Ingredion-Cedar Rapids union talks to resume Nov. 1

CEDAR RAPIDS — Ingredion and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 100G have agreed to meet face to face next Tuesday for the first time in the more than a month.

The local has been on strike at the multinational ingredients manufacturer’s Cedar Rapid facility since Aug. 1.

Mike Moore, the local’s principal and president, would not disclose the location of the Nov. 1 meeting but said he would attend with only his negotiating team — no other union members would be present — and Ingredion officials had agreed they would not bring security personnel.

A Sept. 21 meeting with the Westchester, Ill.-based manufacturer ended when both parties were asked to leave the Hotel at Kirkwood Center after the two sides became heated over Ingredion officials bringing armed security professionals with them.

The two sides have meet via video conferences since then.

Ingredion has “indicated they’re willing to move on some things,” Moore told The Gazette Thursday.

Moreover, the local is “willing to withdraw” on some issues that up until now have been sticking points in the talks, he added.

Still on the table, Moore added, are significant disagreements on health care insurance, elimination of five laboratory positions and cuts of 16 maintenance positions, among other issues.

“We’ll see where they go next Tuesday,” Moore said.

“Ingredion stands ready to continue discussions with the union,” Becca Hary, Ingredion corporate communications director, wrote in an email to The Gazette.

“Our top priority is reaching a fair agreement as soon as possible — so that together, we can continue to build on the facility’s proud history as a vital part of the community.”

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