BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (Great Lakes News) – Kellogg’s negotiations with its 1,400 workers has stalled, so the cereal maker plans to start hiring permanent replacements.

The Battle Creek, Michigan-based company said an agreement has not been reached with the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, so it is moving forward with its contingency plan to keep its plants operating.

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Workers at four Kellogg’s plants in Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee have been on strike since Oct. 5; negotiations aren’t scheduled to resume until the week of Dec. 6.