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Boeing whistleblowers have reportedly been subjected to demotions, firings, and even threats of physical violence, as punishment for having spoken up. This was acknowledged by CEO Dave Calhoun during a hearing on Wednesday, when he was grilled by Senator Richard Blumenthal. The senator presented a list of alleged retaliatory acts against whistleblowers, including against John Barnett, who was found dead after speaking up about substandard parts and safety concerns. Calhoun, nervous and fidgeting, did not deny any of the allegations, nor could he confirm that any employee had been disciplined for carrying out ‘retaliation’ against whistleblowers. ‘I don’t have that number on the tip of my tongue, but I know it. I know it happens,’ stuttered Calhoun. The hearing comes in the wake of Boeing’s numerous scandals involving aircraft malfunctions, alleged disregard for production standards, and deaths of whistleblowers. Senator Blumenthal called the hearing a ‘reckoning’ for Boeing, and said there was overwhelming evidence that the US Justice Department should pursue prosecution against the company.
