Posts Categorized: Meat Packing

Over 100 workers at the Packer Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI) facility in Waco, Texas, joined UFCW Local 540 on July 12. The workers sanitize machinery at the Pilgrim’s Pride plant in Waco, which is represented by UFCW Local 540.

These workers joined our union family because they wanted dignity, respect, and a voice in the workplace, as well as job security. They also wanted the ability to negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions as their unionized colleagues do who process poultry at the plant. This organizing win is part of an agreement the UFCW has with PSSI to offer union representation at PSSI locations across the country.

“The reason we want union representation is to be treated the same way as Pilgrim’s employees,” said PSSI employee Joe Byrd. “We should be heard and treated with respect, too. Now with the union backing us, we will make changes for the better.”

“We congratulate the PSSI workers on their victory and desire to be represented by UFCW Local 540,” said UFCW Local 540 President Felipe Mendez. “This is solidarity at work, with the International’s Food Processing, Packing, and Manufacturing Division and local unions working together to improve the lives of workers. Now PSSI employees will bargain to secure better wages, benefits and working conditions as their union brothers and sisters are currently enjoying with a union contract at Pilgrim’s Pride.”

On June 22, the UFCW announced an agreement with Packer Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI) to offer union contracts to workers across the country.

“The UFCW is proud to announce that we have reached an agreement with PSSI to offer union representation at PSSI locations across the country,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone in a statement. “The problems we have witnessed in the industry must firmly remain a thing of the past and we believe that good, strong, union contracts are crucial to protecting all meatpacking and food processing workers.”

“Of course, the choice to unionize is with PSSI’s hard-working employees and since we have entered this agreement, two of PSSI’s locations in Liberal, Kansas, and Mason City, Iowa, have decided to join our union family,” Perrone added. “Meatpacking and food processing workers risked their lives during the height of the pandemic to ensure that families had food on their tables. These workers have earned and deserve the protections that come with a strong union contract and with this agreement, we are one step closer to getting them the contractual protections enjoyed by UFCW members throughout the meatpacking industry.”