Nearly 900 members of UFCW Local 1776 working at Cargill Meat Solutions in Hazleton, Pa., overwhelmingly approved a new contract earlier this month. The workers are in the production, maintenance, and shipping and receiving departments at the facility, which manufactures case-ready beef products for Wegmans and Walmart.
Strength in numbers: Members and organizers celebrate after the contract ratification. See below for the list of participants.
Key wins in the five-year agreement include:
- A $500 ratification bonus
- Significant wage increases
- Additional paid vacation days after 15 years of service
- Improved short-term disability coverage
- Expanded insurance benefits
The strong agreement was reached thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Cargill Hazleton workers and support from other departments within the UFCW.
“Our strength in bargaining this contract came in large part through work with the Food Processing, Packing, and Manufacturing Division at the UFCW International, along with coordination with other UFCW locals representing Cargill members across the country,” said Tony Zollo, UFCW Local 1776 lead negotiator and North Central division director.
UFCW Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young added, “I’m pleased to congratulate our Cargill Hazleton members on ratifying this agreement. At a time when the beef industry is facing significant challenges, this contract represents meaningful progress for the membership and reflects the value of having a strong union at the bargaining table.”
Pictured above from left standing: Jeffrey Fernandez, maintenance; Jesus Florentino, shipping/receiving; Jose Luis Jimenez, chief steward; Robin Jimenez, production; Mark Stettler, maintenance lead; Tony Zollo, lead negotiator and North Central division director; Juan Vallejo, production; Jose Ortiz, lead representative.
From left seated: Llanira Urena, production; Sila Moronta, production; Rachel Solis, production; Rossanna Garcia, production.