Boeing whistleblower and veteran engineer Sam Salehpour testified at a hearing on the aircraft manufacturer’s safety culture on April 17, 2024. Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images
A Boeing engineer told lawmakers that the company threatened him because he raised safety concerns.
He said his manager would keep him away from meetings and call him on his personal phone to “berate” him.
The comments came to light at a hearing on safety culture at the once renowned aircraft manufacturer.
This is a machine translation of an article from our US colleagues at Business Insider. It was automatically translated and checked by a real editor.
A longtime Boeing engineer told a panel of lawmakers that he received verbal and physical threats for raising safety concerns about the company.
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Engineer addressed safety issues
In a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Sam Salehpour, a former Boeing employee turned whistleblower, said the company repeatedly ignored his reports of safety deficiencies in the production of at least 1,400 wide-body jets.
Salehpour said a Boeing quality manager told him not to document his concerns or inform experts about the gaps he said existed in the fuselage of hundreds of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Salehpour said the boss insinuated that he should remain silent.
Boeing has denied any safety defects on its 787 aircraft, telling Business Insider on Wednesday that “a 787 can operate safely for at least 30 years before advanced airframe maintenance routines are required.”
Salehpour feels persecuted
Salehpour also said his boss retaliated against him by keeping him away from meetings, silencing him, moving his department, forcing him to cancel medical appointments and calling his home phone to “abuse” him.
“This reminds me of people who stalk people,” said Salehpour at the hearing and mentioned that he has a work phone that his manager can call him on. “They call you on your personal phone to tell you that they know where you live, they know where you are and that they can hurt you.”
Salehpour, who said he has kept his job thanks to laws protecting whistleblowers, told lawmakers he also received threats against his physical safety.
At Wednesday’s hearing, a photo was shown of a nail in Salehpour’s car tire that he said a mechanic told him was put there intentionally and not something the tire picked up on the road. He told lawmakers that while he had “no evidence” as to where the nail came from, he believed it happened at work.
US Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) presented a picture of the nail that Sam Salehpour believes was intentionally stuck in his tire Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images
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In another instance, Salehpour told lawmakers that his boss once said in a meeting that he “would have killed someone for saying what you said.”
Salehpour said these retaliations are part of a larger trend at Boeing, where engineers are being threatened for overlooking quality problems because of a culture that puts “schedule over safety” and punishes employees for speaking out.
One case Salehpour described to lawmakers involved a colleague who inspected gaps in the 787’s fuselage that could contain debris, after which the boss suggested he not stop production over those concerns. “Unfortunately, the attitude at Boeing at the highest levels is that you just resell the defective part, no matter what it is,” he said.
Boeing told Business Insider US that the company promotes transparency with its employees and that reports have skyrocketed since the failure of Alaska Airlines’ 737 Max in January.
“Compared to 2023, the number of employee reports through our Speak Up portal increased by more than 500 percent, a sign of progress toward a robust reporting culture that is unafraid of retaliation,” the company said.
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Boeing relies on its wide-body aircraft
Wednesday’s hearing came a week after Salehpour’s whistleblower complaint to aviation authorities became known.
Salehpour, who has worked on both the 777 and 787 assembly lines, said he has seen misaligned parts that could fatigue more quickly over time and potentially lead to a catastrophic event.
Boeing 787 on the Boeing assembly line in Washington, taken in June 2022. Taylor Rains/Business Insider
“After the threats and everything that happened, I’m really scared, but I’m calm,” Salehpour said. “If something happens to me, I have peace of mind because I feel like I’m saving a lot of lives by coming forward.”
Boeing has defended its wide-body aircraft despite Salehpour’s complaint, saying in an emailed statement before the hearing that the allegations are “not representative of the work the company has done to ensure the quality and long-term safety of the aircraft.”
“Extensive and rigorous fuselage testing and extensive maintenance checks on nearly 700 in-service aircraft have so far revealed no signs of airframe fatigue,” Boeing told Business Insider US, referring to its 787 Dreamliner.
“Under the FAA’s supervision, we carefully inspected and refinished the aircraft and improved production quality to meet demanding standards measured in hundredths of an inch,” it continued.
