BOEING has threatened striking workers with temporary layoffs, claiming that “our business is in a difficult period.”

Chief financial officer Brian West detailed 10 immediate cutbacks in a memo to workers on Monday. They include a freeze on hiring at all levels, the suspension of pay increases for managers and executives who receive promotion and a ban on all non-essential travel.

“We are also considering the difficult step of temporary furloughs for many employees, managers and executives in the coming weeks,” Mr West said.