Boeing's end to staggered start times for some workers could worsen traffic

EVERETT, Wash. — Interstate 5 near the Boeing Plant in Everett is infamous for major backups, but soon traffic could get even worse.

Because thousands of workers are at the plant every day, for years, management imposed staggered work start times to help ease the traffic jam, but come January, that could change.

The Everett Herald obtained an internal company memo that said Boeing will do away with staggered start times for workers within its 787 program.

The note said other departments could see their schedule changed as well.

A Boeing spokesperson told the Herald the adjustment is meant to improve efficiency and make them more competitive in the market.

In recent months, KIRO 7 has reported on the company's ongoing efforts to keep up with rival Airbus and plans to cut workers in the new year.

In the memo, the company is set to end staggered start times on January 23.

Tuesday morning, Boeing released the following statement:

"We continuously evaluate and adjust employee work schedules to optimize our production system. We are communicating with our employees, unions, and other impacted parties about the slight adjustments we are making to some of our work schedules."

- Dmitry Krol, Boeing Spokesperson