Machinists Union Makes Formal Offer To Boeing To Try To Win 777X

There’s a proposal on the table.

The Machinists Union says it has presented Boeing with a contract that could secure the 777X production line for the Puget Sound region.

The union described talks Wednesday as “respectful and constructive,” but said the two sides are not close to an agreement yet.

The union expects a Boeing response on Thursday.

The head of the union local, Tom Wroblewski, said the machinists “tried to craft a proposal that would meet the needs of our members, while also ensuring the long-term success of the Boeing Company in Washington state."

The actual terms of the proposal were not disclosed.

Earlier in the day, Governor Jay Inslee said he's glad the two sides are talking.“That’s obviously a good sign. I’ve been urging the parties to get back to the table as soon as possible, and the fact that they are at a minimum talking to one another that’s a good sign. But time is of the essence and we’ll encourage those talks to continue."

A month ago, the union voted to reject Boeing’s contract proposal that would have secured the 777X. That move precipitated the search for a new site.

Boeing said earlier in the day that it is still considering the bids it has already received from other states.