Boeing Machinists Ratify Contract (clearing way to end strike)

[DeepModem Mom]

NYT/Reuters: Boeing Machinists Ratify Contract
By REUTERS
Published: September 29, 2005


SEATTLE (Reuters) - Workers at Boeing Co.'scommercial jet factories voted on Thursday to ratify a contract that clears the way for ending a nearly monthlong strike.

The unionized workers at Boeing factories in Seattle, Oregon and Kansas voted 80 percent in favor of the contract that would increase pensions and preserve health care and other benefits the company initially sought to reduce.

The vote by 18,500 Boeing machinists sets the stage for Boeing to try to make up aircraft orders delayed due to the walkout.

Chicago-based Boeing, which announced earlier this week it struck a deal with the union, has said the contract was reasonable and would allow factories to restart soon.

Although Boeing shut down most manufacturing for a month, many analysts watching the company said they were surprised by the quick resolution between Boeing and its machinists' union, based on reports the two sides were far apart on issues such as pensions, health care and job security....


http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/business/business-transport-boeing.html