Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, Walz Urge American Crystal Sugar and Workers to Reach Agreement
August 1st marked the one year anniversary of the lockout
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Representatives Collin Peterson and Tim Walz today sent a letter to American Crystal Sugar leaders and union representatives urging both sides to continue working toward a contract settlement. August 1st marked the one year anniversary of the lockout.
"The area's farmers, union members and American Crystal Sugar have all suffered from this lockout. The Red River Valley's small towns and communities have felt the impact. We acknowledge that there is understandable frustration on both sides but the bottom line is that it is time to work together and settle these issues," the delegation members said.
Full text of the letter is below.
August 16, 2012
Mr. David Berg, President and CEO
American Crystal Sugar Company Corporate Office | Headquarters
101 3rd Street North
Moorhead, MN 56560
Mr. Steve Bertelli, Vice President
Region 3 Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union
P.O. Box 199
Loami, IL 62661
Dear President Berg and Vice President Bertelli,
August 1, 2012 marked the one year anniversary of the lockout of the union employees of American Crystal Sugar. For all those involved, we are urging both sides to get back to the negotiating table and complete a settlement of this contract.
The area's farmers, union members and American Crystal Sugar have all suffered from this lockout. The Red River Valley's small towns and communities have felt the impact. We acknowledge that there is understandable frustration on both sides but the bottom line is that it is time to work together and settle these issues.
It is our understanding that the proposal on the table is nothing new while the union has made many concessions. Some progress has been made but, again, it is imperative for both sides to come together and negotiate in good faith to find a solution. Perhaps it is time to bring in a new high level mediator.
Each day the lockout continues only makes a resolution more difficult. Families move away from the region and farmers may choose not to re-invest their reduced earnings into the local community. Our region has a history of working together during difficult times. It is time to do just that and settle this contract.
Sincerely,
