[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 6, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H3489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR FACTORY LOCKOUT

  (Mr. ELLISON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to what 
is a very serious problem for the families of at least 1,300 workers, 
900 of whom live in my home State of Minnesota. They've been in a labor 
dispute with their company. On Friday, there is a chance to go back to 
the bargaining table to come up with a good settlement.
  Now, these workers, they didn't go on strike. They've been locked 
out. They've been locked out for 10 months at the American Crystal 
Sugar Factory in Moorhead, Minnesota. Many of these people have worked 
at this factory their entire lives and are really good, solid members 
of their community. These workers have gone to work, and they've 
actually stood up and gone to bat for the company, particularly 
regarding the sugar program, and in countless other ways as well. These 
workers even vowed not to go on strike because they know how important 
their work is to the company and to the community. The only thing 
they've done wrong is they haven't been able to pay their higher health 
insurance costs, which is the real crux of the negotiation.
  This Friday, the sides are going back to the bargaining table for the 
first time in 4 months. I commend both labor and management for getting 
back to the table. But, Madam Speaker, I urge management to listen 
carefully to the pleas of these workers and to come up with a fair 
settlement.

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