Locked-Out Crystal Workers Push Consumer Boycott

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Locked-out workers at American Crystal Sugar Co. factories in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota are demonstrating outside businesses in the Fargo and Grand Forks areas that sell the company's products.

The workers are urging members of the public to participate in a consumer boycott to protest the 14-month lockout of union workers in the two states and Iowa.

The AFL-CIO earlier this month said the boycott will be called off if the company returns to bargaining and concludes a contract with about 1,300 locked-out workers.

The company on Monday reiterated its position that its offer to union workers was fair. Vice President Brian Ingulsrud says Crystal Sugar is focusing on its replacement workers at the sugar beet processing plants.

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