Cessna, Machinists negotiations entering 'critical phase'

WICHITA — Cessna Aircraft and the Machinists union are entering the last few days of contract negotiations, and the company has told the union's negotiating team that it will deliver its final offer Monday.

Talks are entering "the critical phase" this week and into the weekend, the Machinists said.

So far, there's been little movement from the company's opening proposal, the union reported today. The proposal included wage cuts, elimination of pensions, weakening of seniority and higher contributions for health care insurance costs.