By Kate Pastor

Striking Stella D’oro workers are settling in for the long haul.

On Sept. 11, nearly a month since the 24-hour picket outside of the Kingsbridge factory began, striking workers sat on lawn chairs underneath their usual blue tarp and an American flag.

It was a day fraught with symbolism, as workers struggled to make sense of the stark contrast between the patriotism they felt on the anniversary of that tragic day and the American dream they say is slipping away from them.

The loss of salary is starting to hurt, several workers admitted, but they say they are determined to end this fight on their own terms and proudly assert that not a single one of the 136 strikers have crossed the picket line.

The workers went on strike on Aug. 13 after being handed what they say is an unfair contract that would cut some salaries, reduce benefits and eliminate sick days and some holidays.

The last negotiations between Brynwood Partners, a Connecticut-based company that purchased the Stella D’oro Biscuit Company in January 2006, and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, Local 50, took place on Aug. 22, according to Wilson Ortiz, a mediator with the New York State Employment Relations Board who was present.

Joyce Alston, president of Local 50, said that while Brynwood Partners called the union to the table, the company hadn’t changed its position at all. “Basically nothing happened,” she said.

But something is happening within the Marrero family. Eddie Marrero, who lives on West 238th Street and Bailey Avenue, is among the workers who have been off the job for weeks now. He has never before had to take out a student loan for his son’s education, but that just changed.

“Now I can’t afford it,” he said. “My savings are gone. They’re totally gone.”

His son, Eddie Jr., a senior at John Jay College, stopped by the picket line on his way home as he does most days.