Boeing, machinists holding secret talks

CHICAGO, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. planemaker Boeing Co. is seeking a no-strike clause with union machinists, while machinists seek guaranteed work, a source close to the talks said.

Company spokesman Tim Healy said, "we will honor a mutual agreement," to keep the talks confidential, The Seattle Times reported Thursday.

On the other side of the discussions, International Association of Machinists President Tom Buffenbarger has not informed rank and file union members about the talks, the newspaper said.

However, Boeing Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney in a conference call said, "the IAM and the company have had trouble figuring it out between themselves," referring in part to strikes, including one last fall, that have stalled production.

The Machinists union is seeking a second 787 Dreamliner assembly line for the company's Everett, Wash., facility, while the company is considering expanding its Charleston, S.C., plant.

In addition, "the 737 is the big prize right now," said the source, who added that Boeing is seeking a 10-year no-strike clause for the next contract.

The current contract runs to 2012.

Machinists struck for 2 1/2 months last fall and Boeing needs to "break the cycle," the source said.