Teamsters at Foremost Farms Secure Better Terms with New Contract Ratification

Teamsters at Foremost Farms Achieve a Major Victory

In a significant collective effort, dairy workers at Foremost Farms USA, represented by Teamsters Local 120, have overwhelmingly ratified a new contract that promises substantial improvements over the next four years. This agreement not only highlights the power of organized labor but also sets a precedent for similar negotiations across the industry.

The newly ratified agreement ensures higher wages and increased pension contributions for the Teamsters members. Workers will also benefit from improved health care provisions, reflecting the organization's commitment to their well-being. Brad Lusk, a shop steward from Local 120, expressed the sentiment of the workforce, stating, "This company has generated a lot of revenue because of our hard work. We fought hard for this contract, and now every worker at this company is better off because we were ready to strike to get what we deserved."

The necessity of a strike authorization vote among the workers was crucial in bringing management to the negotiation table. By demonstrating their solidarity and readiness to strike, the Teamsters compelled Foremost Farms to address their demands seriously. As a result of these negotiations, significant enhancements were made, including tripling the premium rate for night shifts, extending bereavement leave, and doubling the allotment for work boot expenses.

Tiffany Kagel, a business agent for Local 120, commented on the achievement, saying, "It's about time Foremost Farms USA starts recognizing what Teamsters members have known all along. Workers are responsible for the success of this company, so it's only right that we get great health care and other benefits."

Cory Holliday, another shop steward from Local 120, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the resolve of the workers, "We're willing to do whatever it takes to get a fair contract, and so is every other Teamster at this company."

This contract revision comes as a significant milestone for Local 120, which represents over 15,000 workers across the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The successful negotiation process not only benefits the dairy workers at Foremost Farms but also strengthens the collective bargaining power of workers in similar sectors.

The Teamsters union continues to advocate fiercely for the rights and welfare of its members, seeking not just to secure fair wages but also to ensure dignified working conditions and benefits that reflect the hard labor the dairy workers contribute to the organization.

For those seeking more information about Teamsters Local 120 and their initiatives, visit local120.org. As we move forward, this agreement marks an important step in the ongoing struggle for workers' rights and recognition in the agriculture sector, aiming for a balanced partnership between management and employees that values the contributions of every worker involved in creating the success of the company.