TONAWANDA, N.Y. — Friday marked day 26 in the United Auto Workers' strike against General Motors.
"I don't believe in close. I believe in a contract," said J.R. Baker, the UAW Local 774 President.
"The first day of my picketing was the first time I've seen a sunset all summer because I'm always working," said Patty Buczek, a GM worker of more than seven years.
Anton Basshan pickets along River Road in Tonawanda with more than 30 years at GM under his belt. He told 2 on Your Side, "We've given them profits over the top year after year after year and now it's time for them to pay us back for the sacrifices we've made over the years."
Workers say their wants are simple; fair wages, affordable healthcare, job security and a path to permanent employment for temporary workers, like Jason Bronstein for example.
"I've been working as a temp for six years. I get three unpaid days a year. I get no profit sharing. I get no vacation time. I get no 401K towards retirement and we have to watch our backs every moment," said Bronstein.
The strike means workers are demonstrating all day and night, going without their regular paychecks. Instead, a weekly strike pay of $250.
Buczek said, "We may be starting to struggle and feel it in the wallet but what we've gained is so much more."
But, as Buczek is learning, life doesn't stop because of the strike.
She explained, "My father actually passed away on the 22nd and he was a retiree of General Motors and he was so incredibly proud of us."
Before he passed away, Joe Boocheck recorded a video for his daughter and her fellow workers, wishing them good luck during the strike.
Workers told us they hope there's a resolution soon, but either way, they're in this fight for the long hall.
Basshan added, "There's always light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to stand strong and wait it out."
"It's the donation of the wood, of the ponchos to endure the weather, the tent. We are ready to fight this fight, no matter how long it takes and that what we vowed before when we went on strike," Baker said.
Through it all, many workers face the strike with a smile and optimism.
Buczek said, "I think we're gonna be okay. I think we're gonna win."