As workers lined up across from the plant to vote, none of those interviewed by the Militant spoke favorably of the contract offer. Nonetheless, some workers said they were glad they took a stand. "It's better to fight for something than not to fight at all," Ana Serrano remarked.

On a major issue of the strike--extending the workweek to Saturdays and Sundays--the new contract states that although workers hired before July 2000 will not work weekends, new hires will be forced to work these days. The company will use this setup to divide newly hired workers from those with more seniority.

Quality control workers and mechanics can be assigned to do Saturday and Sunday work, but for no more than 30 days and at a $1.50 per hour pay increase.

Line workers, the majority of whom make close to minimum wage, got a small raise averaging about 13 cents an hour. Workers with more than five years seniority succeeded in keeping seniority pay, which the company wanted to take away. But no such pay will be offered to workers hired after the signing of the new contract as they gain seniority.

Why did workers vote to return? Despite the strong picket lines throughout the almost three-week strike, the company brought in temporary workers. Strikers were worried that this would become permanent and they would lose their jobs and the union.

Despite the inadequate contract terms, many workers are returning more proud and confident than before the strike. Ana Serrano, a worker on second shift, spoke of the "strong women" who kept the picket lines large and militant.

On the afternoon of July 31, the day they went back, first-shift workers gathered outside Appetizers as those on second shift walked in. Maria Soberanis, a line worker, explained that workers are continuing to fight inside the plant. Another line worker noted that there is tighter security inside the plant, with two additional security guards walking around the line. Other workers explained that when they returned to work, they found they had been assigned to another job, some at lower pay.

Nino Resto, a shop steward on the afternoon shift, reported that 20 positions were "stripped" or permanently replaced by newly hired workers. Most workers were unhappy with this, and four quit. The union has taken this grievance to the National Labor Relations Board.

On their first day back, temporary workers continued to be bused in and out of the plant. Resto stated that temporary workers have been a mainstay of Appetizer's workforce since before the strike, something that made it easier to use them as scabs. The company has started a petition campaign to decertify the union.

Many workers explained that the fight will continue inside the plant. Nino Resto stated, "We're strong in there still. We became like a family out there on the picket line. When the rain came, who came with the umbrella to keep you dry? After three weeks, you know who you can count on. You know exactly who has got your back covered."

Arrin Hawkins is a member of the Chicago chapter of the Young Socialists.