Boeing, Machinists Plan To Resume Talks

The first inkling of hope for ending a four-week strike by Boeing Co. production workers arose Thursday with plans for renewed talks by company and union representatives.

Three days after a National Labor Relations Board official upheld union charges that Boeing failed to negotiate in good faith, the two sides were set to discuss issues at the heart of the strike.

Russ Young, a Boeing spokesman, said company officials hope the talks will lead to resumption of contract negotiations.

“Now that the (labor) board is ready to rule on this thing, they’re asking us to meet with them,” said Robert Gregory, the union’s chief negotiator. “We’re ready, but we’re not just going to jump into a meeting on less than 24 hours.”