Catherwood LibraryILR School

Predictions suggest a long haul for Boeing Machinists, who are about to enter the third week of a 27,000 member strike. The chairman and chief executive of Boeing, Jim McNerney claims negotiations are at a standstill. In the mean time, no direct discussions have been arranged, though both parties are meeting privately with a federal mediator. Each side acknowledges the significant variances between them ? leaving no common ground from which to continue talks. The biggest issues in the dispute include job security and outsourcing, though wages, pensions, and medical benefits are also a major concern. The machinists will be eligible to receive their first strike pay check from the union this Saturday.