Posts Categorized: Food Processing

Members of RWDSU/UFCW Local 705 who produce pickle products at the Kraft Heinz plant in Holland, Mich., recently ratified a new contract that strengthens wages.

The three-year contract secured 23 percent wage increases; an increase in shift premiums ($1 for 2nd shift workers, and $2 for 3rd shift workers, including alternative schedule shifts); and increased vacation benefits. Aside from the big wage increases, electrical journeymen will receive an additional $1.25 per hour; waste water treatment employees an additional $1.25 per hour; and master electricians an additional $2.25 per hour with costs covered for company required licenses and classes.

The personal protective equipment allowance was increased for safety boots and prescription safety glasses, and health coverage was maintained with a minimum rate increase in only the second year. Retiree benefits were also improved, as was the bereavement leave policy.

On March 15, over 50 members of UFCW Local 152 who work at the Hanover Foods plant in Clayton, Del., ratified a new contract that strengthens wages and benefits. Hanover Foods is a leader in the growing, processing, packaging, marketing, and distribution of a variety of vegetable products, and these workers are employed in the production, maintenance, and shipping divisions.

The three-year contract includes above-average wage increases annually for the life of the agreement, and provides all members with a minimum 5 percent wage increase retroactive to January 2023. Members at Hanover Foods who work a higher classification job for more than one hour in any shift will now receive the higher rate for the entire day. Furthermore, members who work on a holiday will now be paid double time, and funeral leave was expanded. In addition, seasonal employees will now have the opportunity to receive medical benefits if they choose.

The new contract also allows members to voluntarily donate money to the Bryan D. Ross Foundation directly from their pay. The Bryan D. Ross Foundation is UFCW Local 152’s charity organization which directly assists members of our union family who are experiencing financial hardships due to catastrophic illnesses or injuries.