MOUNT UNION, HUNTINGDON COUNTY - Since October 23, unionized workers at the Bleyer Gift Pack Company have been on strike because of what they say are stagnant wages and changes in the company's health care plan.

Many of those on the picket line never imagined they'd be striking for so long.

"Right now we're trying to see if we can get funds through unemployment," says Jeff Eberman, a worker at the plant.

Eberman has been pounding the pavement since the beginning of the strike, and he hasn't shaved since October 23.

"I told the girls on the line that I wasn't shaving until this was all said and done," he said.

As the holidays approach, some of the workers are worrying about how to make ends meet.

"It's rough, really rough," said Kelly Walton, a worker at Bleyer going on her seventh year.

"My kids will talk about Christmas and I say 'Mommy will try to get what I can get on top of what Santa Clause will bring," she said.

Walton and her striking co-workers had a hint of optimism when a meeting was slated for the week after Thanksgiving between union officials and Bleyer management, but the striking workers say management cancelled the meeting and moved it to December 10th.

Now Walton and her co-workers are simply waiting to see what happens.

As the Christmas holiday approaches, Walton knows what gift she wants.

"I want us to solve this contract dispute so we can go back to work," she continued. "Especially this time of year, it's really hard."

WTAJ reached out to management at Bleyer to comment on this labor dispute multiple times, but they have not yet responded to those requests.

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