Difficult Negotiations Between Machinists, Hawker Beechcraft
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Updated: 6:42 PM Jul 29, 2008
Difficult Negotiations Between Machinists, Hawker Beechcraft
Those close to the contract talks say they're not going well.
Posted: 7:15 PM Jul 28, 2008
Reporter: Chris Frank
Email Address: chris.frank@kake.com
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Members of the Machinists Union will hold a rally near Hawker Beechcraft Tuesday. Those close to the contract talks say they're not going well.

A point of contention between the company and union is a comparison made to Cessna employees on the company's website updating the negotiations. The union pointed to the contract Cessna employees got last year as a basis for talks with Hawker Beechcraft. Cessna got raises of five percent the first year, and four percent the second and third years, in addition to a signing bonus and improvements in pension and health insurance.

The company fired back, saying its bookings and backlog are half that of Cessna's, Cessna's operating profit is six times that of Hawker Beechcraft (HBC), and HBC's debt is $2.4 billion. "What our members get from it at Hawker Beechcraft is they are not worth as much as a Cessna employee so don't look to get a contract similar to Cessna's because it ain't going to happen because you're not worth as much," said Machinists Spokesperson Bob Wood.

Hawker Beechcraft spokesman Andrew Broom said the company is focused on every effort to reach a new agreement that's in the best interest of the employees and the company.

Tuesday's rally is scheduled for 4 p.m. at 300 S. Greenwich


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