On April 15, UFCW Local 700 members approved a new contract with JBS Foods, which covers over 200 meatpackers working in Elkhart, Ind. 

The historic four-year contract was approved with 91 percent of members voting in favor of ratification.

It includes the following provisions:

• First-ever pension guarantees
• Retroactive pay
• Wage increases

UFCW Local 700 President Tracy Bartak said the new contract is an important and ground-breaking win for these hard-working meatpackers.

“Congratulations to our members at JBS on approving their new contract which will help them earn a better living both now and, in the future,” said Bartak. “This agreement is an historic victory that not only includes retroactive pay, and guaranteed wage increases but also secures a pension for the first time ever. Thank you to our bargaining committee and all of our members who helped make this possible.”

The UFCW held its first Distillery, Wine and Allied Workers Division Conference in Louisville, Ky., on April 7 to 9. Over 30 people from UFCW locals across the country attended the conference.

The conference focused on fortifying and building membership within the UFCW’s Distillery, Wine, and Allied Workers Division. UFCW Executive Vice President and International Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Haggerty opened the conference.

Conference panels centered around organizing and bargaining tactics within this industry, as well as a panel with a SPUR and borrowed personnel from the Distillery, Wine, and Allied Workers Division, who spoke about their experiences as workers organizing other workers. The International’s Occupational Safety and Health Office and Communications Department also presented the various tools and assistance they can offer locals.

“The conference was a wonderful experience,” said UFCW Local 2D President Stephen Booras. “We learned many new things that will help our membership at Local 2D. Also, it was a real benefit to be able to discuss our unique industry issues with each other and set up plans to work together going forward.”

“As a local who has utilized SPURs and borrowed personnel, the interactive panel was a great way for everyone to hear perspectives from people currently doing the work,” said UFCW Local 186D President Dee Chacon. “Workers talking to workers is a proven method. This conference has benefited the locals moving forward and made us a stronger group.”