OMAHA — Unionized workers at Kellogg’s four cereal production plants, including one in Omaha, have voted “overwhelmingly” to reject a tentative agreement reached last week.

Kellogg Co., in a statement released earlier this week, said that it was disappointed and that the prolonged work stoppage has "left us no choice but to hire permanent replacement employees."

"These are great jobs and posting for permanent positions helps us find qualified people to fill them," spokesperson Kris Bahner said.

Members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers International Union went on strike Oct. 5. The vote on the new contract was held Sunday, with the results released Tuesday morning.

Dan Osborn, president of the Omaha chapter of the union, said: “The body has spoken. We will hold the line for a fair contract. With Christmas and the winter weather upon us, we must keep our resolve and band together now more than ever.”

Provisions of the rejected five-year agreement included substantial raises for transitional employees — meaning those who were hired after the previous agreement was reached in 2015 — and 3% raises for legacy employees. The proposed starting wage of $22.76 for a transitional employee included a $1.80 cost of living adjustment.

In addition to Omaha, Kellogg Co. also has cereal production plants in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Memphis, Tennessee.

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