07/08/2009

Associated Press

Congressman Norm Dicks says Boeing needs a no-strike agreement from its unions in Washington or the company will open a new 787 production line at a plant it purchased in South Carolina.

Dicks told The Seattle Times he thinks Boeing would stay in Washington with such an agreement.

Boeing says no decision has been made yet on a second 787 assembly line. The company says Tuesday's $580 million acquisition of the Vought Aircraft Industries plant at North Charleston, S.C., should improve production of the new plane.

The Machinists union has struck Boeing four times in seven contracts over 20 years — most recently last fall for two months.

District President Tom Wroblewski told the Times he wouldn't give up the power to strike.

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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com