RWDSU/UFCW members who work at Borden Dairy plants in Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tenn., recently ratified a new contract. By standing together in solidarity across two locations, these workers, who are employed as route drivers, doubled their strength at the bargaining table by combining two contracts into one and winning historic wage increases as a result.
The three-year contract includes the highest ever wage increases at the dairy, which are front loaded to increase wages more quickly. Members also secured two additional annual paid holidays in the contract, making more time for their friends, families and communities. In combining their strength, members won a contract ratification bonus for the first time ever, which will help RWDSU/UFCW members support their families. The bargaining committee also secured a shoe allowance increase keeping up with inflation when it comes to the protective equipment necessary to keep safe at work.
“The provisions we worked hard to secure in this contract will go a long way to making sure everyone is safer at work, can bring home fair wages to their families and spend more time with them,” said RWDSU Local 323 President Wayne Smith, who has worked at the Borden Dairy Knoxville plant for over 20 years.