Union rejects Farmland proposal at Denison plant

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10439817

Published Monday September 22, 2008
Union rejects Farmland proposal at Denison plant
By GORDON WOLF
THE DENISON BULLETIN AND REVIEW

DENISON, Iowa - Members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 440 voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer from Farmland Foods and to authorize a strike notice.

An increase of more than 20 percent in the employees’ contribution to health insurance is one of the factors at the heart of the dispute.

Close to 1,000 union members voted at the Denison High School gym Sunday afternoon. Local 440 has about 1,250 members. The vote was 92 percent in favor to reject the company’s offer and authorize a strike notice.

"Our intention is not to strike," said Leo Kanne, secretary-treasurer of Local 440. "Our intention is to go back to the table."

Kanne said Farmland Foods proposed five wage increases over the next four years and nine months, amounting to a total of $1.50 per hour. He said the first increase of 30 cents an hour would have gone into effect upon ratification of the contract.


FULL story at link.