GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. — Employees at the JBS beef processing facility in Plainwell, Mich., voted to ratify a new contract.

More than 1,300 workers at JBS are members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 951.

Terms of the new contract include an immediate $750 bonus, guaranteed wage increases each year of the contract, a new pension plan with employer contribution and improvements to paid time off, according to information from the union.

“We fought hard for wage increases and an overall improved contract for the JBS members,” said Courtney Phillips, secretary/treasurer of UFCW Local 951. “I am proud of the members who served on the bargaining committee and worked together to achieve contract gains that improve the lives of their fellow members.”

The new contract runs through November 2029.

Along with the wage increases, union members will also see a difference in vacation pay calculation and improved paid time off for employees with 10 years of service and those with more than 25 years of service.

“The vacation time is now paid by your average hours worked, as compared to only a 40-hour week, because the majority of us work more hours than that, so that’s a big thing in my eyes,” said Scott Smith, who works in shipping at JBS and served on the bargaining committee. “The pension is a big deal for people who are looking to stay in a long-term position with the company. The company is putting money into the pension, and we don’t have to put any money into it.”

JBS USA did not respond to a request for comment at time of publication.