hardship -- people are trying to do what they can to provide for their families. It's hard for them to come in and vote."

A fourth round of talks ended June 8 with the sides no closer to an agreement. On June 14, union members decided to take another vote.

Crystal, a farmer-owned cooperative, has said the contract offers fair wage and benefit increases.

What's at stake

The union has said its principal objections revolve around health care, drug testing, seniority and qualifications for promotions. The union said the company made it clear in that meeting it's not willing to compromise on any issue.

Riskey called on company leaders to return to the negotiating table.

"If the company is interested in ending the lockout, they'll come to the table and negotiate," he said. "TheLAWRENCEVILLE -- Its manager and two other employees have left Gwinnett's animal shelter following an internal investigation stemming from allegations of "a culture of bigotry."

Lt. Mary Lou Respess, the shelter's leader, retired in May following the completion of the investigation, Gwinnett County police spokesman Cpl. Jake Smith said. Officer Jason Cannon, a supervisor, resigned in lieu of termination. Smith was unfamiliar with the name of the third employee to leave.

Documents regarding the case were made available Thursday afternoon and obtained by the Daily Post.

The investigation into Respess and several other employees began in February after Officer Eldred Henfield -- who described himself as animal control's only black officer -- filed a formal complaint alleging an atmosphere of racism there since he began work in late 2008.

Henfield cited several