JOHNSTOWN -- The future of nearly 500 Johnstown manufacturing jobs may be in jeopardy. FreightCar America officials and United Steelworkers Union members failed to reach an agreement Wednesday.

FreightCar America Chief Executive Officer John Carroll said the Johnstown plant is the most expensive to run. Carroll said employees have to agree to dramatic concessions to make the plant competitive.

If not, other FreightCar America plants outside of Pennsylvania will handle the bulk of the work, which could mean the end of the Johnstown plant.

Carroll also said the amount of business will determine if the Johnstown plant remains open when the current union contract expires in 2008.