Boeing’s latest ups and downs; reader question

Published 1:01 pm Friday, November 14, 2008

It’s been a good news, bad news kind of day for Boeing.

Early this morning, the company announces a nine-month delay for its 747-8 jet. Boeing pointed to the Machinists’ strike, design changes and supply chain troubles for the setback.

Just before noon, Boeing and its engineers reached a tentative agreement on a four-year labor contract, likely helping Boeing avoid a second strike this year.

The engineers and technical workers still have to approve the contract. Details of the contract haven’t been released yet.

Reader question: Why do you think Boeing was able to reach a deal with SPEEA when it couldn’t do so with the Machinists?