Temporary workers have already been keeping production going at the company’s cereal plants in Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, after more than 1,400 of its workers went on strike on 5 October over labour contracts.
The Battle Creek, Michigan-headquartered multinational said ‘unrealistic expectations’ by the union meant that none of its six offers – including the latest, which was put to a vote – have been accepted.
It has now announced that no further bargaining has been scheduled, forcing it to move forward with plans to start hiring permanent replacements for the striking workers.
“Interest in the roles has been strong at all four plants, as expected. We expect some of the new hires to start with the company very soon,” said Kellogg spokesperson Kris Bahner.
The company released a statement following the vote:
“We are disappointed that the tentative agreement for a master contract over our four US cereal plants was not ratified by employees.
“The tentative agreement would have provided an accelerated, defined path to legacy wages and benefits for transitional employees, and wage increases and enhanced benefits for all, on top of what is already an industry-leading compensation package, among other items. The tentative agreement included no concessions or takeaways.
“We have made every effort to reach a fair agreement, including making six offers to the union throughout negotiations, all which have included wage and benefits increases for every employee. It appears the union created unrealistic expectations for our employees.”
