Times Newsroom Blog

The vice president of administration at American Crystal Sugar confirmed to the Times this afternoon that if a new contract agreement isn't reached with the union by Aug. 1, workers at the Crookston factory and four other Crystal locations in the Red River Valley will be locked out on that date. The current, seven-year contract expires July 31.

Brian Ingulsrud said in a phone interview that he's unaware of any members of the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union removing any tools or tool boxes today. "We said that if we can't reach an agreement, there might be a need to get some tools," he said.

Two sources told the Times today that workers had planned to remove their tools on Wednesday, July 27, but on Tuesday received a letter from management suggesting that they remove their tools sooner than July 27.

Asked if management was willing to comment on the nature of the negotiations or any concessions sought from the union, Ingulsrud said he "preferred not to negotiate away from the negotiating table." He did stress, however, that he's confident a new agreement can be reached in time to prevent a lockout. "We think we'll be able to get one done if we can get both sides to find common ground and find room for compromise," he said. "Our first priority is to come to an agreement that is fair to both parties." Ingulsrud added that Crystal's employees and their dedication to the company are both "highly valued."

Ingulsrud said approximately 1,000 year-round employees are in the BCTGM union at the five factories, as are approximately 350 workers employed during the annual sugar beet processing campaign.

The expiring contract, at seven years, was longer in duration than most, Ingulsrud said. It replaced a two-year contract that included annual 2 percent increases in salary. A pension plan and health coverage are also part of the employees' benefit package.

The Times left a phone message with Roger Delage, president of the Crookston factory union, and hadn't heard back at the time of this blog entry. The Times was able to reach the vice president of the local unit, Randy Beattie, but he said he was unable comment on the situation at this time.

Ingulsrud said it's "probably not that uncommon" for negotiations to run up close to a contract expiration. "We have all of next week until we're at the end of the contract," he said. "We're determined to work toward a fair agreement."