On March 11, over 800 members of UFCW Local 1776 who work at the Cargill plant in Hazleton, Pa., ratified a new contract that raises wages and improves benefits.
The five-year contract increases the base wage by $2.50 per hour and maintains the current benefit structure and Cargill’s funding of an employer sponsored near-site health clinic. The new contract also provides for immigration leave for employees that have appointments with an immigration agency; increases the short-term disability amount; and ensures that communications and documents are in the language of choice for members.
“We are extremely proud of this agreement and the competitive wages that will benefit our families and community,” said Rachel Solis, who is a Cargill Hazleton employee and a union steward. “We work hard each day and this agreement reflects our dedication to our work.”