Ingredion strike reaches second month

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 100G strike against Cedar Rapids’ Ingredion entered its second month this week, and picket lines remained up outside the multinational ingredient maker’s downtown operations.

The contract expired Aug. 1.

In a statement on its website posted Thursday, the Illinois-based company said that, “From the very start of these negotiations, Ingredion has been committed to reaching an agreement that provides very competitive wages, comprehensive benefits and enhanced conditions for our people to ensure the successful operation of the Cedar Rapids facility, its continued vital role in the community, and its ongoing support of Iowa farmers.”

Ingredion confirmed in its statement it “enacted our business continuity plan and are continuing to operate the facility to fulfill our customers’ orders and mitigate the impact on our operations. Our top priority is the safety and security of our employees operating the facility, the community members of Cedar Rapids, and our suppliers making deliveries to our facility.

“As we have formally communicated to the union, Ingredion stands ready to further our discussions with the objective of reaching an agreement that is fair and allows for the opportunity to sustainably build on the facility’s proud 128-year history.”

“It’s not a ‘discussion,’ it’s negotiations,” Local 100G President and Principal Officer Mike Moore said to The Gazette on Friday morning.

While the local still is eager to hold talks with the company “for a fair contract,” some of Ingredion’s issues need to be “taken off the table,” such as the manufacturer’s intent to eliminate five union laboratory positions, he said.

Health care — with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs — and overtime also remain sticking points, Moore said.

Comments: (319) 398-8307; michaelchevy.castranova@thegazette.com