A mechanic for a Boeing subcontractor says he was fired after complaining about poor repair work

SEATTLE (AP) — A mechanic for a Boeing subcontractor claims he was fired after complaining about poor repair work on planes in a Boeing factory near Seattle. Boeing says the man’s concerns did not raise safety issues.

Lawyers for the mechanic said Wednesday that the man saw “substandard manufacturing and maintenance processes” during work on several Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The work included drilling holes to attach fasteners and use of sealant on a part that is designed to keep planes pressurized.

The mechanic, Richard Cuevas, worked for a firm that was hired by Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems to repair Boeing planes and was fired in March after raising concerns with both Spirit and Boeing, according to his lawyers.

The lawyers, Debra Katz and Lisa Banks, accused Spirit of “routinely cutting corners" on the work on pressure bulkheads and accused Boeing of allowing “shoddy work" to continue.

Boeing said it “thoroughly investigated” the claims.

“Engineering analysis determined that the issues raised did not present a safety concern and were addressed,” Boeing said in a statement.

The company said it is reviewing documents the man filed with federal agencies “and will thoroughly investigate any new claim. We are not involved in personnel decisions of subcontractors.”

Spirit AeroSystems management “is aware of the allegations and looking into the matter. We encourage all Spirit employees with concerns to come forward, safe in knowing they will be protected," company spokesperson Joe Buccino said.

The mechanic's lawyers said he filed whistleblower complaints with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Labor Department.