Strike could halt shuttle launch
A union representing 570 space shuttle programme workers at the Kennedy Space Centre have voted to strike, less than a week before the planned launch of Atlantis.
The International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers, which represents the United Space Alliance employees, rejected the company's contract offer yesterday, Florida Today reported.
The union could strike as early as June 9, a day after Nasa officials plan to launch the shuttle Atlantis. It was unclear whether the vote to strike could affect the launch schedule.
The union's negotiating team felt the company's offer was "substandard", said Lynn Beattie, a member of the group and former Local 2061 president. Both sides have agreed to a five-day cooling off period.
United Space Alliance was "surprised and disappointed", said spokeswoman Tracy Yates.
"The final offer was fair, competitive and responsive in every area," she said.
