Posts Categorized: Food Processing

About 90 members of UFCW Local 152 who work at Hanover Foods in Clayton, Del., recently ratified a new contract that raises wages and protects benefits.

The three-year contract includes substantial wage increases, with many year-round positions receiving negotiated, market-driven increases that range from $0.85 to $2.95 per hour in the first year of the agreement alone. The contract maintains little to no cost share increases on their affordable health insurance and increases the weekly maximum pay for temporary disability.

The contract also includes new language to strengthen the rights of our union members, including:

• Guaranteeing that Shop Stewards are permitted time to introduce themselves to new hires and explain the benefits of the contract;
• Clarifying training pay for grades (4) and above; and
• Closing a possible loophole that ensures newly hired employees still on probation will be offered more weekly work opportunities than any temporary help that may be used during peak seasons.

Members of UFCW Local 152 work in a variety of positions at the Hanover Foods facility, including production, sanitation, maintenance, shipping and receiving, and more. The Hanover Foods plant in Clayton is best known for supplying frozen waffles, grilled chicken, and various vegetables.

Members of the Negotiating Committee included Director of Collective Bargaining Dan Ross; Recorder/Assistant Director of Collective Bargaining Lisa Sanders; Union Representative Greg Torian; Shop Stewards Valerie Savage, Tyshika Hayes, Dave Johnson; and member Joe Drummond.

UFCW Local 152 members who work at Old Fashioned Kitchen in Lakewood, N.J., recently ratified a new contract that strengthens pensions and protects health care benefits. The about 50 members produce blintzes, potato pancakes, pierogies, and crepe shells, which are sold to hospitality and restaurant businesses across the country.

The three-year contract includes contributions by the company to the UFCW and Employers Supplemental Pension Fund, which will be based on the hours worked by the members. An increase in the company’s contribution is guaranteed in January 2022.

The new contract provides Old Fashioned Kitchen members with the same level of quality health insurance benefits for the life of the agreement. The contract also includes a modification to the Attendance Warning System and adds clear language defining exceptions to the point system. This means that members will no longer be reprimanded in these defined situations, such as an emergency with their child.

Members of the Negotiating Committee included Assistant Director of Collective Bargaining Lisa Sanders; Union Representative Jose Echevarria; Shop Steward Orlando Figueroa; and members Esther Ryans and Jose Diaz.