Strikes averted as UFCW wins new union contract with JBS

Members of the UFCW local 1161 at the pork processing plant at Worthington, Minnesota have secured a new 5 year union contract after spending 11 months at the negotiating table. Together with other union workers employed by JBS across the United States, members voted for strike action in May to show their determination to maintain affordable health care.

The agreement provides for wage increases of 12.8% over the term of the contract with retroactive payments from the expiry of the previous contract.

The agreement establishes a healthcare clinic in Worthington with no cost for basic primary health care and low cost prescriptions and immunizations.

Several other UFCW locals are currently engaged in bargaining with JBS and this breakthrough is a significant win for the union.