Day 17 of Boeing Machinists’ strike – who will blink first?

Published 12:14 pm Monday, September 22, 2008

How is it possible that BOTH sides are WILLING to talk and no one is talking?

A reader e-mailed me the above question last week about Boeing and its striking Machinists. It’s the question on the minds of most Herald readers these days.

Two and a half weeks into a work stoppage and still no negotiations are scheduled between Boeing and the union.

So what will get these two back to the table and who will make the first move?

Well, the Machinists union is busy this week encouraging members to get their prescriptions filled and last minute doctor appointments made because their health coverage runs out at the end of the month. Machinists, however, do get their first $150 weekly check on Saturday.

By most accounts, Boeing most likely will have to push back the 787’s first flight yet again and continues to fall behind on commitments to customers for all its jets. Continental and Ryanair already have been affected by the strike.

And the aerospace company heads into intense contract negotiations next month with its engineers union, which is itching to strike.

While you ponder the question of the day, you might want to read this opinion piece by the Evergreen Freedom Foundation.

And don’t forget to take our ongoing poll below on how long the strike will last.

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