Spotlite Magazine - August 2016

Monthly Publication

August 2016

Spirit’s new CEO sits down with SPEEA Midwest CRs

By Bill Dugovich SPEEA Communications Director

WICHITA – Incoming Spirit AeroSystems CEO Tom Gentile took a big step toward improving communications with SPEEA June 28 by following through on his invitation to hold a ‘ Town Hall’ meeting with Midwest officers and Council Representatives.

The meeting covered a wide range of issues and member concerns, including performance management, possible sale of fabrication, overtime, and the need to rebuild trust between management and employees.

“This was groundbreaking for all of us,” said
Midwest Council Chair Mark Gayer. “It was
very encouraging. We thought the meeting
would last 30 minutes, it
ended up lasting an hour,
and he wants to meet
again.”
Gentile acknowledged
the difficulties of perfor-
mance management, indi-
cated there was nothing
new regarding the possi-
ble sale of the fabrication
division and expressed
concern about the over-
time issues brought up by
members.

“As far as fabrication goes, I think we’ll be in it
for awhile,” Gentile said. “We do have to make
some decisions as to what stays and what goes
somewhere else.”
Noting that a certain amount of flex-
ibility from employees and managers
is appropriate regarding work hours,
Gentile expressed concern about the
possibility employees are being asked
for undue flexibility to cut down on
charging overtime.

“If you work overtime, you should
charge it,” the CEO said. “We will
follow up on that.”
Council Rep Joe Abbott expressed
concern about cuts to the informa-
tion technology division and invited
“I’d like to meet them all,” Gentile said. “Cyber
security is a big issue. We need more of it.”