Boeing, Machinists Still Far Apart

A settlement to the strike at Boeing (BA Quote) was easy to imagine when the workers were calling for a 13% raise and the company was offering an 11% pay hike.

But now, a settlement seems distant, with Boeing and the International Association of Machinists at odds over a different, but no less crucial, issue -- outsourcing practices that will shape the company's future.

Talks broke down Monday, just a day after they had resumed, meaning the strike by 27,000 IAM members is now in its 39th day. Boeing shares closed Tuesday at $45.07, after falling on Friday to $40, their lowest price since March 2004. ...