Employees at Cargill’s Fort Morgan, CO, beef plant have agreed to a new labor agreement after a nearly three-month-long labor dispute.
“While this contract is not perfect, it is a legally binding agreement that provides security for the more than 1,700 men and women who keep Cargill running,” Teamsters Local 455 said.
Cargill proposed a total wage increase of $2.15 per hour spread out over a five-year contract—front-loaded so union members make more money earlier on—and higher bonuses, according to a local 9News report.
“Fort Morgan employees are an important part of Cargill’s beef business and play an important role in the local community,” the company said in a statement. “The facility provides employment for people across the area, supports local and regional cattle suppliers and serves customers throughout Cargill’s beef supply chain.”
Initial harvesting will begin after employee training, cattle availability and operational readiness are confirmed, Cargill said.
The agreement ends a lockout that began May 20 after union workers rejected a new collective bargaining agreement.
