(WSBT) One year after hundreds of Elkhart workers walked off the job, some say they're farther away than ever before from going back to work. Negotiations hit a sour note again for the workers as they marked a bitter anniversary Sunday outside Conn-Selmer's Vincent Bach plant.

A handful of workers walking the picket line for their five hour "shift" Sunday afternoon said little has changed since they first went on strike one year ago.

"We're in the same place we were," said eight-year employee Maurice Peoples. "The same place. We didn't think we were gonna be out here this long."

For more than 170 workers it's become a way of life. Meals are cooked on grills or pulled out of coolers. There is lots and lots of waiting. But they are sacrifices some say they'll continue to do for as long as it takes.

"I'm here until they tell me I got to go!" said Linda Waldron, a 12-year employee at the musical instrument manufacturing plant. "Even if it takes another year. Even if it takes 15 years!"

Conn Selmer gave their "last final offer" to the union earlier this year, asking for what union leadership calls "unfair wage and benefit cuts".
Union members rejected the offer and the two sides haven't negotiated since.

United Auto Workers Local 364 President Jerry Stayton says he doesn't feel any closer to a final deal than he did a year ago.

"I really didn't think it would get to this point," he added.

Still, Stayton says he hasn't lost all faith that a deal can be reached.

"They need us. They still need us there," he said. "That place will never be the same even if we go back. But I don't think it'll survive if we don't."

Despite the tough conditions on the picket line, workers say morale is still high, and they remain optimistic that a fair contract can be reached.

Of the 231 workers that walked out, 170 are still collecting about $200 in "strike pay" every week, along with insurance coverage from the union. For many, that's a fraction of their previous income at the plant. But those we spoke with Sunday said the sacrifice will be worth it if it can help save their jobs.

Our calls to Conn Selmer Sunday weren't returned.