LSI Corporation of America has locked out 186 employees represented by Cabinet Makers Union Local 1865 after the parties failed to reach agreement on a new contract, the union said.

The lockout took effect at 6 a.m. Monday, Local 1865 said. Union members rejected a final offer from the company on Friday, saying parts of it violated employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Workers also rejected the proposal because it would have allowed the company to reduce employees? workweeks at anytime, creating the potential for a part-time workplace.

Wage, health insurance and pension provisions as well as the contract expiration date also were factors in the no vote, the union said in a news release.

Employees had been working under a contract extension that was agreed to by the union and company last Oct. 1. Workers were willing to continue working under the extension, but the LSI management withdrew its agreement and issued an ultimatum that it would lock out the workforce unless they ratified Friday's offer, the union said.

Workers will file for unemployment benefits during the lockout, the union said, adding that the union would like to return to the bargaining table. ?Any assistance you can provide to resolve this unjust action to workers trying to make life better in Minnesota would be greatly appreciated,? the union said.

LSI Corporation of America is a manufacturer of casework systems in designer laminates for schools, labs and hospitals throughout the United States. Its plant is located at 2100 Xenium Lane in Plymouth.

Cabinet Makers Local 1865 is part of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.