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News and Updates
Food Processing
June 3, 2019
UFCW Local 540 Welcomes More Than 400 Danone Workers
On May 22, more than 400 workers at the Danone North America plant in Dallas joined UFCW Local 540 to ensure they have the good pay and working conditions they’ve earned and deserve. Danone is a major food and beverage company with a wide range of products, including the organic milk and coffee creamers produced by these workers.
The Danone workers joined UFCW Local 540 to strengthen job security after several employees were terminated or disciplined without any way to voice their disagreement. The workers were also concerned about favoritism, and not having a fair job-bidding system.
“This is a very good example of how the International union and Local Union staff, in solidarity with global unions, can collaborate and work together for a great victory for the workers,” said UFCW Local 540 President Johnny Rodriguez. “Let’s do it again.”
May 28, 2019
A Strong, New Contract for Food Service Workers in New Jersey
On May 18, about 50 members of UFCW Local 152 who work at Rich Products Corporation in Vineland, N.J., unanimously ratified a new contract that increases wages.
In addition to wage increases, the three-year agreement includes enhanced paid time off utilization and improves job bidding procedures. Rich Products Corporation is a leading supplier and solutions provider to the food service, in-store bakery and retail marketplaces.
Congratulations to our members and the Negotiating Committee, which included Assistant Director of Collective Bargaining Dan Ross and Union Representative Jose Echevarria.
April 22, 2019
Higher Pay and Strong Health Care in New Local 1776KS Contract
Members of UFCW Local 1776KS who work at Knouse Foods in Peach Glen, Pa., recently ratified a new contract that raises wages and protects health care benefits.
The three-year agreement includes wage increases, improved nondiscrimination language, additional paid sick time, and locks in current health care rates. Knouse Foods members make a variety of products, including Lucky Leaf pie fillings and Musselman’s Applesauce.
April 22, 2019
Big Win for Local 227 Members at Kroger in Kentucky and Indiana
Pay increases for members of UFCW Local 227 who work at Kroger in Kentucky and southern Indiana have been approved thanks to a new contract that was ratified on April 18.
The four-year agreement, which covers more than 13,500 members, boosts pay for cashiers, new workers, and veteran stock clerks, and creates new leadership positions in selected parts of the stores. Health care benefits will also be available for part-time workers and new hires. The new contract also protects the workers’ pensions. Full-time hourly Kroger workers can become vested after five years and part-time members also get a pension if they average 72.5 hours a month.
“It’s the best contract I’ve seen in years,” said Kroger employee and UFCW Local 227 member Elisa Messex in an interview with The Louisville Courier Journal.
April 8, 2019
Local 1445 Helps Launch Boston Program to Support Local Farmers, Workers
UFCW Local 1445 played an instrumental role in supporting the Boston City Council’s passage of the Good Food Purchasing Program on March 20. The program will transform the way public institutions, including Boston Public Schools, purchase food and put millions of dollars back into Boston’s regional economy. This is the second time this year that our union has helped to pass a food justice policy. UFCW Local 75 helped to pass the Good Food Purchasing Program in Cincinnati on Jan. 28.
Boston’s Good Food Purchasing Program encourages food suppliers to provide healthier food that is ethically produced, locally sourced and environmentally friendly. The policy also protects workers’ rights to organize a union free from intimidation and helps ensure that farmers receive a fair price for the fresh food they produce.
UFCW Local 1445 was part of a community-based coalition that included other unions, as well as faith, policy and student groups, and environmental and animal welfare organizations, which advocated for the program.
“We commend the City of Boston for passing the Good Food Purchasing Policy, which includes fair labor standards,” said UFCW Local 1445 Political Director Jim Carvalho. “The city took a strong step towards providing strong incentives for food companies receiving taxpayer dollars to pay their workers a living wage, provide strong protections against workplace hazards, and otherwise move towards adopting more sustainable food production practices in a manner that bolsters our local economy.”