ST. JOSEPH, MO. – Triumph Foods announced on Sept.1 that it reached an agreement with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) District Union Local 2 on a pay raise for all new and current production employees.

The two sides agreed to raise the starting rate for new hires to $20 per hour. This increase also has a $1 per hour differential for employees working second and third shifts.

“Triumph Foods employees are hard-working members of our community who have seen a lot of challenges over the last two years,” said Matt England, chief operating officer of Triumph Foods. “This wage increase is a way to show our appreciation for some of the most resilient people in our industry. It’s also a big investment in the future of our employees and their ability to have a long-term career with us.”

Additionally, all current production employees will receive a minimum $2.75 wage increase. Triumph said the change was effective immediately for its 2,800 workers at its St. Joseph pork plant.

“Our union is thrilled that Triumph Foods has agreed to implement this significant wage increase,” said Martin Rosas, UFCW Local 2 president. “This rate is almost 15% higher than current starting wages, which is an incredible investment in Triumph team members who work so hard to supply pork for consumers.”

The company said this was the largest wage increase in 15 years. In addition to the pay increase, Triumph Foods employees have access to a paid referral program and additional earned time off beginning in early 2022.

“This is a historic agreement. It demonstrates our commitment to being the employer of choice in St. Joseph,” said Kevin Neal, senior vice president of human resources for Triumph Foods. “We provide flexibility, highly competitive wages and advancement opportunities for our employee base.”