JBS Meatpackers Win Back Pensions With Coordinated Bargaining

In a contract covering 26,000 JBS workers at 14 facilities nationwide, JBS Meatpacking workers won significant gains. The new contract includes paid sick time, wage increases, and the reinstatement of the pension plan, which was taken away almost 40 years ago. 

The contract covers JBS Regional Beef, Fed Beef, and Pork processing facilities in Hyrum Utah; Tolleson, Ariz.; Grand Island, Neb.; Omaha, Neb.; Beardstown, Ill.; Cactus, Texas; Worthington, Minn.; Plainwell, Mich.; Lenoir, N.C.; Green Bay, Wis.; Souderton, Pa.; Marshalltown, Iowa; and Ottumwa, Iowa. These workers are represented by UFCW Locals 99, 222IN, 431, 540, 663, 951, 1208, 1473, 1776KS, and 1846, respectively. 

The pension also establishes designated walking stewards on all shifts, better safety regulations for workers, improved vacation time, and higher wages. 

This contract was the result of what the UFCW referred to in a press release as the “largest nationally coordinated bargaining effort for meatpacking workers in UFCW history”. 

The success of this contract is an example of how much workers can win when they stand united and bargain together. Coordinated bargaining has delivered gains for UFCW Meatpackers — now, it’s time to expand this practice across the union to fight for stronger contracts for all.