American Crystal union vote Saturday

Locked out union workers at American Crystal Sugar will vote Saturday on a contract proposal they have already rejected three times.

The key issue is contract language that would allow the company to promote workers without regard to seniority and would give the company more flexibility to hire temporary workers. Union members say those changes threaten worker's job security.

More than 90 percent of workers rejected the contract in the first two votes, and 63 percent voted no the third time. American Crystal Sugar locked out about 1,300 workers 16 months ago after they rejected the company's offer. Negotiations with a federal mediator failed to bring the two sides together.

Union president John Riskey says union leadership will answer questions about the contract proposal on Saturday morning, but won't recommend a yes or no vote.

Approval of the contract requires a simple majority.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.