The 20-month-long lockout at American Crystal Sugar has ended with workers ratifying the contract offer previously proposed by management.

Fifty-five percent of the workers taking part in Saturday’s vote ratified the contract, according to their union, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers. It was the fifth vote on the contract offer since 1,300 workers were locked out of their jobs on Aug. 1, 2011. In the four previous votes, a majority of workers rejected the pact.

“This means Crystal Sugar’s skilled, experienced workers will be transitioning back to the factories to start repairing the damage that’s been done over the past 20 plus months,” said John Riskey, president of BCTGM Local 167G.

“BCTGM members thank all who have supported our stand for justice and dignity and who have helped our families survive these hard times.”

American Crystal Sugar has processing plants in East Grand Forks, Crookston, and Moorhead, Minn.; Hillsboro and Drayton, N.D.; and packaging and transportation sites in Chaska, Minn. and Mason City, Iowa. Workers at these facilities are represented by BCTGM Locals 167G (Grand Forks, N.D.), 265G (Chaska), 267G (Crookston), 269G (Mason City) and 372G (Hillsboro, N.D.).