By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
In response to the recent deaths of two Boeing whistleblowers, more than 25,000 individuals have signed a petition urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch an investigation into these tragic incidents. The petition, orchestrated by the progressive advocacy group MoveOn, seeks justice for John Barnett and Joshua Dean, whose deaths have raised concerns over potential repercussions faced by those who raise safety concerns within the aviation industry.
John Barnett, a distinguished 32-year veteran of Boeing, took the brave step of blowing the whistle on safety and quality control issues within the company’s production line. Tragically, he was discovered deceased in an apparent suicide back in March. Similarly, Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, passed away recently after contracting a bacterial infection. Dean had previously accused the leadership at Spirit AeroSystems of overlooking critical manufacturing defects related to the 737 Max, as reported by The Seattle Times.
“The dangerous trend of Boeing aircraft accidents is extremely alarming, and it’s time the Department of Justice investigate these tragic whistleblower deaths and the mounting allegations from employees that Boeing has sought to silence those that spoke out over safety concerns,” stated MoveOn spokesperson Britt Jacovich.
The petition follows a series of disturbing allegations surrounding the treatment of whistleblowers within Boeing and its suppliers. Sam Salehpour, a Boeing quality engineer who testified before a Senate committee last month, claimed that he faced retaliation from the company after raising concerns about manufacturing process deficiencies related to the fuselage of the 787 Dreamliner. Salehpour asserted that he was subjected to intimidation and suppression of his concerns.
Adding to the chorus of voices speaking out against alleged misconduct, Santiago Paredes, a former quality inspector at Spirit AeroSystems, stepped forward with fresh accusations against the Boeing supplier. Paredes revealed that he had been pressured to conceal defects discovered in airline parts. Following his complaints, Paredes faced demotion but was later reinstated to a leadership role after lodging a formal complaint.
“I felt I was being threatened, and I felt I was being retaliated against for raising concerns,” expressed Paredes, shedding light on the challenges faced by those advocating for safety and accountability within the aerospace industry.
The intensifying scrutiny on Boeing comes in the aftermath of a midair incident involving a Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft in January, where the plane’s door plug unexpectedly blew off shortly after takeoff, resulting in a critical breach and necessitating an emergency landing.
As public outcry amplifies and concerns over safety practices persist, the DOJ’s potential investigation into the deaths of Barnett and Dean, alongside the broader allegations of whistleblower suppression, underscores the imperative for transparency, accountability, and safeguards within the aviation sector. The outcome of these investigations holds profound implications not only for the affected individuals and their families but also for the integrity and safety of aviation operations moving forward.