More than 1,300 employees of American Crystal Sugar Co. have been locked out of factories in three states following failed negations between union leaders and corporate executives early last month. Now, over a month after the lock-out, workers are launching a new campaign to get the public on their side. The campaign will make use of QR codes, which will be printed on fliers and handed out in major cities in Minnesota, North Dakota and Iowa, the states in which workers were locked-out.
The QR codes direct smart phone users to the campaigns website, which hosts the “American Crystal Sugar is Killing the American Dream” video. More information regarding the campaign and the events surrounding the lock-out can be found on the site as well. As the campaign draws support, representatives of the Bakery, Confectionery Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers union local chapters are calling upon American Crystal Sugar executives to renew negotiations. The company, however, is not keen to welcome back its estranged employees.
The lock-out is a result of the seven-year contract with union workers coming to an end. The company has shown no interest in renewing the contract and has begun replacing its lost workers. Union leaders have filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company, but the move has done little to sway the event in their favor.
Until the matter can be resolved, the union will likely continue its use of QR codes to garner public support.
