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Published July 21, 2011, 09:45 AM

American Crystal, union at odds over new contract

Union representatives of 1,300 American Crystal Sugar Co. employees have gone to the National Labor Relations Board with accusations that the Red River Valley sugar beet cooperative is not negotiating in good faith on a new contract and is threatening workers with a lockout.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Union representatives of 1,300 American Crystal Sugar Co. employees have gone to the National Labor Relations Board with accusations that the Red River Valley sugar beet cooperative is not negotiating in good faith on a new contract and is threatening workers with a lockout.

Spokesman Jeff Schweitzer says the company is confident an agreement will be reached before an Aug 1 deadline.

A July 18 memo from Crystal management tells employees to remove all personal belongings from company property before Aug. 1 in the event of a lockdown. Union local President John Riskey says the company has been preparing for a lockout since last year and had no intention of negotiating in good faith.

Schweitzer says the company needs to be responsible and prepare for any potential outcome.

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