Locked-out members of Teamsters Local 455 in Fort Morgan, Colorado, rejected the latest contract offer from Cargill bosses Aug. 3. The tentative contract had been reached July 28.
Teamsters Local 455 Business Agent Chris Suazo told the press, “The membership spoke and they felt like the offer was not as significant an improvement to the offer they provided us in May and they want to continue to fight.”
“We asked the company if they would be willing to continue to negotiate or if they would be willing to modify their offer,” he added, but all they said is OK, thank you. “We will continue to picket. We will continue to reach out to the company.” The 1,700 meatpacking workers were locked out May 20 after they rejected Cargill’s “last and best” inadequate wage raise offer.
Fort Morgan City Manager Brent Nation told the media, “The city is extremely disappointed with the vote.” Cargill’s Senior Communications Manager Hli Yang told the media, “We are evaluating next steps and options.”
This is a time to step up solidarity with the locked-out workers and their union! Visit Fort Morgan and join their picket line. Contact Teamsters Local 455 at 423 Main Street, Fort Morgan, CO 80701; Fax 970-542-9596.