June 18, 2021

Smithfield Foods and its workers have reached agreement on a new contract for nearly 3,000 frontline workers at the Sioux Falls facility.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 304A announced the agreement involves “major pay increases” and expanded benefits for the employees following last year’s COVID-19 outbreak at the plant.

“In the past year, these South Dakota essential workers put their own health at risk every day to keep our food supply secure,” union president B.J. Motley said in a statement.

“With this new contract, meatpacking workers are sending a powerful message that it is time for every company in the industry to step up and recognize the incredible sacrifices made and danger faced by these frontline workers who helped millions of Americans put food on the table during this health crisis.”

The two sides were at odds early this month, with workers threatening a strike.

During contract negotiations and discussions between UFCW 304A and Smithfield, talks focused on wages for meatpacking workers, health care costs, and break times, the union said.

“As the union for these South Dakota frontline workers, UFCW Local 304A was proud to stand with our union’s members to secure this strong contract with the fair pay, good benefits, and critical safety protections they have earned and deserve,” Motley said. “Ensuring these jobs continue to provide the good pay and benefits working families need is the best way for us to honor our country’s essential workers.”