Posts Categorized: Packing and Processing

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.”

Over 30 members of UFCW Local 27 who work at the Ralph and Paul Adams, Inc. (RAPA) Scrapple facility in Bridgeville, Del., ratified a new contract on May 25. These workers produce scrapple and sausages at the facility.

The four-year contract includes significant hourly wage increases ranging from a minimum of $1.35 to $3.35 an hour and $3.15 to $5.15 hourly wage increases for the term of the contract. The contract maintains affordable health care for the workers with no increase in employee percentages. The contract also includes a new bonus incentive for attendance, including four vacation hours a month for no days missed, allowing members to accrue six extra vacation days a year. In addition, the contract allows union representatives and stewards to participate in weekly safety committee meetings at the facility.

This contract was an important win for this unit, and members began chanting “union, union!” in the cafeteria after the ratification took place. UFCW Local 27 has represented workers at this facility for over 40 years.

“UFCW Local 27 is honored to have stood strong with the workers at RAPA and secured a contract that recognizes their hard work and dedication,” said UFCW Local 27 President Jason Chorpenning. “We remain committed to fighting for fair wages, affordable health care, and safe working conditions for all our members.”