Boeing Earnings Slide Amid Strike

Updated from 8:36 a.m. EDT

Boeing(BA Quote) said its third-quarter earnings fell by 38% as aircraft deliveries slowed due to a strike by the International Association of Machinists, but CEO Jim McNerney raised hopes that a new round of talks could lead to a resolution.

With the dispute focused on the issue of outsourcing jobs in the Puget Sound area, McNerney said Wednesday on an earnings conference call that "the management rights issue is one that leaves us with the ability to manage our business. Having said that, I think there's a way to work with the union to meet some of their goals."

"There have been some informal discussions that have, I think, indicated a constructive headset on both sides," he said. "We both readily agreed to get back together." ...