#United States #Teamsters #Wisconsin #Foremost Farms #Reedsburg

Teamsters at Foremost Farms Secure Strong Contract in Reedsburg

In a landmark agreement, over 40 Teamsters at Foremost Farms located in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, have successfully ratified a new four-year contract, marking a significant achievement for the workforce. The newly agreed contract includes an impressive 27 percent wage increase, enhanced benefits, and improved workplace protections which collectively aim to foster a more secure and equitable environment for its members at this prominent dairy cooperative.

The ratification of this contract is a reflection of the unwavering resolve and solidarity displayed by the Teamsters during the negotiation process. As Shaun Mullikin, Business Agent for Teamsters Local 120, emphasized, "This contract is a testament to the strength and solidarity of our members. They remained united throughout negotiations and refused to settle." This statement highlights the importance of collective action among union members, who worked tirelessly to advocate for improved working conditions and compensation.

In addition to higher wages, the contract secures several essential benefits for employees, including:

• - Retroactive pay for the duration of stalled negotiations.
• - Additional vacation time to promote work-life balance.
• - Preserved TeamCare health coverage, ensuring that workers have access to necessary medical services.
• - Improved overtime protections to ensure fair compensation for extra hours worked.
• - Solutions aimed at addressing longstanding staffing challenges within the facility.
• - Enhanced paid leave provisions that account for emergencies and family needs.
• - Strong successor language that protects jobs and benefits in the event of ownership changes or plant transfers.

Jeremy Backeberg, a proud worker at Foremost Farms and steward with Local 120, shared his thoughts on the negotiation process, stating, “A lot was at stake throughout these negotiations. We all stayed engaged, supported one another, and made sure our voices were heard.” This sentiment reinforces the idea that cooperative efforts among members can lead to successful outcomes.

The Ratification occurred on September 10, 2026, and represents a substantial advancement for Teamsters in Wisconsin, affirming their dedication to fighting for their rights. Teamsters Local 120 proudly represents a workforce exceeding 15,000 members across multiple states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

For those interested in further details about the union or potential membership, Teamsters Local 120 maintains a presence online at local120.org. This victory serves as a powerful reminder of the collective strength found within labor unions, highlighting the importance of advocacy, dialogue, and solidarity in the modern workforce. The success of the Foremost Farms Teamsters is not just a win for its members but also sets a precedent for future negotiations in the agricultural sector and beyond, encouraging workers to organize and fight for their rights.

As the workforce at Foremost Farms moves forward under this new contract, they do so with the knowledge that their voices and actions have made a significant and lasting impact on their workplace environment, which should resonate as a motivational beacon for workers across various sectors.