BAZETTA TWP., Ohio - Employees at the Kmart Distribution Center in Bazetta Township have voted to give negotiators authorization to call a strike if necessary.

The 250 employees are represented by the United Autoworkers Union Local 1112.

Local Union President Glenn Johnson tells 21 News that 98% of the membership casting votes on Thursday gave bargainers the power to strike if negotiations fail to come up with an acceptable labor agreement.

Johnson says negotiations continue in an effort to replace the pact that expired Wednesday.

Workers remain on the job, working under terms of the old contract on a day-to-day basis while negotiations continue, according to Johnson.

The union would not discuss issues that remain on the bargaining table.