On June 27, more than 400 members of UFCW Local 152 who work at the Kraft Heinz facility in Dover, Del., ratified a new contract that strengthens wages and benefits. These workers are employed in production, maintenance and more, helping to create well known products such as JELL-O, Kool-Aid, Shake ‘N Bake, and many more.
With the new four-year contract, members received significant wage increases immediately, with some members receiving an increase of up to 7 percent, as well as guaranteed wage increases annually for life of the agreement.
Benefits also improved with this contract. In addition to maintaining their affordable union health care, Kraft Heinz workers will see an increase in their 401(k) employer match, allowing our members to save additional income for retirement at no cost. Members will now have the opportunity to participate in voluntary supplemental benefits offered by UFCW Local 152, providing additional income that a typical health insurance policy does not cover. Bereavement leave was also expanded to include additional family members, and the safety shoe allowance was increased.
This contract introduces a company-wide Paid Parental Leave program and the Adoption Reimbursement Policy. Beginning in 2026, the Paid Parental Leave program will provide our members with paid leave for the birth or adoption of their child. Additionally, the Adoption Reimbursement Policy will provide financial reimbursement when a member adopts a child. Kraft Heinz has also agreed to comply with the Delaware Paid Leave law, or any other state leave law enacted during the term of the contract.
The contract also improves the work-life balance for the members at Kraft Heinz through changes to vacation time and to overtime scheduling. Some employees will now receive more vacation time sooner, and some vacation time can now be taken in single days instead of straight weeks. Additionally, some vacation time can now be used as “emergency” days, covering unscheduled, impromptu life emergencies at no penalty to our members. The employer also agreed to extend the PTO Incentive Program, where workers can earn additional paid time off after working a certain number of consecutive days.
Changes were also made to some overtime parameters to provide workers with more advanced notice of mandatory overtime, such as overtime after a scheduled shift and weekend overtime.