New Agreement for Florida Agricultural Workers (11/14/08)

Members of Local 595, working for Yoder Brothers in Alva, Florida, have ratified a new three-year contract. The new agreement calls for wage increases averaging 3 percent each year, and also improves the health care coverage without any increases in the cost of premiums.
Members at Yoder Brothers grow and ship tropical plants and flowers, including mums, azaleas, and poinsettias.

“We are happy with this contract, especially at a time when a number of factors, from the economy to unfriendly weather patterns, are hurting the industry,” said Local 595 President Tammy Graham. “Getting wage gains and protecting health care benefits were our two top priorities and we were able to address them.”