Union reports progress in talks with Boeing

SEATTLE — The international president of the Machinists union says Boeing’s revised contract offer is an improvement of more than $1 billion.

In a letter to union members, Tom Buffenbarger said the offer workers will consider next week is a significant improvement over a contract the union rejected last month.

Boeing Co. seeks a new contract with Machinists in the Puget Sound area that would move workers away from traditional pensions. In the revised offer, Boeing has backed away from a plan to slow the rate at which employees rise up the pay scale. The company is also offering $5,000 in additional bonus money and improved dental coverage. Boeing has vowed to build the company’s new 777X airplane in the Puget Sound if the Machinists agree to the pact.