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Boeing CEO Hopeful as Strike Talks Set to Resume

Firm may find compromise on crucial outsourcing issue

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 22, 2008 3:16 PM CDT

(Newser) – Boeing’s CEO is confident that the next round of talks could resolve a costly strike by its machinists union, the Seattle Times reports. With formal negotiations set to resume tomorrow, Jim McNerney thinks headway can be made on the pivotal issue of outsourcing the production of parts traditionally fashioned by the machinists.

“There have been some informal discussions that have I think indicated a constructive mindset on both sides,” McNerney said today, “which is why we both agreed to get back together.” On outsourcing, he says the firm won’t cede management decisions, but is hopeful it can keep the number of machinist jobs at current levels. The strike cost Boeing $260 million in September alone.

Striking Boeing workers staff a picket line yesterday in front of the headquarters for Boeing's Commercial Airplanes division in Renton, Wash.
Striking Boeing workers staff a picket line yesterday in front of the headquarters for Boeing's Commercial Airplanes division in Renton, Wash.   (AP Photo)
In this Oct. 8, 2008 file photo, striking Boeing Co. workers Kenny Toyoji, of Redmond, Wash., left, talks with Michael Mai, right, of Seattle, as they picket near Boeing Field Wednesday, in Seattle.
In this Oct. 8, 2008 file photo, striking Boeing Co. workers Kenny Toyoji, of Redmond, Wash., left, talks with Michael Mai, right, of Seattle, as they picket near Boeing Field Wednesday, in Seattle.   (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, file)
Boeing machinists picket Oct. 6, 2008, at a gate in Seattle.
Boeing machinists picket Oct. 6, 2008, at a gate in Seattle.   (AP Photo)
Boeing machinist Phong Nguyen tends a burn barrel on a picket line, Oct. 6, 2008, one month after the strike began, at a gate in Seattle.
Boeing machinist Phong Nguyen tends a burn barrel on a picket line, Oct. 6, 2008, one month after the strike began, at a gate in Seattle.   (AP Photo)
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