Contract Vote Comes Tuesday

Thousands of Boeing workers in Wichita were told Friday to take their personal belongings home. A letter arriving Friday or Saturday would tell them whether to report to work Monday or to stay home.

"I just can't believe how cold and impersonal it is," said Dean Wencl, a team leader who has worked for Boeing 33 years, to the Wichita Eagle. "They have a service run up to your door, ring the doorbell and then run back to the truck and take off."

Those without a job to return to received a package containing two letters. The letter from the company to be formed by Onex, Mid-Western Aircraft Systems was reported by the Eagle to say:

"We regret to inform you that you will not receive an employment offer from Mid-Western Aircraft Systems at this time. Thank you for your interest in the new company and for participating in the employment process.

"We appreciate how difficult this waiting period has been for you and we wish you the best of luck in the future."

The other letter was from Boeing, saying workers would receive clarification of their status by the end of the week, and encouraging them to use the company mental health, counseling, and job placement programs.

Machinists that received a job offer still are facing uncertainty and pay cuts as they move to vote on Onex's "last, best and final" contract offer on Tuesday.

Onex has said that if the offer is rejected, it will kill the deal to purchase the company.

Salary negotiations continue with the other unions.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.onex.com