Sticker That Became Sticky Issue at Boeing

A Boeing Co. supervisor concerned about the feelings of foreign customers ordered his workers to remove “Buy American” stickers from toolboxes and workstations.

But Boeing said the order won’t be enforced. And the union that passed out the stickers says it has ordered 50,000 more to meet demand.

Foreign airlines have been more than willing to buy American. Last year, 80% of Boeing’s commercial aircraft orders came from outside the United States.

That means representatives of foreign airlines are common around Boeing plants.

A memo ordering the removal of the stickers was issued earlier this month at Boeing’s Everett plant by general supervisor Mike Hughes, who oversees preflight and delivery of 747s for Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. The plant produces 747 jumbo jets and 767 wide-body airliners.

But Boeing won’t enforce the order because “our employees have the right to express their opinions,” spokesman Chris Villiers said.