CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Teamsters Local 238 reports Cargill has terminated health insurance for striking workers. In a statement to Iowa’s News Now Friday, Cargill suggested striking workers would have their company health insurance terminated within a week if they continue to strike after Oct. 31.
In a press release from Local 238, the workers say they are fighting for fair compensation.
About 100 union-represented employees left their jobs Oct. 1 after rejecting Cargill’s latest wage offer. Unions argued that wages did not meet industry standards and did not adequately address inflation.
“It’s nothing short of cruel for Cargill to strip its employees of health insurance during a strike,” said Scott Puntony, business agent for Teamsters Local 238. Despite being workers, they choose to punish themselves and their families by stripping them of health insurance. This is a shameful tactic designed to force workers back into dangerous conditions for a commensurately low price. Cargill’s greed is on full display. ”
Iowa News Now reached out to Cargill’s media relations department to find out the status of insurance coverage for striking workers in Cedar Rapids.
A spokesperson said if the workers continue their strike next Thursday, they “will be eligible to receive benefits through COBRA.”
Although we have not reached an agreement with the trade union committee, we remain open and ready to engage in further negotiations. We believe Cargill offered a fair and competitive package. In the meantime, eligible employees will continue to receive Employee Health Insurance benefits through October 31, 2024. If you continue to strike after that date, you may be eligible to receive benefits through COBRA. Cargill continues to safely supply high-quality products to our customers.
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