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Cargill's Fort Morgan Union Members Ratify Contract: Harvesting to Resume Sept. 7
drovers.com • • business
Key Points:
- Employees at Cargill's Fort Morgan beef facility have ratified a five-year labor agreement with over 1,100 votes in favor, allowing operations to resume around August 24 and harvest to restart the week of September 7.
- The plant, which can harvest up to 4,700 head per day, was previously averaging 4,000 head before halting operations on April 23 and initiating a lockout on May 20 due to labor negotiations with Teamsters Local 455.
- Cargill emphasized a safe, phased return to work focused on employee safety, food safety, and operational readiness, including training and support for employees returning after the extended pause.
- Teamsters Local 455 acknowledged the agreement as a legally binding contract providing job security for over 1,700 employees, despite noting it is not perfect.
- The lockout and production halt were driven by concerns over potential work stoppages that could risk animal welfare, food safety, and lead to significant food waste due to the complex nature of beef processing operations.
