Over 100 workers represented by USW Local 5533 are on strike at Kennametal in Belleville.
Workers striking include electricians, metalworkers, machinists, radiographers, furnace operators, and more.
Vice president of the local union, Wes Juby, said the striking workers are willing to return to the negotiating table.
“Basically, the key issue comes down to money, everybody sees the only inflation rate that we’ve had last few years,” said Juby. “The last few contracts have not been good for us, and finally the straw broke the camel’s back.”
The worker’s contract officially expired in April, and the strike began Friday at midnight.