Lockheed Martin and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, who represents over 3,600 striking workers at the company, have agreed to meet with federal mediators. The strike began eight weeks ago over pension benefits and other issues. Lockheed says that it needs to reduce labor and pension costs in order to meet the standards set by clients, including the Pentagon. The company has been using replacement workers to run its plants during the strike. The National Labor Relations Board dismissed three unfair labor practice charges against the company last week. Both sides said that they were hopeful of reaching a resolution with the mediator's help.
See "Lockheed, union agree to meet federal mediators", Reuters, June 18, 2012