I am pleased to share an update on our recent endeavors to advance the rights and protections of workers within our industry.

In February, I had the privilege of attending the International Union Advisory Board Meetings, where I participated in discussions as part of the Food, Processing, Packing, and Manufacturing panel. During these meetings, I proudly reported on our successful efforts to organize the sanitation departments in two of our packing plants located in Southwest Kansas. However, these achievements were not without their challenges.

The company we targeted had a history of human rights violations, and it was the exposure of child labor that finally drove us into action. Recognizing the opportunity, we seized the chance to reclaim sanitation under a UFCW contract.

Initially, the International Union negotiated a groundbreaking deal with JBS– one of the largest meat processing companies, to bring sanitation workers under a UFCW contract. However, Union efforts didn’t stop there. We targeted the Parent Company-owned subcontractor, pressuring them through various channels, including pension investments, to secure a historic neutrality agreement. In parallel, we collaborated with the Department of Labor to identify and address potential labor law violations, ensuring the industry remained free from child labor.

Our relentless dedication paid off. We successfully leveraged the union agreement to achieve numerous organizing victories across the industry, resulting in the return of hundreds of union jobs. Because of these efforts, I proudly announce that Local 2 has successfully organized over 450 workers.

To date, we have organized three additional sanitation units in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri!

Our successes highlight the power of solidarity and strategic leverage, and as we enter into contract negotiations nationwide, we remain committed to securing further victories with employers Cargill, and Tyson. Whether by unionizing subcontracted sanitation units or bringing jobs back in-house, we will continue our fight until every worker receives the union protections and representation they deserve.