Boeing to layoff hundreds of workers from El Segundo facility

EL SEGUNDO, Calif (FOX 11 / CNS) - Boeing Co. plans to lay off hundreds of workers in its satellite division, including some at its El Segundo facility, by the end of the year, prompting one local congressman to call for action in Washington, D.C., to protect workers.

Citing internal Boeing documents, Reuters reported that layoffs would result from delays in several commercial orders, a reduction in U.S. military spending and "uncertainties about the future availability of financing from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, whose government charter lapsed on June 30."

A Boeing spokesman told Reuters the actual number of affected employees would be finalized in coming months, but some might be reassigned to other positions with the company.

The Export-Import Bank has been the subject of continuing debate in Washington, with critics contending it has veered away from its intended mission of supporting small businesses with low-interest loans to help export goods. Boeing has been a major recipient of funding from the bank.

"Hardworking Americans at Boeing's El Segundo facility, at plants and companies across our nation, deserve much, much better than to have their livelihoods jeopardized by the most cynical kind of partisan politics practiced by Tea Party Republicans," Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Los Angeles, said. "My fellow House Democrats and I will continue to fight for an urgent re-authorization of the Export-Import Bank and for additional bold, progressive economic solutions that protect and expand the backbone of the American economy -- the middle class."