Union Files Complaint Against American Crystal

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) -- The union at American Crystal Sugar Co. has filed a labor complaint accusing its employer of threatening workers with a lockout and failing to bargain in good faith on a new contract.

The union represents about 1,300 workers at American Crystal plants up and down the Red River Valley. Local union president John Riskey says the company's proposal gives it the ability to outsource jobs and saddle union members with additional health insurance costs. He says the company has been preparing for a lockout. A memo from management tells employees to remove all personal belongings from the property before Aug. 1 in the event of a lockout.

American Crystal spokesman Jeff Schweitzer tells The Forum the company is confident a deal will be reached before the Aug. 1 deadline.

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