Megan Villarreal, Alvarado, MN. letters: Lockout locks out Christmas for many

ALVARADO, Minn. — Christmas Season is upon us in the Red River Valley. There are decorations everywhere, frost on the windows, and people dashing about to buy their last-minute gifts.

But there’s also a pall that has been cast over the season because there still is a lockout going on at American Crystal Sugar.

It was with a heavy heart that I went to the grocery store to buy my holiday baking supplies and bought C&H Sugar for the second year in a row. I used to buy Crystal Sugar with pride, knowing my friends and relatives had a hand in making such a quality product; but in my view, the company’s reputation is sinking.

Things may never be the same for the company or its workers and their relatives, friends and neighbors. There has been a breach of trust, and it may never be repaired.

The spirit of Christmas is one of celebration, redemption and joy. But here, there is not a lot to be joyful about because families have stopped speaking, neighbors aren’t as friendly, and friendships have been ruined over this lockout.

I urge Dave Berg, American Crystal’s CEO, to make this a Merry Christmas once again for the people of the valley and end this costly and unnecessary lockout.

Management should go to the table and negotiate fairly. American Crystal should bring the workers back so they can rebuild the reputation of the company.

Megan Villarreal

Tags: american crystal sugar, opinion, updates, christmas, holidays, lockout, family