Employees of Smurfit Stone Container rejected a proposed labor contract in a vote Saturday morning.

The union members will continue to work without a contract, said Byron Austin, president of the Graphic Communications Conference International Union Local 235. The union represents about 90 workers at the St. Joseph plant.

“We’ll be asking the company to come back to the table and continue to bargain and hopefully get an agreement,” Mr. Austin said.

Smurfit Stone employees have been working without a contract since March. This is the second offer they rejected.

Members voted against striking on Saturday, but also overwhelmingly voted to authorize the negotiating committee to call for a strike.

“The workers are frustrated trying to get a new agreement,” Mr. Austin said. “They’re a good bunch of workers. The negotiations should continue.”

Wages and benefits are a big issue in the proposed contract, said Nathan Hayes, who has worked at Smurfit Stone for seven years. He said past wage increases have not even covered rising insurance costs.

“They want us to live on the same wages and try to fill your tank up and feed your family,” he said.

Mr. Hayes said many workers drive more than 30 miles to work at the plant on Lower Lake Road that manufactures corrugated boxes. High gas prices have created a hardship for them, he said.

“While wages are important, there are other worker issues that extend beyond the plant walls,” Mr. Austin said.

Overtime demands are an issue for union members.

“When you work overtime, you’re sacrificing your family time,” he said. “That’s a tremendous concern.”

Mr. Austin said the union has a long relationship with Smurfit Stone and will continue to negotiate a new contract.

Susan Mires can be reached

at susanm@npgco.com.