The clock is ticking as the midnight deadline looms for members of the United Steelworkers to reach a deal with Allegheny Technologies Incorporated regarding a new labor contract.

Donald Rei, Vice-President of United Steelworkers Local 1357 in New Bedford, says if they can't come to terms both sides will likely take action.

"The company at the end of the contract at midnight today we could strike, and they could lock us out everything's on the table," says Rei.

However, Rei says negotiations are continuing in Pittsburgh, where ATI is headquartered, and he hopes they will make a deal.

"Right now we're still hopeful we can get a deal done," says Rei.

Among those participating in the negotiations is a contingent from the New Bedford.

"Our President Bob Giusti is down there right now representing our local and there's two other members of the local, Mark Everett and Matt Costa who is our Safety Coordinator, and their doing the best to make sure our members get well represented," says Rei.

ATI has a plant located at 1357 E Rodney French Blvd. in New Bedford.

Rei says the issues that need to be resolved include hours of work, overtime, and healthcare benefits.

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