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By Doug Cunningham

The International Association of Machinists is in around the clock intense bargaining sessions with the giant aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
IAM spokeswoman Connie Kelliher says improving pensions for Boeing workers is the top issue.

[Connie Kelliher 1] : "To get them a significant increase. Something that will help them in their golden years so that they can live comfortably."

Boeing profits have tripled in the past three years and with the new CEO scoring an extremely lucrative pension Kelliher says Boeing now should do the right thing for its workers.

[Kelliher 2] : "Within minutes of him working at the company he got $22 million in a supplemental retirement package. And on average our members have worked 20 years and get maybe 35 percent of their pay."

While Boeing workers don't want a strike they are determined to win pension improvements. Health care and job security are the next most important issues at Boeing. The current contract expires on Labor Day and Boeing will present its final offer August 30 for IAM members to consider.