Tensions are high, as labor disputes continue between Eramet and members of the United Steelworkers Local.

Calvin Williams looks strangely at home sitting along the picket line. The army reservist just returned from 15 months in the Iraqi war zone; but on a Monday in the rain, Calvin believes, this could be his toughest fight yet.

Williams says, "I feel I've been backed into a corner by this company. Now I feel I've been backed outside the corner.....outside the wall."

Calvin's just one of 280 union workers claiming Eramet locked them out when the current contract expired Saturday night.

International U.S.W. leader Denny Longwell says, "We didn't want to quit talking when we did. We wanted to continue talking, to continue working, but the company said no."

Eramet disagrees, saying the union's welcome to work under the last, best, and final offer.

Human Resources Manager Ethan Frank-Collins says, "We ha vent had contact with the union leaders since Saturday, and as far as the status of the negotiations and all, there have been no changes."

Workers have already set up a tent along State Route 7, proof come rain, come shine they are in it for the long haul.

John McClung says, "We'll be here until it's finalized until it's done. We have a position to keep and right now it's out here instead of in there."

John McClung is just one of several long-time workers fighting for his retirement.

McClung says, "This way, I'll probably have to work until I'm 65, so it's gonna add another five years to my employment."

Weighing future gains, against present costs isn't easy. Not for Eramet, and not for veterans like Calvin forced to fight a battle here at home.

The two sides did not meet together Monday. No talks are scheduled at this time.