HURST (June 27, 2009)--Striking manufacturing workers at Fort Worth-area Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. plants and management will return to the bargaining table on July 1.

A statement by company officials said Bell accepted a suggestion from a federal mediator for both parties to return to talks.

The United Auto Workers Local 218 confirmed in a statement on its Web site that it would also return to negotiations.

Picketing began on June 15 outside eight facilities where they produce parts, components and assemblies for all Bell aircraft, including the V-22 Osprey and H-1 military helicopters and the company's civilian models.

The employees rejected a three-year contract because of proposed increases in medical costs and because of plans to outsource the work of janitors.