No progress as talks between union, Crystal end

In what likely qualifies as an less than shocking development, talks Friday between locked-out BCTGM union members, American Crystal representatives and a federal mediator ended with no progress toward ending the 10-month old lockout of 1,300 union workers. Going into the session, union leaders had said they'd revised their previous proposal. The company, meanwhile, said it's previous offer was its final offer.

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?While not surprised, employees of American Crystal Sugar are disappointed with the outcome of today?s mediation session," union leader John Riskey said in the statement. "We came prepared for genuine negotiations and with positive proposals to help bring an end to this stalemate."
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Union negotiators offered detailed proposals addressing management concerns about health care, drug testing, the role of seniority and qualifications in promotions, and other matters, he continued. "We came to the table ready for constructive, problem-solving conversations to fashion an agreement acceptable to union workers, farmers and managers."

There was no word on Crystal's reaction to how the session went.

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