Minnesota AFL-CIO Calls on American Crystal Sugar to Respond to Governor Dayton

On Monday, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton offered to facilitate negotiations between American Crystal Sugar executives and union representatives in an effort to end a nearly five-month long lockout of 1,300 workers. Presidents of the affected Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers' (BCTGM) Union immediately accepted the Governor’s offer. American Crystal Sugar has yet to publically respond.

“More than a week ago, American Crystal CEO Dave Berg said he was ‘ready to negotiate this afternoon,’ but he fell silent when an opportunity to return to the table appeared,” said Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson. “It’s time for American Crystal Sugar to give Governor Dayton, their locked out workers, and Red River Valley residents an answer.”

Knutson stressed the need to end this lockout as soon as possible.

“For a company that claims to want its workers back on the job, they are not showing any sense of urgency in responding to the Governor’s offer,” she added. “I hope they will respond soon and return to the table on the 13th.”