Del Monte Contract Raises Wages, Protects Health Care (6/4/07)

By a unanimous vote of 94-0, the members of RWDSU Local 578 in Rochelle, Illinois have ratified a new five year agreement with Del Monte Foods. The new contract calls for a $2.70 hourly increase for members over the term, and secures medical and dental coverage.

A number of language improvements were added, including a change in the service credit formula that is a welcome improvement for members.
"The change in the service credit formula really helped everyone out, and all the Del Monte workers are excited about it," said Bob Jones, a forklift operator at Del Monte. "Now, if we are out on medical leave or for other reasons, that time still counts toward our vacation. Before, members were missing out on vacation due to the old policy. The union did a heck of a job negotiating this new contract."
There are 117 RWDSU members at Del Monte, which is a distribution and labeling center for Del Monte food products.