A strike has been averted after United Meals and Industrial Staff Native 7 (UFCW Native 7) voted to ratify what it calls “an industry-leading contract” with JBS-owned Denver Processing, a pork and beef case-ready plant. The brand new three-year contract accommodates probably the most vital wage enhance ever secured by a UFCW native for staff at a case-ready plant.
The contract consists of first-year wage will increase for each new worker and will increase of $4-6 an hour for each worker. The union additionally negotiated to maintain staff on their present union healthcare plans and guarded present pension plans for its members, together with extra stringent security measures within the office.
The contract additional ended “invidious two-tier discrimination on holidays,” doubled the evening premium and elevated ensures for weekly minimal hours from 20 to 32.
“Now we have been negotiating this contract for 3 months with JBS and are blissful each events lastly got here to an settlement,” acknowledged Kim Cordova, president of UFCW 7. “We wish to thank the tireless bargaining committee and staff who confirmed as much as have their voices heard and their calls for met. This combat was at all times about them, and now they’ve a contract they deserve and could be happy with.”
She continued: “This contract is proof of the ability of unions and collective bargaining. When staff set up, they not solely see wage will increase and higher working circumstances for themselves, but it surely additionally advantages their households, communities, and our financial system.”
Nikki Richardson, head of company communications for JBS USA and Pilgrim’s, advised the Denver Gazette that they’re happy to have labored along with UFCW Native 7 to achieve an settlement that may positively profit group members and make sure the ongoing manufacturing of protected, high-quality meals on the Denver Processing facility.
