Relations between Butler County and the union representing about 140 employees without new contracts continue to be strained as negotiations remain stalled and a strike has not been ruled out.

Roni Hamel, treasurer/secretary for Service Employees International Union, Local 668, said after today's county commissioners meeting a strike is possible.

"We're talking about it," she said.

Hamel stressed the employees don't want to strike, but the county is not willing to compromise.

"They don't want to budge," she said.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, board chairman, said during an interview the threat of a strike would not change the county's stance on contractual issues.

"We as management have to be prepared to fill in where we would need to," he said.

If the affected county workers, which include 911 dispatchers and human services employees, went on strike, they would not be paid for that duration.

The 140 workers' last pact expired Nov. 30, 2008.

Among the sticking points is the percentage for a salary increase.

Hamel said the county should grant the 4 percent raise sought by the union for 2010.

Pinkerton maintains a 4 percent hike would be unfair to other employees.