Cessna machinists vote Saturday on 7-year contract

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.nebraska.tv/Global/story.asp?S=13177233

Associated Press - September 18, 2010 3:14 PM ET

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Members of the machinists union are voting on whether to accept Cessna Aircraft's contract offer or to strike as their union leaders recommend.

A simple majority is needed to approve the contract, but it takes a two-thirds majority to authorize a strike.

Voting ends at 5 p.m. Saturday, with results expected about an hour later.

The company has called the 7-year contract offer very fair given the extraordinary challenges in the economy and aircraft industry. But the union says workers are concerned about a lack of job security and an increase in health care costs.

The union represents about 2,500 machinists at its Wichita plant. Their contract expires Sunday.