Blog

Over 19,000 JBS workers in 10 states recently ratified strong, new contracts that raise wages and improve benefits. The workers are members of UFCW Locals 99, 227, 230, 293, 540, 663, 951, 1149, 1473 and 1776KS and are employed in JBS plants in Grand Island, Neb.; Worthington, Minn.; Tolleson, Ariz.; Green Bay, Wis.; Marshalltown and Ottumwa, Iowa; Louisville, Ky.; Souderton, Pa.; Cactus, Texas; Hyrum, Utah; and Plainwell, Mich.

The new agreements, which range from four to five years, include wage increases that are tied to the Consumer Price Index and an increase in short-term disability. The new contracts also expand nondiscrimination language to add sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. These new contracts build on the UFCW’s agreement with JBS in April to increase pay and protections for members at JBS plants during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

“These strong, new contracts include the wages and benefits our members at JBS have earned and deserve as they work to protect our country’s food supply during a global pandemic,” said International Vice President and Food Processing, Packing and Manufacturing Division Director Mark Lauritsen. “The UFCW will continue to push other meatpacking and food processing employers to follow the lead of JBS and Cargill, which also recently raised wages and improved benefits for our members, with the goal of raising standards for all workers in this industry.”

On June 28, the UFCW highlighted its continued call for action on racial justice with a full-page advertisement in The New York Times, as millions of Americans continue to speak out following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many more across the country.

UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following statement:

“As millions of Americans speak out against the cruel injustice of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many more across the country, it is time for our leaders to act.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to take its toll on frontline workers in grocery stores, meatpacking plants, and many other essential businesses, we must recognize that these jobs are disproportionately held by workers of color and it is these communities who are being hit hardest by the virus. Now more than ever, our country’s elected leaders and companies must take action to not only protect these workers on the job, but ensure that all American workers are safe in their communities.”

The New York Times advertisement can be viewed here, and the text is included below.

On May 25, a Minneapolis police

officer kept his knee on George

Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and

46 seconds – or 526 seconds.

Among Mr. Floyd’s last tragic words

were “I can’t breathe.”

If we are to have any hope of changing

this nation, and of preventing such

senseless and unjust killings, we must

never forget George Floyd.

We must also never forget the names

of Eric Garner, Samuel DuBose, Michael

Brown, Breonna Taylor and so many

more African American men and

women who have needlessly lost

their lives to those who have been

sworn to protect us.

All Americans who truly love this country

and believe that Black lives matter

must come together to demand real

and lasting change.

On behalf of our entire union family,

we are committed to fighting for this

change and urge all others in positions

of power and influence — regardless of

title or party — to do the same.

Enough is enough.