Machinists win 99-day strike
A bitter 99-day strike against McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Corporation in the US ended in victory on September 11 when members of Machinist Union District 837 voted to accept a five-year contract. The main issue was MD's demand for the unconditional right to out-source jobs to non-union firms. The agreement restricts the company's ability to out-source union jobs. It also provides for two general wage increases totalling 4.5% and three annual bonuses totalling 9%. The union also won improvements in pension benefits.