Nearly 400 workers have walked away from their manufacturing jobs in Huntingdon County after rejecting a contract proposal.

An overwhelming majority of AGY plant workers voted against a contract that promised a partial restoration of a pay cut from 2004.

The contract rejection didn't come as a big surprise. Union employees have been upset because they agreed to wage concessions in 2004 when the company was pulling through bankruptcy. Now, workers said the company is only offering workers a slight raise.

"Basically all we ask for is to restore what we had before," said Mike Quarry, an AGY worker. "13 cents that won't buy a jar of baby food for my 8-month-old. 13 cents - come on now. Give us a little more money and restore our benefits. That's all we're asking for. Please, let's go."

Workers were taking turns Tuesday morning picketing outside of the plant, where glass fiber yarns are made for various industries.

The union president said the plant is not shut down, and managers are operating the production equipment. The company's leaders said they are willing to start bargaining as early as Wednesday.

Stay with Channel 6 News for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories: October 31, 2006: Huntingdon County Workers To Hit Picket Lines