Dive Brief:

• In a letter addressed to Kellogg Co. President John Bryant, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National President J. David Cox Sr. asked for an end to a four monthlong Kellogg plant lockout. 
• The Memphis cereal facility lockout started on Oct. 22 and has placed more than 220 employees out of work. 
• Spurred by a disagreement over a company proposal to reduce pay and benefits, the employees are represented by AFL - CIO affiliates.

Dive Insight:

Using forceful language and emotional imagery, Bryant's letter to Cox clearly demonstrates the union's seemingly unyielding position on the lockout. It couldn't have come at a better time: Workers in Omaha have already expressed concerns over a repeat of the lockout in their own Kellogg plant once their union contract expires in May. Hopefully AFGE's show of strength will reassure them of the safety of their future jobs, at least for now.