Two hundred and fifty members of United Steel Workers Local 3523 went on strike after working the last year with only a day to day agreement.

Negotiations started fourteen months ago, but the last time either side presented a proposal was back in November.

At issue is the employee and retiree benefit package.  After a failed attempt to reach an agreement last night, workers say they had no choice but to strike.

"We want to secure as a local union adequate health care for our employees and future retirees.  The company in our opinion wants us to work until sixty-five, which destroys the idea behind a thirty year pension.  Why have a thirty year pension when its not good enough to retire with health care before you are eligible for Medicaid?", asks Tom Jones, with Local 3523.

So far, the company is not commenting on the walk out, but employees vow to stay on the picket line until a fair agreement is reached.