Teamsters Secures Major Contract Enhancements with Danone North America in Virginia

Major Contract Improvements for Teamsters Local 29 with Danone

In an impressive win for labor, Teamsters Local 29, located in Mount Crawford, Virginia, has ratified a new contract with Danone North America that brings significant enhancements to pay and benefits for its members. This contract is especially noteworthy as it impacts around 550 dairy workers, including technicians, drivers, mechanics, along with those working in lab and control roles.

Michael Moxley, President of Teamsters Local 29, emphasized the importance of this new agreement, stating, “Our members deserve a great contract that reflects the sacrifice and commitment they provide to making Danone successful, and that is exactly what we accomplished.” The newly ratified contract not only boosts compensation but also focuses on providing long-term security through retirement plans, ensuring that workers have a reliable future.

Key Benefits of the New Contract

The newly agreed terms include guaranteed wage increases, extra paid sick time, and increased vacation allowances. Moreover, the contract ensures the continuance of medical benefits while allowing members to enter the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Fund—an initiative that strengthens their retirement framework. Additionally, the new grievance procedure is designed to be more streamlined, making it easier for team members to address workplace concerns efficiently.

Allen Robertson, a mechanic at Danone, expressed the sentiment of many union members, stating, “We fought for what we deserve, and we got it. We are very happy with our new agreement.” This indicates not just personal satisfaction but a broader acknowledgment of the hard-fought nature of these discussions between the union and Danone.

A Momentum for Labor

This agreement comes on the heels of another significant contract finalized by Teamsters Local 767 in Fort Worth, Texas, which had similar terms—an indicator that Danone’s workforce across different states is gaining greater benefits and respect. Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, remarked, “Danone Teamsters are on a winning streak and will continue to win respect and strengthen workplace protections.”

Founded over a century ago in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters today represents around 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. This recent ratification illustrates how labor unions continue to play a vital role in advocating for fair workplace treatment across diverse industries.

For more information about the Teamsters and their initiatives, or if you'd like to follow ongoing updates, visit Teamster.org, and be sure to engage with them on social media via X @Teamsters or on their Facebook page.

This development not only signifies a step forward for Danone's employees but also sets a precedent for other companies to reassess how they treat their workers, marking another victory in the ongoing battle for workers’ rights and fair compensation.