Negotiations continue
KEOKUK, IOWA -- UPDATED: April 21 at 10:17 a.m.
Local 48G says Roquette's latest contract proposal is nothing more than an unfair labor practice.
Roquette says it made several new proposals during an April 19-20, 2011 bargaining session in order to reach a new collective bargaining agreement.
Roquette spokesperson Aliza Golan wrote: "On numerous occasions, Roquette America has said that it is willing to discuss and negotiate any reasonable union counter proposal. However, Local 48G has yet to offer substantive counter proposals on several remaining issues to move these negotiations forward."
48G President Steve Underwood released a statement to the media: "After 22 barganing sessions the UInion has agreed to over 70 of Roquette's propsals and as to (today's) session Roquette listed yet 68 major proposals they still have on the table. Local 48G decided to address all of Roquette's remaining proposals and their six critical core goals." Both sides met with a federal mediator over a two day session.
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Keokuk's Roquette plant and its union employees soon will take another shot at coming to a contract agreement.
KHQA confirmed with Roquette that the two sides will meet again February 21st and 22nd.
Union members have been locked out of their jobs and on the picket line since the two sides could not come to an agreement back in September of 2010.