LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) -- A three-year contract covering nearly 3,000 workers at Boeing's Long Beach plant was narrowly approved by union members who ignored their leadership's recommendation to reject it.þþThe pact approved Sunday provides a 3 percent wage increase in the first and third years, as well as a lump sum payment of $2,000 in the second year. It also increases workers' health-care costs.þþ``I hope our members understand that this is going to raise their out-of-pocket expenses for health care, for both future retirees, current retirees and active members,'' said Bill Schultz, president of Local 148 of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.þþThe agreement covers 2,850 production workers who build 717 passenger jets and C-17 military cargo planes at Boeing's Long Beach plant. It was approved by a vote of 710-630.þþBoeing spokesman Rick Sanford said the contract was good for both the company's employees and customers.þþ``The labor contract is all about our employees, but our business is all about our government customers' critical need for the products that our employees deliver,'' he said. ``Both sides, Boeing and the union, knew this going in, and this ratification is a strong acknowledgment of a commitment to get it right.''þþUnder the agreement, most employees will pay 10 percent more of their medical insurance premiums beginning next year.þþ
Source: NY Times
