Michigan Pickle Producers Ratify New Pact (4/8/10)

If you’ve enjoyed Vlasic products lately like pickles, relish, and pickle spears or chips, there’s a good chance they were produced by RWDSU Local 87 members in Imlay City, Michigan. On March 11, the workers at the plant ratified a new four-year agreement.

Members will see increases in wages each year, and also $2,250 in cash bonuses over the life of the pact. In addition, there will be increases in disability and life insurance benefits, and the health care benefits will be protected. A quarterly performance bonus has also been implemented, and with the plant and with its workers coming off record production numbers in 2009, there is a good potential members will be seeing additional cash bonuses.

“These are rough times, especially in Michigan, and considering all of that we are happy that we were able to negotiate a solid contract for the workers here,” said Local 87 President Richard Hauxwell. “This is the number one plant in the Vlasic family, and it’s got a dedicated group of people who work hard and stick together.”
There are about 250 RWDSU members employed at Vlasic on a year-round basis, and the number swells to over 500 during the April-December season.