Workers at the JBS-Swift plant in Hyrum, Utah, have ratified their first-ever union contract, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) said.


 


The 1,100 workers have signed a new contract, which includes provisions for regular wage increases, weekly hour guarantees, family health coverage and improved holiday entitlement.


 


The deal also brings to an end a long running dispute over whether workers should have to pay for work equipment.


 


“Now that we have a contract, we have a real voice,” said Robert Young, who has worked at the plant for two years.


“That means better benefits, active stewards, leadership in the plant and a better a way to deal with problems before they become big issues.”