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Cargill meatpacking workers in Fort Morgan ratified a new five-year contract to end a months-long labor dispute.

Cargill meatpacking workers in Fort Morgan ratified a new five-year contract on Monday, ending a months-long labor dispute that began with a lockout in May. Teamsters Local 455 members voted 1,113 to 211 to approve the agreement, which provides a $2.15 per hour wage increase over five years. The new contract also includes higher bonuses and a work boot voucher for members, while the union ensured the agreement was front-loaded to provide more immediate financial benefits. Cargill announced that employees will begin returning to work on August 24, with meatpacking operations expected to resume the week of September 7. The company will work with the union to ensure a safe, phased return to production. The lockout significantly impacted the local economy, as the Cargill plant is a major employer and the city of Fort Morgan has already lost approximately $3 million in revenue due to the shutdown. The agreement provides long-term security for more than 1,700 workers and their families.

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