Teamsters at Foremost Farms in Wisconsin Secure Strong Contract Improvements

In a significant stride for labor rights, more than 100 Teamsters at the Foremost Farms facilities located in Richland Center and Lancaster, Wisconsin, have voted overwhelmingly to ratify new contracts, marking a pivotal moment in their working conditions. Representatives from Teamsters Local 120 announced the results of the vote, revealing a united front among workers who are crucial to the dairy supply chain in the region.

The ratified agreements entail a robust wage increase of over 20% over the next four years, which will significantly impact the workers' livelihoods. Additionally, the contracts include enhancements to night shift premiums and boot allowances, as well as improved healthcare benefits and a newly structured pay scale that acknowledges maintenance skills and specialized certifications.

Shaun Mullikin, a Business Agent with Teamsters Local 120, expressed gratitude to the bargaining team and the members for their solidarity and commitment to achieving equitable compensation and job security. Mullikin emphasized that the workers demonstrated a readiness to strike if necessary, which underscored their determination and ultimately led to favorable contract terms. "That unity and determination delivered contracts that will strengthen jobs, benefits, and families," Mullikin stated.

With concerns about plant ownership and job security looming over the workers, the new contracts offer strong successor language aimed at safeguarding jobs, wages, and benefits in the event that the facilities change ownership. This provision is particularly crucial as employees seek stability amid unpredictable corporate shifts.

Andrew Radtke, a Local 120 member working at Foremost Farms, underscored the importance of the new agreements, describing them as instrumental in providing peace of mind for his family. "These contracts aren't just pieces of paper; they give our families real security. They protect our jobs, our healthcare, and our livelihoods for years to come," he remarked. After a period of uncertainty, Radtke noted, the recognition of their hard work through these contracts brings a sense of relief and validation.

The collective efforts of Teamsters Local 120 highlight the broader role of labor unions in advocating for workers' rights across various industries. Representing over 15,000 workers in states including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota, Local 120 remains committed to fostering fair labor practices and strengthening workers’ rights.

The contracts ratified at Foremost Farms not only signify a win for the direct beneficiaries but also serve as a powerful example of solidarity among workers in the face of challenges. As labor issues continue to evolve, the successful negotiations at Foremost Farms can stand as a beacon of hope for similar organizations and labor movements seeking to improve their conditions and security.

For more details on Teamsters Local 120 and their initiatives, visit local120.org.