Learjet, Striking Union Workers Reenter Negotations

Bombardier Learjet and the union negotiating committee representing its striking production-line workers entered into federal mediation yesterday, the union said. The strike at the Wichita aircraft manufacturer is now in its fifth week, and the two sides haven’t talked since the union rejected the proposed contract and voted to strike on October 6. The biggest roadblock was cost increases in medical insurance for workers. Bombardier continues to build Learjets at the plant using temporary workers, as well as non-union supervisors.