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UN-Environment: Ms. Leila Benali holds series of bilateral meetings in Nairobi
Inside Aldi: Exploring the Unexpected Treasures of the Aisle of Shame
Exclusive: The Secrets Behind Aldi’s “Aisles of Shame”
Discover the Hidden Gem of Aldi’s Stores
By [Your Name], New York Times
New York, Aldi Discount Grocer
Caitlyn Pratt, an avid Aldi shopper, regularly crosses state lines from Heavener, Oklahoma to neighboring Arkansas in search of the ultimate shopping experience: the “aisle of shame”. In an exclusive interview with CNN, Pratt unveils the allure of this special section, where shoppers can find surprising treasures at unbeatable prices.
Unleashing the “Aisle of Shame”
Aldi, a German discount grocer, established its first store in the United States back in 1976. Since then, it has evolved into a grocery shopping phenomenon, offering a unique experience that blends everyday low prices with unexpected delights. Inside each Aldi store, shoppers can immerse themselves in the fascinating world of the “Aldi Finds” aisle.
A Surprise at Every Turn
Customers stepping into the “aisle of shame” will find a rotation of specialty items that are only available for a limited time. Ranging from garden hammocks to furry sweaters for pets, the aisle boasts an eclectic assortment that keeps shoppers coming back for more. What’s even more breathtaking are the jaw-dropping prices, often just a few bucks for these exclusive finds.
The Aldi Finds aisle, affectionately coined the “aisle of shame” by passionate fans, attracts a dedicated community of shoppers eager to share and celebrate their unique finds. The Aldi Aisle of Shame Facebook page, boasting 3 million members, serves as the epicenter for enthusiasts to showcase their latest hauls and spread the excitement.
A Moody Shopper’s Paradise
Praised for its streamlined approach, Aldi ensures a swift and efficient shopping experience. Unlike in larger retailers like Walmart, where options can seem overwhelming, Aldi simplifies the process. As Pratt explains, “When you go into a Walmart and you’re looking for a can of green beans, you have 18 different options. In Aldi, there’s one, and maybe one other. I can get in and get exactly what I need without spending forever in there.”
Avid Fans and Bargain Hunt Enthusiasts
Pratt, a dedicated Aldi shopper for over 12 years, eagerly spreads the word about the “aisle of shame” to fellow enthusiasts. Her monthly trips to Aldi are not limited to groceries; they include adorable pet supplies, outdoor rugs, patio sets, and more. Word of mouth and shared excitement make the Aldi experience a truly unforgettable adventure.
Timing and Selection
Aldi takes the “aisle of shame” game to the next level. The retailer’s team of trend experts and buyers relentlessly seek out rising product trends to bring the best and most affordable products to their customers. The selection is carefully crafted to align with what customers are seeking, making the surprise discoveries and unbeatable prices all the more exquisite.
Spreading Across America
Aldi’s extraordinary success story in the United States is far from over. With over 2,300 stores across the country and plans to open an additional 800 stores by 2028, Aldi is continuously expanding its footprint to meet the rising demand fueled by budget-conscious shoppers seeking an efficient and satisfying grocery experience.
Making a Profitable Impact
While Aldi’s annual sales figures remain undisclosed, insiders estimate that the “aisle of shame” supplements the retail giant’s profit margin significantly. By offering a diverse range of affordable products imported directly from overseas, Aldi ensures that customers not only fulfill their grocery needs but also explore additional enticing bargains that bolster their overall bottom line.
An Experience Like No Other
With Aldi’s commitment to delivering unparalleled deals and an enticing shopping atmosphere, devoted shoppers like Pratt and Britney Henderson consistently turn to Aldi for their household needs, seeking both quality and affordability. The “aisle of shame” stands as a testament to Aldi’s success and continues to spark joy and excitement for millions of shoppers across the country.
This article was written by [Your Name] and does not constitute financial or shopping advice. To learn more about Aldi’s offerings and explore the “aisle of shame” yourself, visit their official website.
Inside Aldi: Exploring the Unexpected Treasures of the Aisle of Shame