After a tense few days in which a potential strike loomed over the Tyson Foods beef packing plant in Amarillo, Texas, Teamsters Local 577 members have voted to ratify a collective bargaining agreement that contains “massive improvements” for employees, according to the union.
The four-year agreement at the nation's largest beef processing plant includes a 32% wage increase, more paid time off, and additional retirement benefits. A Teamsters spokesperson told Agri-Pulse that Teamsters members voted by a 93% margin to ratify the agreement.
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"If you work in one of the most dangerous industries in the nation, you should be able to support your family and look forward to retirement,” said Jesse Case, director of the Teamsters food processing division. “Teamster strength is critical for working families in the meatpacking industry.”
Teamsters members first voted to authorize a strike last Friday, and a tentative agreement between the union and Tyson was reached Tuesday. If the two parties hadn’t been able to reach an agreement, 3,100 Teamsters members at the plant would have gone on strike.
"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Teamsters Local 577 that continues to provide a competitive pay and benefits package for our Amarillo team members,” said a Tyson Foods spokesperson. “The agreement reflects our dedication and continued investment in our team members and the Amarillo community."
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