By Kassidy Arena, Nebraska Public Media News
Meatpacking workers at 14 JBS Foods facilities will see a significant change in their benefits package following the ratification of a first-ever national union contract.
The new contract has negotiated wage increases, a paid sick leave program and a pension retirement plan for 26,000 JBS workers, including those at the Grand Island and Omaha locations, along with Iowa locations in Marshalltown and Ottumwa.
Ivan Luna Guerrero, a refrigeration mechanic at the JBS Fed Beef plant in Grand Island, said in a press release this is the first time he’ll have paid sick time as an employee.
“For the first time, JBS will have a paid sick time program that we can use to take care of ourselves and our families while keeping us healthy and safe on the job,” he said. “For too long, the meatpacking industry offered zero paid sick time for its workers.”
According to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), this is the first time a meatpacking employer has offered a pension fund since 1986. Luna Guerrero is a member of his local UFCW chapter.
UFCW said the new paid sick leave program establishes an industry standard across the nation for other meatpacking companies.
“This contract also establishes new ergonomic safety measures to reduce workplace injury and fatigue, allows for dedicated walking stewards, and strengthens safety committees to ensure that workers are consistently protected across JBS facilities,” Mark Lauritsen, director of the food processing, packing and manufacturing division, said in a press release.
The contract also creates Safety and Ergonomic Committees at each JBS plant. The union will also work with JBS to establish a National Joint Labor Management Committee to focus on workplace communication and technology.
Stay in the know with stories that matter — visit HolaAmericaNews.com for the latest news, culture, and community updates!
