WICHITA, Kansas, August 18, 2008 – As one union continues to strike, another is talking about one. Boeing machinists are negotiating their contract and right now, leaders say it doesn’t look good.

Holding hands in prayer, machinists held vigil for a fellow worker killed Monday morning. The prayer vigil was a last minute substitution as machinists had gathered to rally. It’s usually a first sign that battle lines are being drawn between the union and the company.

"Those negotiations are going about as badly as ours were with Hawker,” said Bob Wood, Machinists union spokesperson.

According to Wood, sticking points for Boeing machinists include pension for new hires and concerns about being cut out of Seattle’s contract. If those issues remain unresolved, workers say they’re ready to strike. Jo Wood says she’s been saving money for three years just in case.

"Last contract start saving as soon as we sign that contract,” Wood said. “Stock a little money back for the next time."

And at Spirit where Boeing is their largest customer, a spokesperson says a Boeing strike would have a major impact and they are preparing contingency plans. Meanwhile, those inside the plant say every area is being told to be ready."

However, a Spirit spokesperson says the company hasn’t committed to what they would do in case of a strike. But any lost wages from Spirit would only add to those lost by nearly 5,000 striking Hawker machinists and 600 from Boeing.

"This town's built on aircraft,” said Bob Wood. “The aircraft workers and the money they bring in is very important."

And no one knows how important more than those walking the picket lines.

Boeing workers will vote on the new contract in early September.