Teamsters Local 577 has reached a tentative agreement with Tyson Foods of Amarillo, potentially averting a strike at the nation’s largest beef processing facility. Union members are scheduled to vote on the proposed contract Wednesday, July 2.
“Teamsters Local 577 has reached a tentative agreement with Tyson Foods of Amarillo, and it was unanimously endorsed by the negotiating committee. Tyson Teamsters will be voting on ratification of the contract tomorrow. Our members demonstrated an incredible amount of solidarity and courage throughout this process, and it’s an honor to represent them,” said Al Brito, president of Teamsters Local 577.
Details of the agreement have not yet been released. Union officials say terms will be shared after the ratification vote.
The tentative deal announced Tuesday, July 1 follows a 98% strike authorization vote last week, as more than 3,000 union workers at the Amarillo plant pushed for higher pay, improved health care, and stronger retirement benefits. Negotiations began in March, and the union filed multiple unfair labor practice complaints during the process, citing alleged violations by Tyson.
If the contract is approved, it would mark a major victory for the union after months of mounting pressure and public organizing, union officials said.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Teamsters, Tyson reach tentative deal in Amarillo; vote set for July 2
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
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