Alcan has asked union leaders at the Ravenswood aluminum plant to return to the bargaining table Tuesday.
Earlier this month, members of the United Steelworkers Union Local 5668 overwhelmingly rejected Alcan's latest two-year contract offer. The current contract was extended through Wednesday.
Alcan said a new collective bargaining agreement is needed to "protect our customer base."
The company and union workers remain at odds over Alcan's proposal to set up a "work reorganization" committee. The union has said such a plan could lead to layoffs.
The aluminum company has said it won't spend any money to improve the plant and equipment until union workers ratify a new contract that includes setting up the reorganization committee.
Alcan is Jackson County's largest employer.