Posts Categorized: Negotiations

Over 19,000 JBS workers in 10 states recently ratified strong, new contracts that raise wages and improve benefits. The workers are members of UFCW Locals 99, 227, 230, 293, 540, 663, 951, 1149, 1473 and 1776KS and are employed in JBS plants in Grand Island, Neb.; Worthington, Minn.; Tolleson, Ariz.; Green Bay, Wis.; Marshalltown and Ottumwa, Iowa; Louisville, Ky.; Souderton, Pa.; Cactus, Texas; Hyrum, Utah; and Plainwell, Mich.

The new agreements, which range from four to five years, include wage increases that are tied to the Consumer Price Index and an increase in short-term disability. The new contracts also expand nondiscrimination language to add sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. These new contracts build on the UFCW’s agreement with JBS in April to increase pay and protections for members at JBS plants during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

“These strong, new contracts include the wages and benefits our members at JBS have earned and deserve as they work to protect our country’s food supply during a global pandemic,” said International Vice President and Food Processing, Packing and Manufacturing Division Director Mark Lauritsen. “The UFCW will continue to push other meatpacking and food processing employers to follow the lead of JBS and Cargill, which also recently raised wages and improved benefits for our members, with the goal of raising standards for all workers in this industry.”

Thirty-five members of UFCW Local 919 who are employed as cafeteria workers for the Vernon Board of Education in Vernon, Conn., ratified a new contract on June 12 that raises wages and protects benefits.

The three-year contract includes guaranteed raises each year of the contract and protects affordable health care benefits, including no increases in health care premiums. The new contract also includes a more efficient grievance and arbitration procedure, as well as new language to address grievances that arise over breaks, and doubles the reimbursement for safety equipment and shoes. UFCW Local 919 negotiated the tentative agreement with the Superintendent and the Vernon Board of Education via Zoom, and the ratification was held outdoors at a park pavilion so that everyone involved could practice social distancing.

“We’re proud that we have continually represented these members over the last 30 years,” said UFCW Local 919 President Mark A. Espinosa. “We have consistently achieved pay raises in all categories for these workers, while maintaining an affordable rate on health care benefits.”