Boeing Gearing Up in Carolinas

In Paris, McNerney issued a warning to the company's unions, saying, "The union problem is a Seattle problem," and noting, "We have had serious delivery delays over the years because we could not get a timely settlement with the union and we can't keep letting our customers down," according to Aviation Week.

The IAM remains committed to keeping jobs in Seattle, but it is not commenting on the current debate. "Our focus remains on getting that plane running and downing everything we can to help them fix the problems with the airplane," says spokeswoman Connie Kelleher.

At last month's Paris Air Show last month, CEO Jim McNerney said Boeing is "actively looking" to establish a second production line for the 787, according to Aviation Week. McNerney said that may not occur until after the introduction of a second model, the 787-9, in 2012, because "We don't want to jeopardize the 787-9 introduction" by moving people to support a second line, the publication reported.