Oklahoma union workers reject contract offer from Onex

Union workers from the former Boeing plant in Tulsa have rejected a final contract offer from the <b><a class="headlinelink" href="http://www.kotv.com/main/home/searchKOTV.asp?mainSearch=Onex">Onex</a></b>

Friday, July 1st 2005, 6:14 am

By: News On 6

Union workers from the former Boeing plant in Tulsa have rejected a final contract offer from the Onex Corporation.

Tensions have been running high ever since Onex completed its buyout of the plants in Wichita, Tulsa, and McAlester earlier this month.

Turnout was heavy at the union hall. The contract affects about 700 workers in Tulsa. 58 percent of them voted against it. The deal calls for a 10-percent pay cut and higher health costs. On the plus side, workers would have gotten stock in the new company, but the mood at the hall looked grim.

Union worker Terry Shannon: "I don't think it was a very good offer. I don't know how they came to the conclusion that it was a best and final offer. Maybe they need to understand what best means."

There has been no word on what happens next. The workers could decide to strike, but Onex could bring in replacements if that happens.