reported that Boeing has suspended most of the component orders for all aircraft projects except for the 787 Dreamliner, which will harm the interests of its suppliers. One senior supplier dismissed Boeing's latest statement as "panic mode" and said it highlighted Boeing's lack of room for maneuver due to its stretched balance sheet. The supplier, who declined to be named, said, "They'd better reconcile. They are getting closer to the edge."