On Wednesday, December 13th, over one hundred members at Johanna Foods in Flemington, NJ voted to ratify a historic new contract!

Accomplishing this task was not an easy feat. Several weeks ago, the membership unanimously gave a strike authorization to their negotiating committee.

This strong display of solidarity—coupled with a public awareness campaign supported by the International Union—ultimately helped deliver this landmark agreement to Johanna Foods members!

Johanna Foods members voting on their contract.

Local 152 members will first receive a substantial retroactive wage increase. The general wage increase for the life of the contract equates to $4.70/hour, signifying the largest general wage increase in our Local’s history with Johanna Foods!

Additionally, members maintained their excellent union health benefits with no employee cost share for the life of the agreement. Language was put in place to allow for a more streamlined vacation selection process that will help our members plan their time off.

Finally, the Employer agreed to substantial contribution increases to members’ retirement savings to help them better prepare for a more comfortable retirement.

Congratulations to our members and those on the Negotiating Committee who fought hard for this wonderful contract! The team included Assistant to the President/Director of Collective Bargaining Dan Ross, Union Representative Matte Kane, Shop Stewards Keith Kolbe, and Committee members Ernest Crause, Annah Maina, Jose Salazar, Dan Jones, and Nestor Rivera. Also playing pivotal roles were International Vice President Fallon Ager-Norman and Chief Legal Counsel Mark Belland of O’Brien, Belland, Bushinsky, LLC. Great job, everyone!

UFCW Local 152 proudly represents more than 110 members at Johanna Foods, a facility that produces yogurts and more.