June 29, 2004 1:15 PM, EDT

Unions Rejects Freightliner Contract; May Strike as Early as Thursday

Both Sides Say They Are Willing to Keep Talking

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our unions representing 1,100 workers at heavy truck manufacturer Freightliner LLC's plant in Portland, Ore., rejected the company’s contract offer and authorized a strike, the Associated Press reported.

Freightliner is the largest truck manufacturer in North America and is a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG.

Freightliner said that it was disappointed in the union's decision but was willing to return to the bargaining table to avert a strike, AP said. The current three-year contract expires at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.

A strike could begin as early as Thursday morning, AP said.

Union leaders, who had recommended the deal to their members, also said they were open to resuming talks.

Workers said the latest contract offer failed to make up for the wages and medical coverage they voluntarily gave up in 2001.