Boeing’s unions aren’t optimistic about contract negotiations this year.

Leaders of the Machinists and engineers (SPEEA) unions laid out concerns about upcoming labor talks during a call yesterday.

Boeing initiated negotiations early with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. The union’s contract expires Sept. 3. But Machinists’ aerospace coordinator Mark Blondin said those preliminary talks “aren’t bearing any fruit.”

SPEEA’s contract comes due Dec. 1, but the union’s executive director Ray Goforth characterized early negotiations as “negative.”

Meanwhile, Boeing’s chief negotiator sent out a message to employee outlining the company’s pension proposal. Boeing wants to switch from a traditional pension plan to a 401(k) type plan for new employees.

Given that the unions say they’re off to a rocky start with Boeing, how do you think contract talks will go this year? Cast your vote in our reader poll and send me any thoughts you have on a possible labor strike.

( surveys)