SEATTLE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Boeing strike showed no signs of ending as the union machinists’ walkout entered its eighth day.

Federal mediators joined talks between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers this week. However, union officials reported that little progress was made during the first two sessions, adding that no further talks were scheduled.

A Boeing spokesperson said that the company’s goal is to reach an agreement with the union as quickly as possible.

The walkout started Friday, Sept. 13, when members of a regional district of the IAM union voted 96% in favor of a strike.

Workers say they want raises of 40% and a restoration of traditional pension benefits that were eliminated about a decade ago.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who became the chief executive last month, announced this week that the company’s money-saving steps would include furloughing managers and other nonunion employees.

Concern about a cash crunch is prompting ratings agencies to consider downgrading Boeing’s credit to non-investment or junk status.

Boeing had $58 billion in debt and $11 billion in cash on June 30, according to a regulatory filing.