Oshkosh Corp. contract talks end for the day

OSHKOSH - There's still no deal between Oshkosh Corporation and its union. The two sides met Wednesday, talking for the first time since union workers rejected a second contract offer.

Negotiators began talks at noon hoping to hash out a third, as some of the unions 3,000 members picketed outside.

Union members say their national leadership was on hand for guidance.

"What we're worried about is the contract language," union worker David Wheeler said.

Wheeler says workers are most upset about mandatory overtime and the company's desire to hire temporary workers.

"As a company and a company employee I wish we could work stuff out," he added. "You know it's not the monetary issue, it's respect."

The company has said its offers are fair and necessary for Oshkosh to remain competitive.

A spokesperson told FOX 11 on the phone the company won't comment until it has a better idea of where negotiations are headed.

FOX 11 also wanted to ask local union leaders how talks are going, but our repeated calls weren't returned and the union hall was empty.

Negotiators ended bargaining before five o'clock. Both sides say they don't want to see a strike, but union members say they're prepared it it comes to that.

"Oh yeah, oh yeah," Wheeler said, nodding.

Talks will resume Thursday morning.