Union workers at Kemps in Le Mars have gone on strike. Adrian Macias, recording secretary and Organizer for Teamsters Local 554 says the “unfair labor practice strike” began at 6 p.m. Thursday evening.
On Friday of last week, union employees of Kemps approved a strike authorization vote. Macias says the negotiating committee gave the company until Wednesday of this week to come back with a new proposal.
Macias said this is a peaceful strike.
He says a zoom meeting with the company is planned for Friday at 1 p.m.
Macias says at this point, the strike is only occurring at the Le Mars facility.
Dairy Farmers of America issued this statement concerning the strike at the Le Mars plant:
“Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has been actively negotiating in good faith with International Brotherhood of Teamsters on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. We are disappointed that the Teamsters walked away from that process and have initiated a strike at the Le Mars plant. While we respect their right to take this step, we believe a strike does not serve the best interests of our employees, our customers, or the communities we serve. We are committed to a respectful, constructive bargaining process that offers competitive wages and benefits. We encourage the union to return to the bargaining table so that together, we can find a solution that best supports our employees, their well-being, and the long-term success of our farmer-owners and their Cooperative. In the meantime, we are taking steps to minimize disruption and continue serving our customers, including the local schools who depend on us to provide fresh, nutritious dairy.”
