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These labor talks are the first in a generation to be held during a down market. During the past two negotiating sessions—in 2008 and 2012—prices were strong. Workers had bargaining leverage, and they negotiated solid blue-collar paychecks including health-care benefits and wages well over $50,000 a year. (Miller, 8/16)

Beginning on Jan. 1, most Boeing employees here will be able to choose a new health insurance provider: Mercy Health. St. Louis will become the second region, along with Charleston, S.C., in which Boeing has contracted directly with a health care system to offer some employees what they say will be less-expensive care coupled with a better experience. Around 12,000 mostly nonunion employees in the St. Louis area will be eligible for this option. (Liss, 8/14)