FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Locked-out American Crystal Sugar Co. workers say they were surprised by the amount of security at the company’s annual shareholder meeting, but Crystal’s leader downplayed it.

More than a dozen security guards were present in the hotel where Thursday’s meeting took place. Union members also were at the hotel, where they held a news conference. Union local president John Riskey said, “I don’t know what they’re afraid of.”

Company President and CEO David Berg said the security was a precaution and that he didn’t expect any problems. He said, “You don’t see things going to that level.”

About 1,300 workers at Crystal plants in North Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa have been locked out since Aug. 1 because of a contract dispute. The company is using replacement workers.

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