Cessna's Biggest Union Authorizes Strike

Tired of riding the aviation economy fun ride, Cessna's union machinists Tuesday overwhelming authorized their leaders to call a strike if they have to. The Machinists Union sits down with Cessna August 12th for contract talks that are expected to be "difficult."

"It promises to be a really tough one," Machinists union spokesman Bob Wood told the Wichita Eagle.

A union survey shows health care, job security and, of course, the size of their paychecks are top on members' minds.

Cessna is putting a happy face on the prospect of tough negotiations.

"We have a very strong relationship with the union and expect it to remain strong," said company spokeswoman Jessica Myers. She said it's too early yet to tell what sort of positions Cessna will take in the contract talks.

Cessna certainly isn't the only target in the Machinists' sights. "This sets the tone" for upcoming talks with Raytheon and Bombardier Aerospace in Wichita, said Wood. The Machinists' contract with Raytheon in Wichita expires July 31, 2005. The contract with Bombardier expires Oct. 2, 2006.

FMI: www.ll774.org/districtoffices.htm