Boeing memo shows plans to cut 1,000 defense jobs

SEATTLE - The head of Boeing Co.'s Integrated Defense Systems has told employees that the defense division will have to cut about 1,000 jobs because of Pentagon budget reductions.

In an internal memo Monday, Boeing's Jim Albaugh says the job reductions are needed to keep the company competitive.

Boeing hasn't said what its timeline is for the cuts, and no decision has been made on how many of the cuts will affect the Puget Sound region, which has 7,000 workers in Boeing's defense systems operation.

In January, CEO Jim McNerney said the company would cut 10,000 jobs companywide this year through attrition and layoffs. Boeing spokesman Dan Beck wouldn't say Tuesday whether the 1,000 cuts are part of the 10,000.

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