SEATTLE -- I get the Boeing machinists' point.

I don't get their frustration.

Having rejected the company's "best and final" contract offer, and having overwhelmingly voted to hit the picket line, workers were primed for a strike that could have cost them a whole lot of money.

But when union officials announced that the current contract would be extended for 48 hours so that bargaining could continue, the proverbial feces hit the fan.

Machinists reacted with curses and high volume dismay.

Officials were shouted off the union hall stage by workers who somehow believed they'd be better off collecting strike benefits in lieu of a paycheck.

That doesn't make sense.

Workers have a long-term vested interest in seeing that Boeing succeeds.

Boeing has a long-term vested interest in assuring it has a quality work force.

The governor has a long term vested interest in keeping the state economy moving forward.

I'm sympathetic and supportive of the machinists in what they are working toward in a new contract.

With an additional 48 hours to negotiate, maybe they'll get it.

Without the strike.

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