Boeing, striking union hold first meeting since latest contract rejection

A union representing about 33,000 striking U.S. West Coast factory workers said late on Tuesday it had met with Boeing for the first time since members voted down an improved contract offer from the planemaker last week. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 751 said with the assistance of Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su, the union's bargaining committee "had a productive face-to-face meeting with the company to address key bargaining issues." The union, whose members have been on strike for nearly seven weeks, added it "will continue to engage with the company to secure the best possible outcome for our members." A Boeing spokesperson confirmed the company met with the union on Tuesday for negotiations, assisted by Su. Earlier this month, Su had helped the parties restart discussions, ultimately leading to last week's vote on an offer of a 35% pay rise over four years that was rejected by 64% of union members. The union has been seeking a 40% pay rise over four years and the return of a defined-benefit pension. Last month, about 95% of workers rejected a 25% pay hike. Boeing on Monday launched a stock offering that could raise up to $24.3b to strengthen finances squeezed by the halt to production of its best-selling 737 MAX and its 767 and 777 widebody programs due to the strike.<br/>