LONGVIEW, Washington (From The Daily News) -- Seven weeks after ending their 12-day strike, KapStone employees in Longview still are working without a contract.

The paper workers' union and KapStone have exchanged a number of letters in recent weeks, but they haven't bargained, according to Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers. Earlier this month, KapStone asked the union to re-vote on a previous contract offer that members had already rejected. The union declined.

In a Oct. 12 letter appealing to the union, KapStone labor relations manager Matt Gaston called it a competitive offer and encouraged members to ratify it to end the feeling of uncertainty.

"The continued uncertainty creates anxiety for employees, and difficulty planning for everyone," Gaston wrote. "With the holiday season approaching, we firmly believe it is in everyone's best interest to resolve these negotiations with a ratified agreement."

He reminded workers that they'd get a $2,200 signing bonus if they ratify the deal, but union leaders say the lump sum isn't worth it without a fair contract.

"Obviously (KapStone Mill Division President Randy) Nebel shows a total disregard to Local 153 membership's definition of what is a 'fair and competitive contract,' " AWPPW Local 153 leaders wrote in a Oct. 19 letter to union members.

AWPPW Local 153 called the strike on Aug. 27, saying the union was protesting several unfair labor practice complaints that will be heard by the National Labor Relations Board in December. The strike came after more than a year of failed contract negotiations and three contract offers rejected by the union. Health care, seniority rules and job transfer policies are some of the key sticking points in the talks.

Many of the ULP charges allege that KapStone was bargaining in bad faith by delaying or refusing to provide requested information, failing to negotiate certain mandatory subjects of bargaining and unilaterally implementing a contract.

AWPPW leaders said they believe that if the union were to ratify the contract now, it could weaken their case with the NLRB that KapStone was bargaining in bad faith.