Blind Machinist Sues Boeing Over Job Denial Amid Manufacturing Safety Failures

A blind machinist is suing Boeing after being removed from training despite accepting a job offer. Jonathan Ott, who has partial vision and uses a white cane, was hired as a Composite Fabricator C at Boeing's Everett plant in 2023.

Ott claims that during orientation, he revealed inaccessible training systems and safety concerns, which led to his placement on unpaid leave due to perceived safety risks from forklifts and machinery. He says he offered solutions like accessible software, but Boeing closed his file after six months.

Boeing denies offering Ott a machinist role and claims that constant sighted assistance was required, which they deem unreasonable. The FAA has previously penalized Boeing for quality violations, including misdrilled holes and falsified inspections. Recent incidents include missing bolts on a MAX 9 and improperly torqued fasteners on 787s.