Let’s end this strike

Strong cities have several key factors that make them successful, a strong industrial sector and strong labor unions. Neither one can work successfully without the other.

When they work in partnership, a city can thrive and tackle hardships together. Cedar Rapids is no different, the relationship between our industries and our labor unions has been a successful partnership. It has helped us survive through floods and derechos. They have worked together through COVID and economic hard times. The contributions to our community have been invaluable and a key factor in helping Iowa’s second largest city to thrive.

There are no winners in a protracted labor strike. Labor strikes hit at the heart of a community. Families suffer, customers are lost, long term damage to the mental health of workers and their families occur and long-term damage to a business and its brand are the result.

This is why the Cedar Rapids City Council encourages both the members of Local 100G of the Baking, Confectionery, Tobacco, and Grain Milling Union and the management of Ingredion to sit down together and bargain in good faith. Put aside your differences and negotiate professionally and ethically to do what is in the best interest of our community and that is, to get back to work.

In times like these our community cannot afford to have people out of work, one paycheck missed is one paycheck too many. We believe in both parties and your ability to put an end to this strike that has already lasted too long. Our community and the City Council are counting on you.

Cedar Rapids City Council members signing onto this column include Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, at-large council members Tyler Olson, Ann Poe and Patrick Loeffler, District 2 council member Scott Overland, District 3 council member Dale Todd, District 4 council member Scott Olson and District 5 council member Ashley Vanorny.