Oshkosh Corp., labor union continue negotiations

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Labor negotiations are entering their third day between military-vehicle maker Oshkosh Corp. and United Auto Workers Local 578.

Both sides are working toward a new five-year contract. Twice in recent weeks they agreed to tentative contracts and both times the union voted them down.

Company spokesman John Daggett says Thursday’s negotiating session was productive. He tells the Oshkosh Northwestern that one more session was needed Friday to finalize details.

Union President Nick Nitschke says if enough progress is made Friday to reach a tentative deal, the union’s nearly 3,100 members will vote on it Saturday morning.

Two main sticking points have been contract language that would have let the company begin hiring temporary workers and would have allowed layoffs to be based on productivity, not just seniority.