Posts Categorized: Packing and Processing

On Nov. 5, over 400 members of UFCW Local 540 who work at the Pilgrim’s Pride plant in Waco, Texas, ratified a first union contract that includes the largest pay raises in plant history. The three-year contract also includes the creation of the first-ever union safety committee, stronger overtime protections, and provisions to preserve strong health care and retirement benefits. These hard-working men and women joined UFCW Local 540 in July 2021.  

Key provisions of the new contract include:

•           Pay increases of up to $4.00 per hour as part of their first union contract.

•           Health care coverage preserved as part of commitment to employees and families.

•           Retirement plan security ensured as the company maintains this long-term investment.

•           Overtime pay enhanced to provide higher pay daily instead of requiring employees to meet a 40-hour weekly threshold before overtime kicks in.

•           Union safety committee created in historic first to ensure workers have a voice in the push to strengthen workplace protections as the pandemic continues.

•           Job promotion opportunities expanded with a new open bidding process that enables all employees to apply for vacancies and prioritizes seniority and qualifications.

“With today’s union contract, Texas poultry workers at Waco Pilgrim’s Pride have secured the highest pay raises in plant history and created the first-ever union safety committee — sending a powerful message that workers have a stronger voice on the job when they stand together,” said UFCW Local 540 President Johnny Rodriguez in a statement.

“Helping Texas families put food on the table during the pandemic, these brave frontline workers stepped up for us when we needed them most and have been essential to keeping our communities strong,” Rodriguez said. “Just four months after choosing to unionize, these hard-working men and women are achieving results that will help them support their families, build strong careers, and inspire many more Texans to stand up for the good pay and benefits they have earned.”

“As the union for these Texas frontline workers, UFCW Local 540 was proud to stand with our union’s members at Pilgrim’s Pride here in Waco to secure this strong contract,” Rodriguez added. “Ensuring these jobs continue to be good Texas jobs for working families is the best way to honor essential workers.”

On Nov. 1, members of UFCW Local 293 who work at Wholestone Farms in Fremont, Neb., ratified a historic new contract with the first-ever paid sick leave provided by the company. The contract also includes provisions to strengthen pay, health care coverage, and retirement benefits. Wholestone Farms is one of the region’s largest pork processing facilities and this contract sets a powerful precedent for other Nebraska workers in the industry.

The three-year contract includes:

• First-ever paid sick leave provided by the company in historic win for workers.
  
  
• Pay increases of $2.85 per hour in recognition of extraordinary service in pandemic.
  
  
• Health care coverage strengthened as part of commitment to employees and families.
   
• Retirement plan strengthened by increased contribution from company.
   
• Worksite resources with visits from union stewards to help with any safety questions.
  
  
• Higher night shift pay for workers who take on evening shifts to support production.
  
  
• Overtime pay enhanced to recognize employees working beyond scheduled shifts.

“With this new contract, Nebraska meatpacking workers are sending a powerful message that every company in the industry must step up and recognize the incredible sacrifices made and danger faced by these frontline workers who helped millions of Americans put food on the table during this health crisis,” said UFCW Local 293 President Eric Reeder in a statement.

“As the union for these Nebraska frontline workers, UFCW Local 293 was proud to stand with our union’s members at Wholestone Farms to secure this robust contract that they have earned and deserve,” Reeder added. “Ensuring these jobs continue to be good Nebraska jobs for working families across our state is the best way for us to thank our essential workers.”

“Helping feed Nebraska families during the pandemic is something that made me proud to go to work throughout this crisis,” said UFCW Local 293 member Claudia Payes, who works at the Wholestone Farms Fremont facility. “With this new paid sick leave in our contract, my co-workers and I will never have to worry about choosing between our health and a paycheck. I’m thankful our union has always had our back and helped us achieve this strong contract that will keep me safe and help me continue to provide for my three kids. Every worker in Nebraska deserves to have a good-paying union job and I am hopeful that this contract will inspire even more workers to stand up for the good pay and benefits they deserve.”