Kellogg has said publicly for the first time that it may close "at least one of its cereal plants" in the United States.
The company again called on union workers to approve changes to the labor contract. Battle Creek Enquirer Reporter Jennifer Bowman told WMUK's Gordon Evans that union officials had previously said they were told by Kellogg officials that one or two plants could be closed. But this marks the first public statement by Kellogg of possible plant closings.
Kellogg says it needs to make changes to remain viable. Bowman says sales of cereal have declined as consumers turn to other options for breakfast.
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The current contract for workers at four cereal plants in the United States does not expire until October. The changes proposed by Kellogg would eliminate cost of living adjustments. Bowman says another change would mean that workers hired after January first would not have been eligible for retiree health care.
The union overwhelmingly rejected the proposed contract changes in December. Bowman says the union leaders at all of the locations are taking the situation seriously. But she says some of the union people she has talked to believe that Kellogg has already made its decision about whether to close plants.