Collective Bargaining Begins at WD Processing!
Your Union Bargaining Committee met with the Company on October 5–7, 2026, marking the beginning of the collective bargaining process.
Both parties presented opening statements outlining their priorities and objectives for this round of bargaining and beyond, followed by the presentation of their respective proposal packages.
The Company’s opening discussions focused primarily on production, efficiency, and quality. The Company also raised concerns about not reaching full production levels until 2028, along with ongoing uncertainty surrounding customer demand and production schedules.
The Union emphasized the significant and continued increases in the cost of everyday necessities, including groceries, utilities, fuel, housing, and other essential expenses. The Union also stressed the importance of securing strong collective agreement language that provides members with greater security, stability, and confidence in their future.
As these meetings represented the initial presentations from both parties, there was limited opportunity at this stage to engage in detailed discussions or negotiations on monetary items.
However, the Company did express an interest in eliminating or reducing certain benefits that members currently enjoy, including KPI bonuses, referral bonuses, and prescription drug coverage.
In response, your Bargaining Committee made its position clear: our focus is on building upon the wages, benefits, and protections members currently have—not giving them up. Your Committee remains committed to protecting what members have worked hard to achieve and will not agree to concessions that take away from what members currently are entitled to.
Open and transparent bargaining
Under the leadership of President Thomas Hesse and Secretary Treasurer Richelle Stewart, and with the support of the Executive Board, the local has adopted an open and transparent approach to collective bargaining. This means that your Bargaining Committee will be providing regular updates and creating opportunities for you to be more involved as the process continues.
As such, we are sending out copies of the initial bargaining proposals from both the Union and the Company.
- You can download a copy of the Union’s proposals here.
- You can download a copy of the Employer’s proposals here.
IMPORTANT: If you did not receive a copy of the proposals by email, please contact our office to update your contact information, and a copy can be sent to you. Alternatively, you can pick up a paper copy of both proposals at the Union Office.
Please take some time to review the proposal packages and feel free to reach out to your Bargaining Committee members if you have any questions.
Upcoming bargaining dates
Your Bargaining Committee has scheduled the following dates to continue discussions with the Company:
- November 9-10, 2026
- December 7-9, 2026
- January 26-27, 2027
- February 23-24, 2027
Please stay tuned for further updates.
In solidarity,
Your Union
UFCW Local 401
Posted on: October 15,2026