Hourly employees at Hamilton's Smart Papers LLC are expected to go on strike this morning after a last-ditch meeting Thursday between company and union officials over a contract.

        Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers (PACE) Local 5-1976, which represents 400 hourly workers, Wednesday rejected the company's proposal, which included increases in wages and other benefits, Dan Maheu, Smart's chief operating officer, said. He said the company made a further proposal at Thursday's meeting with union officials, but that was also rejected.

        Ron Schweitzer, Local 5-1976 president, said the union, which will set up pickets at 7 a.m., didn't want to strike. The two sides have been negotiating since Smart Papers, created by a Florida investment firm, acquired the former Champion International mill on North B Street more than a year ago.

        “It's unfortunate this had to happen,” Mr. Maheu said. He said the company will continue operating the mill with salaried and replacement workers.

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