Cargill workers strike for fair wages

Workers at Cargill’s corn milling plant in Cedar Rapids have been on strike for a week, seeking fair wages and better working conditions. Sami Scheetz, an organizer with Teamsters Local 238, stated that a federal mediator is set to facilitate negotiations between the striking workers and Cargill representatives. The union argues that Cargill’s wage offer is significantly lower than industry standards, with workers earning at least $2.50 less per hour compared to other local plants. Scott Punteney, a business agent for Teamsters Local 238, emphasized that “all these other units got market adjustments,” highlighting the disparity in compensation. The workers are prepared for a prolonged strike if necessary, as they demand fair treatment and acknowledgment of their hard work. Mike Lindstrom, a plant operator, noted that the last offer from Cargill was “offensively low,” and the union is willing to negotiate until a satisfactory agreement is reached.