ESCANABA/GLADSTONE -- The local United Steelworkers Union in Escanaba is getting frustrated with the lengthy contract negotiations with New Page.  Wednesday afternoon, they made sure those frustrations were seen and heard.

About 40 union members and supporters picketed in front of the home of the mill manager and company negotiator in Gladstone.  The picketers held up signs saying "Labor Dispute."
    
Union representatives feel some contract language brought up in negotiations may cost jobs and compromise safety.  But, New Page says safety is their number one concern.
    
While union members hoped the picket would help get the point across, the company says "this isn't the right way to do it."

"This is a big step for us; it's making it personal.  We've been in contract negotiations for over two years, and they're not progressing much," said Union Member and mill employee, Jim Sivertsen.

"These intimidating tactics today, they aren't doing anything to help us.  They're actions against our management team; they're just unacceptable," said New Page spokesman, Kelvi Smythe.

Both sides planned to go back to the negotiating table Thursday.
    
The union represents over 800 employees at the mill.