About 3,500 Mack Trucks employees who are members of the United Auto Workers union went on strike at six manufacturing facilities on Oct. 13.

The strike is taking place at facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida while the two sides are negotiating a collective bargaining agreement for increased wages and a better benefits package.

Mack Trucks president Martin Weissburg expressed surprise and disappointment at the strike saying that he would rather allow the employees to continue working during negotiations with UAW and that progress was being made.

“We are committed to the collective bargaining process, and remain confident that we will be able to arrive at an agreement that provides a competitive wage and benefit package for our employees and families, and helps to ensure the company’s competitiveness,” said Weissburg.

According to UAW, there are still several unresolved issues between the employees and Mack Trucks that include wages, job security, wage progression, benefits and several others. The group said that members will continue to strike until Mack addresses the aforementioned issues. 

“The last four years we have helped Mack Truck make significant profit through our work,” said Doug Irvine, president of Local 2301 and president of the Mack Truck Council. “All we are asking is that the company treat us with the dignity and respect we deserve in making them successful.”