Boeing To Pay Relocation Benefits

SEATTLE

The Boeing Co. said it will provide eligible employees - those hired after Jan. 1, 1989 - who are being laid off with the same relocation benefits they received when they moved here to take their jobs.

About 600 workers may be laid off next Friday as part of Boeing's effort to reduce its work force by 5,000, mostly at Everett where the company says it no longer needs them to help with problems on the new 747-400.

Several hundred others could lose their jobs in the next few months. The company had expected to lay off about 1,700 workers next week but retirements, reassignments and workers finding new jobs lowered the number to about 600. That number could shrink even more by next week if workers find other jobs.

Boeing estimates the relocation benefits will be paid to up to 300 of the first batch of workers laid off. They will be assessed on an individual basis. The company said it would be contacting employees to arrange the assistance.

Boeing also has set up employment centers to help workers find other jobs.