Talks to end Boeing strike continue

SEATTLE Federal mediators called machinists union and Boeing negotiators to the table in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Neither side has said whether any progress has been made, but both say it's a good sign that the talks are continuing.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers went on strike Sept. 6, after rejecting Boeing's last contract offer. Two days of last-ditch talks to avoid a strike failed, and another round of negotiations earlier this month also collapsed.

The union represents about 25,000 workers in and around Seattle, 1,500 in Gresham, Ore., and 750 in Wichita, Kan. Key issues include job security, wages, retirement benefits and medical coverage.