Union workers at Eramet will receive unemployment checks after a ruling from a hearing officer Wednesday night.

Dencil Brown stands strong on the picket line with support from fellow union members. "It's been tight,” he says. “We live a different lifestyle. We cut out eating out and stuff, but we're making it."

Making it got a little easier Thursday after a hearing officer ruled that Eramet workers are in fact, locked out, not on strike.

It's more than just words. The decision means union workers can collect unemployment.

USW Local Vice President Steve Tompkins says, "We’ve been out of a job for two months; out of money and this is obviously a good thing for these people."

At the union hall, spirits were heightened Thursday. While members call the ruling a victory, they say it's only half the battle.

USW Local President Jim Deem says, "We really want to go back to work. It's hurting the community and us at the same time. I know people in [the] plant would like to have us back in there as well."

The cold is setting in, but support on the picket line continues. The recent announcement has union members hopeful that negotiations will be reached soon.

HR Manager at Erament, Ethan Frank-Collins says, "Our goal is to get striking workers back as quickly as possible, but we also have to weigh that against the long term viability of this company. To think this unemployment decision will influence our negotiating position is incorrect."

Frank-Collins says the company will appeal the decision.

He still calls the work stoppage a strike and says the decision will only hinder negotiations, because it emboldens the union.

As for the union, they are celebrating at the hall and on the line, where everyone takes a turn.

Brown says, "We're all poor together, just like brothers and sisters. We work together, and we're out here on the line together."

Union members say workers could see their checks as early as this week. They will be paid for their last two months on the line.