Federal Mediator Opens Fresh Talks Between Boeing, Union

October 13, 2008 5:42 p.m. EST

Seattle, WA (AHN) - A federal mediator has opened fresh talks between aerospace firm Boeing Co. and union employees of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

News reports on Monday said that both parties agreed not to announce the negotiations, including its location, in the hope that management and employees could quickly reach an agreement. Key issues to be discussed include wages, outsourcing, job security, pension and health care.

The two parties resolved Wednesday that both will go back to the bargaining table, a breakthrough since the strike, which started September 6.

Around 27,000 machinists in Oregon and Kansas were on strike for over a month affecting Boeing's airplane assembly lines.