Boeing Offer Falls Short (Update)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In its final offer to 27,000 unionized workers, Boeing(BA Quote) boosted earlier pay offers but didn't back down on its desire for the flexibility to increase outsourcing.

"We believe this is the best contract offer in America this year," Doug Kight, Boeing's lead labor negotiator, told reporters Thursday, hours after the company made its final offer to negotiators for the International Association of Machinists. "We believe it will probably be the best contract offer in America next year and maybe the year after."

The offer enables employees "to share in the success ... have helped to create, but also is good for our business," he said. ...