Nichols Aluminum picketers put the signs down

Striking workers in Davenport are calling it quits. On Friday we spoke with Nichols Aluminum temp workers, just hired on full-time, to see what they have to say about it.

Workers said they're hoping folks who were on strike, will have a chance to get their jobs back. But because Nichols just hired about 100 people earlier this week, president Tom Brackman said they're trying to figure out what the next step is.

Thursday afternoon Nichols Aluminum had several picketers outside the gates. Since January, more than 200 strikers have told us they'd refuse to back down. But on Friday, they put the signs away. Brackman tells us he got a letter today from union leaders, calling the strike off. Some said it's quite a change.

"Well I'm just glad it's all over for them, you know and they can get things ironed out, so everybody can get back to work," said Mike Bundy, father of a Nichols Aluminum worker.

Both sides have been to the bargaining table several times, failing to agree on health care issues. On Thursday, union reps said the company's decision to hire on temp workers full-time was a total shock. One of those workers tells us he jumped at the chance.

"They had their principles but you know this day and age, in this economy, hey, you gotta work, you know? So, I mean, I hated to cross the line, but I've been outta work a year in two weeks," said Nichols Aluminum worker Fred Harroun.

We tried to speak with union reps but haven't heard back. Brackman said he's still planning to meet with union reps next Wednesday because they still have a bunch of positions to fill at the plant.