Machinists vote down contract offer from Onex

From the Wichita Eagle on-line

Members of the Machinists union at Boeing Wichita rejected Onex Corp.' s labor offer today.

Union officials said 57 percent of union members voting voted against the proposal.

The vote could jeopardize Onex's attempt to buy the Boeing facility. Onex officials have said they will not continue to pursue the deal if the contract offer was defeated.

The parking lot of the Kansas Coliseum, where the vote was held, filled early this morning with Boeing Wichita workers whose jobs hinged on the outcome of today's vote.

Some workers carried "No" signs urging people eligible to vote to turn down the five-year deal. Others walked quietly to the lines that extended into the parking lot.