THREE RIVERS — Work at the H2 plant in Mishawaka shut down Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the plant says they ran out of parts around 9:30 a.m. because of a strike at American Axle and Manufacturing.

Almost 400 H2 workers are now out of a job.

This is the second week of the strike at American Axle. It includes union workers at their Three Rivers plant.

"I think we need to be out here. I think more people need to be out here," said American Axle union worker Hillary Garlow.

Union worker Jeff Gentry added, "We've had pretty good support out here so far."

The workers are upset over wages and benefit cuts.

"[You] try to take care of your family the best you can, and we're doing this for our families," said union worker Sheri Galli.

They're now loading up for the long haul.

"We've been out here 2 weeks now and we'll be out here another possibly 2 to 3 weeks. I don't know, but we'll be out here as long as it takes," said Gentry.

GM buys axles and other parts from American Axle to supply the H2 plant in Mishawaka.

"We might be laid off a long time," commented H2 worker Victor Miramontes.

That's because no parts mean no production.

"I feel sorry for the people there, but I'm sure they understand," said Gentry.

"I think it's good," Garlow added. "I think it needs to be felt. The sooner these places like GM and everything like that start saying, 'Hey, we need some parts,' hopefully the sooner that will get them back into talks."

The H2 plant is one of six GM assembly plants to shut down because of the strike.

There are no scheduled talks between the UAW and American Axle.

Those laid off from the H2 plant are eligible for unemployment benefits as well supplemental benefits through AM General.