New Contract for 250 at Farmland Dairy (12/29/08)

The 250 RWDSU Local 338 members employed at Farmland Dairy in Wallington, New Jersey, have ratified a new four-year contract. The contract is the third ratified by the Farmland workers since joining the union in 2000.

Joining the union has resulted in a huge improvement in their working conditions. When they joined the union, Farmland workers were averaging $7.40 in hourly wages. This new contract raises average hourly pay all the way up to $17.80.
The new contract includes a minimum $25 per week increase over the last contract for all workers, with some earning more depending on classification.

"We are really happy with the wage increases and the extra benefits,” said Jose DeJesus, who is a utility worker on the wire dock. “The increased benefits and the security we get here, these are the reasons we are part of the union.”

Employees will also see an improved vacation benefit, with the fourth week of vacation kicking in on the 12th year of employment instead of the previous 15th. Over 100 employees will receive an additional week of vacation within the first year of the contract due to this improvement.

In addition, all previous benefits including health care have been protected without any additional premiums to the members."

“In this economy, we feel like we did very well with this contract, and it was the unity of the Farmland Dairy workers that helped make it happen,” Local 338 Representative Guy James said.