Home » Press Room » Archived Press Releases » Press Releases 2001 » ConAgra Workers Ratify First Union Contract (7/9)
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July 9, 2001

ConAgra Workers Ratify First Union Contract

ConAgra maintenance workers in Omaha made history today, ratifying the first union contract in the plant's history. In a vote late Sunday, workers overwhelming approved a new three-year agreement between ConAgra and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 271 that provides significant improvements to wages, benefits and working conditions for the 50 workers.

The new contract brings across the board wage increases for the workers, including a $.50/hour increase right away, the first wage increase in several years for the maintenance workers. Other highlights include:

  • A defined grievance and arbitration procedure that gives workers the opportunity to solve problems through a neutral third-party.
  • A 401(k) plan for workers to invest in their retirement security.
  • Improvements in vacation leave and life insurance.
  • A bidding procedure for new jobs that gives everyone a fair chance for advancement.
  • New defined skill grades in the jobs, along with further training, so that workers have more opportunity for promotions and raises.
"Thanks to our new union contract, we have a voice over our working conditions. We won the right to reduce the amount of time we have to wear extremely heavy harnesses. Now, they are only required when necessary. There's real power when workers come together with the UFCW," said Tiberio Chavez, an 11-year ConAgra employee and a member of the worker bargaining committee.

"This contract is a major step forward for the ConAgra workers. Workers should feel proud for standing together, fighting, and winning a great first contract," said Bill Schmitz, UFCW International Vice President and Director of the Food Processing, Packing and Manufacturing Division.

Today's achievement comes eight months after ConAgra workers voted for UFCW Local 271 representation at the Omaha plant. The union is currently in negotiations with ConAgra for the workers at the Armour Swift Eckrich plant where workers organized for a voice last November. Just last month, Nebraska Beef workers filed a petition with the Labor Board to have a chance to make their voices heard for UFCW representation.

The UFCW has been working with Omaha Together/One Community to organize meatpacking workers in the Omaha area since last spring.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union: A Voice for Working America- www.ufcw.org
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