AUSTIN, MINN. — An Oct. 11 update from the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) confirmed that union members ratified a new contract with Hormel Foods Corp.

Leadership from the union stated that the contract provided the largest wage increase in the company’s history, with an hourly increase of $3-$6 per hour. 

UFCW added that the new contract nearly doubled bereavement leave, protected healthcare coverage, and increased pension and 401K benefits.

The union represented workers at Hormel locations in Minnesota, Georgia, Wisconsin and Iowa.

“This critical victory could not have happened without the hard work and solidarity of our members across four Local Unions,” said Marc Perrone, president of UFCW International. “Today proves that when workers stand together and make their voices heard, they win. While we celebrate this historic and much-deserved victory, the work will continue. We will dedicate ourselves to enforcing this contract and ensuring that Hormel lives up to their commitments over the next four years.” 

Hormel provided a statement to MEAT+POULTRY on the completion of the new deal.

“We are pleased that we have reached a new, four-year agreement with the unions representing our team members in Atlanta, Ga., Austin, Minn., Algona, Iowa, and Beloit, Wis.,” said a Hormel spokesperson. “We are proud to continuously invest in our people in recognition of the work they do to put the safe, quality food that consumers trust and need on tables across the globe.:

In September, UFCW 663 rejected Hormel’s offer before this agreement was reached this month. Both parties agreed to extend the most recent contract to Oct. 8.