Marquette machinists on strike - KWWL.com

Several dozen union workers are on strike at a Marquette manufacturing plant.

The workers say one of their main benefits is being changed by their company.

46 members of the International Association of Machinists Local 2908 walked off the job at the Gencor-Bituma plant in Marquette and onto the picket line at 5 a.m. Monday.

These workers say the company is changing their retirement plan from a pension to a 401k.

They also say wage issues also led them to strike.

The company is a construction equipment manufacturer for asphalt plants.

The union makes up about 40% of the workforce at the plant.

The union covers machinists, welders, cutters, and bonders at the plant.

Company officials say non-union workers are still able to work.

The company is based in Orlando, Florida but has been located along Highway 18 in Marquette for the last 40 years.

No negotiations are scheduled at this point, though officials on both sides say they'd like to come to an agreement soon.

This is the first time workers have ever gone on strike at that plant - which is one of the largest employers in Marquette.