Union nixes new Boeing offer

The machinists union in Washington State has rejected a "best and final" contract proposal that would ensure Boeing would build its next-generation 777X airliner in the state. The announcement came after the third day of meetings between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751. The talks were the first between the two sides since the union overwhelmingly voted to reject a eight-year contract extension last month. (Source: Los Angeles Times, 12/12/13) Gulf Coast note: Boeing has been looking at other locations to build the 777X, including Huntsville, Ala., some 360 miles north of where Boeing rival Airbus is building an A320 final assembly line in Mobile, Ala.