SEATTLE — Boeing Co.'s Machinist union said it will vote on a tentative four-year labor pact on Saturday, a process that could end an eight-week strike against the airplane maker.

The strike, now in its 53rd day, has shut Boeing's commercial jet factories, cut into profits and delayed airplane deliveries.

Boeing spokesman Tim Healy yesterday said company and union officials would meet soon to set a schedule for workers to return to their jobs if the contract is ratified.

The union, representing 27,000 production workers in Washington state, Oregon and Kansas, went on strike Sept. 6 after rejecting a final contract offer by the company, with major sticking points being job security and health benefits.

Last week, Boeing said its third-quarter profit sank 38 percent to $695 million, or 96 cents per share, because of the strike and supplier problems. The strike lowered earnings by roughly 35 cents per share, the supplier problems by 25 cents.

Just a day after the earnings announcement, Boeing and union representatives began revived contract talks that lasted five straight days. The company and Machinists negotiators agreed to the proposed labor pact late Monday, with union negotiators unanimously endorsing the deal.

A notice posted on the Web site of Machinists District Lodge 751 in Seattle said union voting will be conducted along with the distribution of strike paychecks. The count is set for Saturday evening at the union hall with the results to be announced around 8:30 p.m PDT.

A simple majority is required for ratification.