NLRB dismisses complaint against American Crystal Sugar, union vows to appeal
Source: Gfpeck, Flickr The regional body of the National Labor Relations Board dismissed a labor complaint this week alleging that American Crystal Sugar hadn’t negotiated in good faith before 1,300 workers across three states were locked out . The decision by NLRB Region 18 Director James Fox noted that the company had clearly stated its objectives throughout negotiations. It also found that the company shifted its positions in the last few rounds of talks, which the decision said didn’t “reflect bad faith.” Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union Local 167G President John Riskey said in a statement that the union planned to appeal immediately: “While we strongly disagree with the regional NLRB’s ruling, it does not come as a surprise.” Riskey said the union is still willing to negotiate.
Jul 31, 2020125.3K Shares3.3M Views
The regional body of the National Labor Relations Board dismissed a labor complaint this week alleging that American Crystal Sugar hadn’t negotiated in good faith before 1,300 workers across three states were locked out.
The decision by NLRB Region 18 Director James Fox noted that the company had clearly stated its objectives throughout negotiations. It also found that the company shifted its positions in the last few rounds of talks, which the decision said didn’t “reflect bad faith.”
Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union Local 167G President John Riskey said in a statement that the union planned to appeal immediately: “While we strongly disagree with the regional NLRB’s ruling, it does not come as a surprise.”
Riskey said the union is still willing to negotiate.
American Crystal Sugar sent out a letter to employees Wednesday detailing the decision.
“Throughout the entire negotiating process, the Company has worked hard to find mutually acceptable settlements to contract language questions that are very important to both sides,” read the letter from American Crystal Sugar Vice President for Administration Brian Ingulsrud. “Our negotiation proposals were made in good faith, and we have tried to find common ground with the BCTGM bargaining committee.”
Ingulsrud said the company was hopeful that employees will return to their jobs. But American Crystal Sugar has stocked the plants with temporary workers provided by Strom Engineering in Minnetonka, who the union says aren’t adequately trained.
The lockout affects 1,300 union workers at facilities in Moorhead, East Grand Forks, Crookston, and Chaska, Minn.; Hillsboro and Drayton, N.D.; and Mason City, Iowa.
Dexter Cooke
Reviewer
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
