BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) — Kellogg Company employees in Battle Creek are on strike after their contract expired at midnight Tuesday.

After a vote Monday night to finalize the strike, The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, which represents Kellogg employees, says it has been negotiating “a fair contract that provides a living wage and good benefits.”

Four other Kellogg Co. locations — Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Memphis, Tennessee; and Omaha, Nebraska — are also expected to strike.

“Everybody in this plant makes incredible sacrifices that most people wouldn’t understand. They work eight days a week at least and that’s months on end without a scheduled day off. Some people at the plant don’t have a scheduled day for the entire year. We aren’t willing to accept that anymore,” said Bryon Leche, an electrician for the company.

Workers on the picket line Tuesday morning were heard chanting “Our future is not for sale!” Those on strike also said it’s not fair for some employees to make less money than others while doing the same job.

“We want to stand up for our transitional employees that deserve better. The reason we are going to stand up for them is to ensure that this union and the workers here at Kellogg have a better future,” said Leche.

Kellogg released a statement about the negotiations:

“Kellogg is committed to negotiating a fair and competitive contract that reflects the contributions of our employees and helps set our cereal business up for long-term success. Our current proposals not only maintain industry-leading pay and benefits for employees, but offer significant increases in wages, benefits and retirement. We remain available to talk with the union at any time and we are prepared for any outcome at contract expiration.”

Kris Bahner, Kellogg Company spokesperson