KCRG Staff and Jackson Valenti reported that nearly 100 workers at Cargill’s Cedar Rapids, Iowa, corn milling plant went on strike Tuesday after contract negotiations with Teamsters Local 238 reached an impasse. The union had warned of an imminent strike as the contract expired at midnight Monday, citing the company’s refusal to meet workers’ demands for better wages and working conditions.
“Cargill has made it clear that they are unwilling to respect the workers who keep their operation running,” said Teamsters business agent Scott Punteney. “Our members are simply asking for what they deserve: fair pay for the work they do.”
Cargill responded, saying they have proposed a “fair and competitive” package and are willing to meet with the union to continue negotiations. Workers, however, remain on strike, accusing the company of not valuing their contributions despite recent record profits.
The strike is set to continue until a satisfactory agreement is reached, with workers staging demonstrations outside the plant. A larger protest is planned at the facility later today.
