Union spokesman says talks with Lockheed Martin `a good sign'

ATLANTA - A union spokesman says an all-day session with Lockheed Martin is ``a good sign.''

A spokesman for the Machinists union Local 709 - Bob Wood - says striking union members are ``cautiously optimistic'' about the talks in Atlanta Wednesday.

He declined to elaborate but said any substantial changes in contract proposals would have to be voted on by union members.

Union members have been striking the defense contractor's Marietta plant since March eleventh.

A spokesman for the Marietta plant - Sam Grizzle - says he doesn't know if negotiators are closer to reaching an agreement.

About 2,700 members of International Association of Machinists Local 709 have picketed the Cobb County plant since rejecting a contract proposal Maryland-based Lockheed Martin has called its best and final offer.

Union members are collecting weekly strike pay of $115.