Spirit of Xmas Alive & Well Despite No Jobs - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

Spirit of Xmas Alive & Well Despite No Jobs

 Christmas is on the way to children of locked out American Crystal workers across the Valley in the form of an 18-wheeler.

  The Union's insurance company, its members and others have donated 2 truckloads of toys, food and other essentials for the families of locked out workers.

Santa: "I've got presents for the little boys and girls who's parents don't have a job right now."

Erica Dalager, American Income Life: "An absolute sleigh full. We're stacked to the gills with everything from toys to toilet paper and everything in between."

  All of it is being distributed to Crystals plants at East Grand Forks, Drayton, Crookston, Hillsboro and Moorhead.

  The toys will be handed out to kids at Christmas parties in each of the towns.

     Among those getting a surprise gift today… was one of Santa's volunteer, Union helpers. Co-workers noticed her car needed a new set of tires.

Union Worker: "Merry Christmas."

Deb Kostrzewski, Union worker: "Oh, no! This is a…. it just pulls at my heart, because I never expected something like this. It's wonderful. Thank you."

  The spirit of Christmas is alive and well here, despite the fact, that many union employees will spend another Christmas without a job.

  Union employees have been locked out of their jobs at American Crystal since August of last year.

  They recently voted for a fourth time to reject Crystal's final contract offer.

  Union President John Riskey told us today, they're hoping a federal mediator will restart negotiations.