By 5 p.m. Oct. 13, groups of Mack Truck union workers were still standing on the side of Route 100, identifiable by their bright red T-shirts and waving signs.

Scattered around the Mack Truck plant in Lower Macungie Township, workers went on strike for the first time since 1984.

The strike follows failed negotiations between the company and union representatives and involves more than 3,000 employees located in Baltimore, Florida or other parts of Pennsylvania. In a news release, United Auto Workers Local 677 Secretary-Treasurer and Director Ray Curry said Mack Truck council made the decision to go on strike Oct. 10.

On the union workers’ list of unresolved issues are cost of living increases, shift premiums, job security, wage increases, holiday schedules, healthcare and overtime, among others. Mack President Martin Weissburg said in a statement Oct. 12 he believes an agreement can be met.

“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,” Weissburg said.