Machinists get look at Boeing offer

ST. LOUIS -- More than 2,800 union Boeing Co. machinists and aerospace workers on Thursday got their first look at a three-year contract offer they'll decide Sunday, hours before the current contract expires.

Chicago-based Boeing gave bargainers for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 837, what it called its final offer on Tuesday.

Most of the affected employees work in Boeing's St. Louis-based defense business, which makes fighter jets, missiles, smart bombs and other weapons. The union also represents some workers in Maryland and California.

The union has stressed that last month's strike authorization -- backed by 98 percent of the roughly 1,250 union members who voted -- would not mean an immediate walkout if the latest offer is rejected.

The new contract offer calls for a 3 percent general wage increase and a $3,000 signing bonus in the contract's first year. The second year's lump-sum wage payment would be $2,000, with another 3 percent general wage increase in the third year.

Formal negotiations on a new three-year deal began April 26.

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On the Net:

International Association of Machinists, District 837: http://iam837.org

Boeing Co., http://www.boeing.com

Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems: http://www.boeing.com/ids