Operation Christmas Solidarity II

toydrive-loadingFor the second consecutive Christmas, the families of workers locked out of their jobs by American Crystal Sugar received a holiday boost from their extended union family. Operation Christmas Solidarity, co-sponsored by the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation and American Income Life, drew $45,000 in donations from local unions and members, who gave toys, food, household goods and cash.

It was enough to fill two semi-trucks that delivered items Dec. 18 and 19 to locked-out workers in the Red River Valley of Minnesota and North Dakota, as well as facilities in Chaska and Mason City, Iowa. Crystal Sugar locked out 1,300 workers 18 months ago. Union members have voted four times since then to reject the company’s offer.