Raytheon strike stretches
Associated Press

A workers’ strike at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson this week reached its 50th day without much progress.

Raytheon has offered a 3 percent increase in wages. But workers say that’s hardly a raise since it doesn’t meet inflation. Also, they say the company is raising health‑benefit costs 87 percent in the third year of their contract.

Both sides refuse to budge.

“We have not received a request from the union to return to the table. Nor have we received any guidance from the union as to what it would take to resolve this matter,’’ Raytheon spokeswoman Sara Hammond said.

“We made our offer and believe the ball is in their court.’’

Union spokesman Steve Taylor said: “We’re waiting for the company to give us an offer that’s fair, that our membership would accept.’’ Taylor is the assistant business manager at Local 933.

As the strike wears on, both sides will be under pressure to compromise, experts say.