Workers Call Off Strike At Kennedy Space Center; Negotiations To Continue After Cooling Off

Sunday, June 10th 2007, 7:37 pm

By: News On 6

MELBOURNE, Fla. (AP) _ A union representing 570 space shuttle program workers at the Kennedy Space Center called off plans to strike Sunday and members agreed to continue contract negotiations.

The International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers, which represents the United Space Alliance employees, will continue contract discussions with the company, Florida Today reported Sunday.

A mediator contacted United Space Alliance and the company agreed to meet with union negotiators this week, United Space Alliance spokeswoman Tracy Yates said.

``While we feel our final contract offer was very fair and competitive, we'd like to hear what the union has to say and try reach a resolution,'' Yates said.

The union voted to strike June 2, but both sides had agreed to a cooling off period.

The decision comes just days after the launch of Atlantis, which docked with the international space station Sunday.

A call placed to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers by The Associated Press was not immediately returned Sunday.