Steve Cohen: “There has been a lot of discussion recently about extending benefits to the unemployed, and it is critical we do that. I…”

“There has been a lot of discussion recently about extending benefits to the unemployed, and it is critical we do that. I would like to talk about 226 people who are in my district who have jobs but still can't come to work to perform those jobs and get paid. They worked at the Kellogg plant in Memphis, making cereal like Corn Flakes and Frosted Flakes, but they have been locked out by Kellogg since October 22 due to a national contract dispute. The company, with sales of $14 billion at last estimate, hopes to bring in so-called ``casual'' employees who would be paid less and work fewer hours and get fewer benefits than the steady middle class jobs that the company offers now. I am proud Kellogg is in my district, and I have toured their plant. When I am flying out of Memphis, I drive up and down Airways Boulevard. I go past the Kellogg plant, and I see those employees out each day, day and night, even in 10-degree weather earlier this week. Like the post office, they are out in rain, snow, or sleet. I see them on holidays, weekends, you name it, fighting for their rights, standing up for themselves. It is time to end this lockout. Put those people back to work. Let's produce our cereal with good Memphis employees. ____________________”