WASHINGTON – United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Georgia approved a new four-year labor contract with Hormel Foods.

The UFCW and Hormel reached a tentative agreement Oct. 4. All four local unions — UFCW Local 6 (Algona Iowa), UFCW Local 9 (Austin, Minnesota), UFCW Local 1473 (Beloit, Wisconsin), and UFCW Local 1996 (Atlanta, Georgia) — held ratification votes with final votes concluding earlier last week. The UFCW said the agreement ensures that the 2,500 workers covered by the contract will have access to affordable healthcare; pension protections and more help to prepare for retirement; and higher wages.

Hormel officials stated that the contract represents an industry-leading agreement and ensures the continued partnership between the company and its team members.

“As a global branded food company, we appreciate and recognize our 20,000 inspired people around the globe and are proud of our competitive pay and benefits packages,” a statement from Hormel said. 

In a joint statement, the presidents of the local UFCW chapters said, “By strongly voting for a new contract that improves wages and benefits, thousands of our hardworking members sent a powerful message this week about the power that comes from workers standing together.

“This contract not only rewards hard work, it provides affordable healthcare, strong pensions, and critical benefits that ensure our UFCW members are able to build the better life they’ve earned. For millions of Americans, this contract ensures that they can continue to count on our members for the high-quality Hormel products they feed their families every day.”