Attend the rally Nov. 29 to support locked-out sugar workers!

[Omaha Steve]

Attend the rally Nov. 29 to support locked-out sugar workers!


http://act.aflcio.org/c/174/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=2567


Help support the locked-out BCTGM sugar workers -- attend a fundraiser and rally Nov. 29! The rally will take place 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the UFCW Local 1189 Hall, 266 Hardman Ave. N., South St. Paul.

The BCTGM workers at American Crystal Sugar have been locked out since Aug. 1 because they have twice rejected language that would allow the employer to contract out their jobs and eventually bust the union.

Twin Cities media have focused on the raises the workers rejected in the contract offers and whether the beets are being processed. The coverage isn't talking about the real reason these union members are locked out. American Crystal Sugar is trying to bust their union!

Food and beverages will be provided. A donation will be requested at the door. All union members and their families are welcome. Please come to show your support!

Governor urges renewed negotiations at American Crystal Sugar

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton is urging an end to the lockout of American Crystal Sugar employees in Minnesota, North Dakota and Iowa that has created hardship for 1,300 families.

Dayton also expressed concern about recent media reports that the company has begun hiring more replacement workers.

“As Thanksgiving approaches, my heart goes out to the 1,300 American Crystal Sugar workers in the Red River Valley, who have been locked out by their employer and are struggling to survive,” he said in a statement issued by his office. “After almost four months, the lockout has devastated families, communities and the economy in northwestern Minnesota.

“It is time for American Crystal’s management to reach a fair agreement with its workers, who have contributed so much to the company’s current profitability. The absence of meaningful negotiations is greatly disappointing, given the terrible divide this lockout has caused among people, who have lived and worked together. I strongly urge both parties to return to negotiations and find a solution that returns those locked out workers to their jobs and restores stability to the company and the communities in which it operates.”

Other lawmakers, including U.S. Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Collin Peterson of Minnesota, have urged an end to the dispute.

American Crystal Sugar is the largest producer of sugar from beets in the country. Workers are represented by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco & Grain Millers union.