Teamsters could strike today against Archer Daniels Midland [UPDATED]

UPDATE: The strike has been averted. For more, read out our coverage of Teamsters Local 238’s new three-year agreement with Archer Daniels Midland. Original article is as follows.

CEDAR RAPIDS — Teamsters Local 238 said late Monday its 200 members were preparing for a possible strike beginning today at Archer Daniels Midland facility in Cedar Rapids.

The union’s contract with the multinational food processor, based in Chicago, expired at midnight today.

The facility employs 450 workers with an additional 200 to 300 skilled-trade contractors also on site.

The local’s website quoted the local’s secretary-treasurer, Jesse Case.

“ADM had an operating profit of $1.6 billion in the past quarter” Case said on the site. “Our members kept the company open during this period.

“Workers are tired of record company profits while they struggle to make ends meet. The combination of the pandemic, the increase in the cost of living and the shortage of workers in the job market have changed the attitude of workers. Our members are fed up with the gap between corporate profits and their own paychecks.”

In an emailed response, an ADM spokesperson, wrote, “We have offered an extremely competitive proposal to union membership at our corn wet mill in Cedar Rapids and continue to negotiate in good faith with the union.

“In the event of a strike, we have a robust plan in place to maintain production levels and continue meeting customer needs until we can reach a satisfactory resolution with the union.”

Teamsters 238 is the largest local in the state, according to its website, with some 5,000 members.

If the union were to strike, it would be the second work action in Cedar Rapids. The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 100G’s strike against Ingredion now is in its 13th week.

Ingredion and the union were set to resume face-to-face negotiations today.

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