CHICAGO—Buddy Howard (left), one of the unionists locked out by Roquette America, Inc. in Keokuk, Iowa, spoke to the Militant Labor Forum in Chicago November 6. On the panel along with Howard were Alyson Kennedy (center), the 2010 SWP candidate for U.S. Senate from Illinois, and Dave Prince, a leader of the Socialist Workers Party.

The 240 members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 48G were locked out after rejecting a union-busting contract proposal September 28. “We set up picket lines right away,” Howard explained. “Hundreds of unionists from plants in the area joined us for a solidarity march down Main Street because they know they are next.”

Another solidarity action is scheduled for November 13, Howard reported. “Our struggle gets stronger every day and we’re learning as we go,” he said. Messages of support can be sent to: BCTGM Local 48G, 301 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa 52632, or e-mailed to bctgm48g@qwestoffice.net. Phone: (319) 524-1249; Fax: (319) 524-1751.

—BETSY FARLEY