Packing plant workers approve new contract (may be the best in the industry)

http://www.coloradoconnection.com/news/story.aspx?id=442519

Monday, April 12, 2010 at 11:32 a.m.

Read more: State, Business, JBS, Greeley, UFCS Local 7, United Food and Commercial Workers, New Contract

GREELEY, COLO. -- United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 workers at the JBS packing plant in Greeley approved a new three-year contract by a wide margin Sunday.

Officials say the contract may be the best in the industry. Ninety-nine percent of workers who voted said “yes” to the new deal. The plant employs about 2,400 people.

“This deal is all gains for everybody,” said Linda Sughroue, a 25-year veteran at the plant who works in fabricating and boxing.

Workers will get raises, health insurance with better coverage and lower co-pays. Health insurance premiums will not increase over the life of the contract. They also keep wellness days -- days off for working without sick days and additional vacations.

Workers will also get retroactive pay back to November, when the old contract expired.

“I just love the new contract. It’s all positive, nothing negative,” said Sughroue, who was a member of the worker negotiating committee.

FULL story at link.

It's deja vu 1910 all over again.