Another contract bargaining session between Wheatland Tube Co. and striking union workers on Wednesday resulted in both sides saying they gave ground on issues while accusing the other of refusing to budge.

"The company expressed deep disappointment in the union's refusal to move on the key issues," Bill Kerins, Wheatland Tube's vice president, said in a statement. "With some progress made during the last negotiating session on Aug. 1, the company was optimistic that progress would continue."

United Steelworkers Local 1660 struck the company's Wheatland pipe and tube plant 16 weeks ago after its labor contract expired. The local represents 475 production and maintenance workers at the plant.

Mike Munger, president of the local, gave a far different picture of Wednesday's meeting.

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