UFCW Local 293 JBS workers in Omaha, Neb., ratified a new contract.
UFCW Local 293 members working at the JBS beef slaughter and processing facility in Omaha, Neb., ratified a new contract on Thursday, September 4. The new five-year agreement went into effect on Monday, September 8 and will cover more than 300 workers in the plant. The contract in Omaha follows another contract ratification back in July by UFCW Local 293 JBS members at the Grand Island, Neb., plant.
“We are all excited about another great contract for our members and the local economy,” said Dan Hoppes, President of UFCW Local 293. “Thanks to the support and unity of UFCW members from across the country, we were able to negotiate another contract that raises the bar for JBS workers. This plant was formerly owned by XL Foods until JBS bought it in 2013. Now under a union contract with JBS, these workers will see significant improvements in their benefits and health care. ”
The new contract will:
- Provide a $1.80 hourly increase over the course of the contract.
- Provide a $0.60 per hour increase in the first year which will be paid retroactively to the original contract expiration date, July 6, 2014.
- Maintain affordable health care costs for employees with only minor plan changes.
- Establish a primary health care clinic in Omaha which means flexible, easily accessible health care to JBS employees with no cost for primary care (checkups, some treatments, minor procedures, and lab work) and low cost prescriptions and immunizations.
The UFCW represents JBS workers at several other locations around the country. Along with Grand Island, Neb., workers have ratified contracts in Worthington, Minn., Greeley, Colo., and Souderton, Pa. UFCW Local 227 JBS workers in Louisville, Ky., reached a tentative agreement last week.
