Video: Boeing, striking machinists talking

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RENTON, Wash. - A Boeing source confirms to KING 5 News that talks with the striking machinists union began last week. He would not call them formal negotiations but he did tell us that those "informal" talks continue.

After more than a month holding picket signs, news of the talks is filtering down to striking machinists. 

"All these people laid off, and there's work to do.  You want to get them back to work as soon as possible.  If they're talking in emails or face-to-face, as long as they're talking," said machinist James McBride.

Machinist say they're ready to stand their ground, bracing for cold nights and long days.

Twenty-seven-thousand machinists voted down Boeing's contract offer in early september, unsatisfied with wages, job security and benefits.

The ripple effects of the strike has forced non-union suppliers to cut jobs, but something else might force Boeing to the negotiating table.

"I think what's having more impact is what's going on with the economy," said McBride.

Boeing VP Scott Carson spoke with KING 5 News last week, talking about possible compromise on at least some sticking points.

"As we explored it, there seemed like there might be some middle ground, and that's what we're going to go try and exploit," he said.

Union press operator James Lofton spent 37 years with Boeing. He says he wants his last years to be in the plant, not on the picket line.

"As soon as possible I'm ready to go back to work," he said.