9 chapters across the catalog
Boeing Whistleblower, Senate Shakedown of CEO Dave Calhoun
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun faced a bipartisan grilling in the Senate over safety failures and whistleblower allegations of non-conforming parts. The hosts characterize the hearing as a financial "shakedown," noting that Boeing's political contributions are low relative to Calhoun's $33 million salary. They suggest Congress is pressuring the company for more "tithing."
Boeing Safety Concerns, Whistleblowers and Margaret Brennan
Boeing reported a 500% increase in employee safety submissions during the first two months of 2024 following several high-profile incidents. Secretary Pete Buttigieg and CBS's Margaret Brennan discussed the "encouraging" aspect of a "see something, say something" culture within the company. The FAA has halted Boeing's production increases until safety demonstrations are completed, reflecting intense scrutiny of the manufacturer's quality control.
Boeing Whistleblower John Barnett, Suicide Investigation Report
A 56-page supplemental police report has been released regarding the death of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett, concluding he died by suicide. However, a former colleague and fellow whistleblower, Roy Irvin, disputes the findings, claiming the suicide note does not sound like Barnett. The Department of Justice continues to investigate Boeing for breaching a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement.
Joshua Dean, a whistleblower at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, died suddenly following a fast-spreading infection involving Influenza B and MRSA. This is the second death of a Boeing-related whistleblower in recent months, leading to public skepticism regarding the "coincidence" of these events.
Boeing Whistleblower Testimony, 787 Dreamliner Safety Flaws
Boeing engineer Sam Salipour testified before a Senate committee, alleging that the company took manufacturing shortcuts on the 787 Dreamliner that could lead to structural failure. Salipour claimed he faced retaliation and threats after reporting that fuselage gaps were not properly closed. Other whistleblowers criticized the FAA for being "lazy and reactive" in its oversight of Boeing's production mess.
Boeing Whistleblower John Barnett and Corporate Culture Issues
The late Boeing whistleblower John Barnett alleged in a 32-page retaliation complaint that the company's move to South Carolina led to a decline in safety and quality control culture. Barnett claimed management pressured employees to ignore FAA standards and install defective parts on the 787 Dreamliner. While the coroner ruled his death a suicide, his lawyers are proceeding with a federal labor lawsuit scheduled for trial this summer.
The death of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett in Charleston, South Carolina, is discussed amid skepticism regarding the official ruling of suicide. Family friends and commentators suggest Barnett had expressed that if anything happened to him, it would not be self-inflicted, linking his death to his damaging testimony against Boeing's quality control.
Boeing Quality Control, Whistleblower John Barnett Death
Boeing whistleblower John Barnett was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in South Carolina during a period of legal depositions against the company. Simultaneously, FAA audits revealed that Boeing failed 33 of 89 quality control tests. The hosts discuss the suspicious timing of Barnett's death and the broader industrial warfare between Boeing and Airbus.
An Al Jazeera special titled "On a Wing and a Prayer" features Boeing whistleblowers claiming the 737 aircraft is structurally unsound. The hosts discuss the potential for this to be a "fear meme" designed to push travelers toward rail. One host plans to document a trip on Amtrak to Sacramento to demonstrate the inefficiency and high cost of train travel compared to driving.
