Boeing CEO Hopeful as Strike Talks Set to Resume

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. (More machinists union stories.)