Space
Boeing, Workers Reach Tentative Agreement Over C-17 Work
The AP (6/5) reported, "Negotiations between Boeing Co. and its striking aircraft workers in Long Beach entered their second day Friday in a federally mediated push to end a nearly monthlong walkout." The mediators hoped to end the "stalemate" between Boeing and C-17 military transport workers. Boeing spokesperson Cindy Anderson "said the strike so far has not disrupted contracts with suppliers because of the long lead time on orders. About 3,000 non-unionized employees are reporting to work, she said."
In a later article, the Los Angeles Times (6/6, Hennigan) reported that late Friday, a "tentative labor agreement" had been reached. "The union's rank-and-file are scheduled to vote on the proposed deal Wednesday. If approved, production could resume as early as the next day, said Local 148 President Stan Klemchuk." Anderson said, "We think both sides had to give a little to reach this tentative agreement."
Boeing To Enter Competition For Presidential Helicopter. The New York Times (6/7, B3, Drew) reports, "Boeing plans to announce on Monday that it will enter the bidding to build a fleet of presidential helicopters, adding a major new player to a project the Pentagon is trying to revive after President Obama criticized it last year as contracting 'gone amok.'" Babbitt is "buying the rights" to build the helicopter AgustaWestland was developing with Lockheed Martin. Lockheed is now teaming with Sikorsky for the competition. According to the article, "Boeing's involvement is likely to help heighten the competition and could help keep down the cost. The bidding process will probably start next year." However, "industry officials say they would be surprised if a contract was awarded before 2017 to 2023.
