Machinists union confirms start of Boeing talks

SEATTLE -- The president of the Machinists union says negotiators are having a "tough time" trying to end a strike against Chicago-based Boeing Company.

Even so, union President Tom Buffenbarger told The Associated Press by telephone on Monday that having negotiations is cause for optimism.

Union and Boeing officials won't confirm any details of the talks with a federal mediator, but Buffenbarger says negotiations resumed Sunday, the 36th day of the walkout.

He says he's getting regular briefings from the table and adds, "they're still having a tough time."

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 27,000 hourly production workers in Washington, Oregon and Kansas. Key issues include job security, pay, retirement benefits and health care.