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The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers reached a tentative agreement with Boeing this weekend, which could possibly lead to the end of a strike which began September 2nd. The Machinists union is recommending the members ratify the agreement when they vote this Thursday. Connie Kelliher, spokesperson for the union, says the company has changed their offer on every major issue, including pensions, retiree medical benefits and health care:

[Kelliher:] "The company did remove all of the cost shifting on health care, which is huge. It'll save members between two thousand and four thousand per year in out-of-pocket expenses." [that Boeing was looking to shift onto the members.]

Kelliher says the agreement shows what solidarity among workers can accomplish:

[Kelliher:] "That's what forced Boeing to return to the bargaining table and to retreat from their takeaway proposals on every issue, and for our members it's been about respect. They saw this as a battle against corporate America. Our members have generated the profits for Boeing and wanted to share in that and didn't see it as a time to be giving back."