Ingredion union workers object to proposed overtime changes, job cuts

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 100G strike against Cedar Rapids’ Ingredion operations moved into its third day Wednesday and picket lines — which went up Monday morning — remained outside the facility on First Street SW near downtown.

The contract between the union and the multinational ingredient maker expired Monday morning.

Negotiations between the local and Ingredion began in early June, Local 100G President and Principal Officer Mike Moore told The Gazette on Wednesday.

“I thought we were going to have a contract,” Moore said.

Key sticking points include the plant’s proposed elimination of five union positions, a redistribution of overtime and new insurance with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, he said.

All 116 Cedar Rapids-based union members who voted agreed to turn down the offered contract and to go on strike, Moore said.

The two sides currently are not engaged in discussions, Moore added.

He said replacement workers were brought in Monday afternoon, which he said indicated Ingredion had not been “bargaining in good faith.“

“Over the last two months we’ve bargained with the union in good faith on a frequent basis and provided them numerous proposals,” Becca Hary, Ingredion corporate communications director, said in an email Wednesday.

“Last week, we presented the union with our ‘last, best and final’ offer, which included their feedback and numerous adjustments to our previous proposals. While we remain willing to answer any questions about our ‘last, best and final’ offer and meet with union leadership, they have not reached out since last week.

“Ingredion’s offer includes very competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package,“ Hary said.

The facility has 127 hourly union employees and 46 salaried non-union employees, Hary said on Monday.

An on-site informational union rally is set for 4 p.m. Friday, Moore said.

Ingredion is headquartered in Westchester, Ill.

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