Workers at the JBS pork processing plant in Worthington voted to authorize a strike after union contract negotiations stalled. JBS employs more than 1,800 workers at the Worthington, Minn., facility. The plant is a slaughtering, processing and packaging facility.
Representatives of UFCW Local 1161 and JBS have been in contract negotiations for 10 months. But talks stalled on the issues of wage increases and a health care plan that union representatives say increases out-of-pocket costs while reducing coverage.
The UFCW represents workers at other JBS locations. Contract negotiations are underway in Greely, Colo., Souderton, Penn. and Grand Island, Neb. Negotiations are set to begin in two months in Louisville and Omaha.
