Boeing May Seek Cut in Worker Benefits

Boeing Co. is expected by analysts to ask 18,300 machinists to pay more for healthcare as the company begins final talks on a new three-year contract with its largest union.

The two sides are meeting today at a Seattle-area hotel for two weeks of negotiations. The current contract expires at midnight Sept. 1.

Leaders of the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers say they’ll fight any attempt by Boeing to reduce benefits at a time when orders for planes are expected to reach their highest level in five years.