SKOWHEGAN, Maine (From news reports) -- Millwrights, machinists and mechanics at the Sappi Somerset Mill "overwhelmingly" rejected the latest contract offer from company management the union representing the workers said.

The members of Local 2740 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, or IAM, also authorized a strike in a vote Dec. 16, 2024, according to an IAM spokesperson, DeLane Adams.

"IAM Local 2740 members at Sappi voted loud and clear, and now we welcome the opportunity to sit down at the table next Tuesday with management to get an offer that includes fair wages, work-life balance and the dignity our members deserve," IAM District 4 Business Representative Chris Wiers said in a statement issued Friday. "This is about valuing their hard work, which keeps this mill running and helps make this company successful."

The local, which has 71 members, has a contract expiring Jan. 31. It is one of four unions at the mill, which Sappi says employs 754 workers.

Adams, IAM's assistant communications director, declined to offer specifics of what the machinists union is asking of the company.

In a statement to the Morning Sentinel, Sappi officials said the company was "disappointed" in the union's rejection of the latest offer.

"We have presented a highly competitive offer, already accepted by other Sappi unions, featuring industry-leading wage increases on top of wages that are already among the best in both the industry and the region," the company's statement said. "We remain hopeful that we will reach an agreement."