Locked-out sugar workers enlist kids

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) -- Locked-out American Crystal Sugar workers have called on their children in an effort to get the company to negotiate an end to the labor dispute.

The company locked out its regular workers almost 14 months ago in a union contract dispute. Company officials have said they have made their final offer, but the locked-out workers want to continue negotiations.

WDAY-TV reports that children of the workers gathered Saturday to write letters to company officials and farmers who are company board members. The letters describe the impact the lockout has had on them in the hope of making the company realize it needs to end.

Some of the children say the lockout has hurt their families and created worry that they will run out of food or lose their homes.