STRIKE 3 YOUR OUT

The union has clearly overplayed their hand. I feel sorry for them and their families. While I'm not a big fan of unions, I feel that they're needed to balance the unfettered power of employers. The decline of the unions is a primary reason that the income disparity between the owners and workers is far greater than any other industrialized country, rivaling the third world. That's particularly disappointing in an industry which thrives only because of government price supports which artificially inflates the prices that all of us pay for sugar.

Will the company succeed with the replacements? Or will the union's prediction that the replacements will be unable to handle the crop? If the company makes some profit but not a great as other producers will it continue the lockout? If the company does well, will the union members vote to accept the final offer? If the company has a bad year, will it cave in to union demands? Stand by! Don't you love the suspense? We'll know more in 2013 after the snow melts!

Its a loose, loose deal. Companies in this country want employees and workers want good jobs, but in many union cases on their terms. With a global economy where the US has to compete world wide for labor costs it is impossible to meet the old expectations USA workers had in non global economy times. There are lots of skilled labor jobs available in this country that workers refuse to take because of historic expectations. The world "she is a chang'in".

It won't affect me. I refuse to buy American Crystal Sugar until they treat the union workers with respect.

My biggest concern is that we are subsidizing this company with our tax dollars. I am so sick of this corporate welfare. American Crystal is eating like pigs at the trough.

My week is almost complete with this shift. I would like to thank the union for making my life easier! This is my second harvest driving in Crookston, and it looks like it will be as successful as last. When will these workers up here realize that unions are not as necessary as they once were. The government oversight has replaced all need except for collective bargaining, and greedy leaders are hurting you in that area. Oh well - until you realize that I will enjoy the extra income that helps me get through these tough times. By the way, as much as I would like to be home in the fall and winter, I will take advantage of the flex hours at both jobs and fill yours until you wake up and smell the coffee.

mpdad1638Sep. 30, 1210:52 AM It won't affect me. I refuse to buy American Crystal Sugar until they treat the union workers with respect._________What isn't respectful? American Crystal made an offer, the union said no, and now the workers are paying the price. Once again I will repeat my thankfulness for a chance to earn some extra income through the use of flexible hours.

American Crystal Sugar .....I've lost all respect for you as growers and producers. You have fat profits thanks to government protection of your price and yet you get so greedy you have to break the union for a few more pennies. Shame on you! I've never been a member of a union in my life, but I'm with you guys on this one. I won't buy american Crystal products any longer and I've written my congressman asking him to eliminate the sugar program from the farm bill. American Crystal doesn't deserve the public's support any longer.

This was clearly a strategy to eliminate the union, not bargain. The company refused any negotiations. In previous years, the company relied more heavily on loans for operations and needed a contract in place for lenders. Equity-to-debt ratio had changed considerably so the company had assets available to fund this. I found the price difference between beet and cane sugar isn't a lot so I've been buying C&H.