Members of UFCW Local 99 who work at Mission Foods in Tempe, Ariz., ratified a strong, new contract on May 1 while observing social distancing and other measures to stay safe during a global pandemic. Mission Foods is a subsidiary of Gruma Corporation, and the 65 workers make a full line of Mexican food products, including tortillas, wraps, and other goods used in restaurants and sold in supermarkets across the globe.
The new three-year contract secures wage increases across the board and includes updated non-discrimination language, additional paid time off and other benefits. UFCW Local 99 communicated with the company via conference calls in order to properly negotiate this contract, and the ratification was conducted outside in front of the plant in tents with the UFCW Local 99 logo. Staff from UFCW Local 99 provided masks and hand sanitizer to each member voting, and paper was placed on the ground to ensure social distancing. All staff from UFCW Local 99 wore masks during the ratification.
“I am proud of the team effort made by our reps and staff who worked hard on ratifying this new contract for our members at Mission Foods,” said UFCW Local 99 President Jim McLaughlin. “I could not be more pleased with the dedicated members who showed up to cast their vote on their new contract, especially under the new social distancing guidelines.”