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.
Your union emphasized the significant and continued increases in the cost of everyday necessities, including groceries, utilities, fuel, housing, and other essential expenses. Your 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 expressed interest in eliminating or reducing certain benefits members currently enjoy, including KPI bonuses, referral bonuses, and prescription drug coverage.
In response, your Union 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 Bargaining Committee remains committed to protecting what members have worked hard to achieve and will not agree to concessions that take away from what members are currently 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, your union has adopted an open and transparent approach to collective bargaining.
This means your Union Bargaining Committee will provide regular updates and create opportunities for you to stay 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 your 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 click here to update your contact information, and a copy can be sent to you. If you wish to pick up a paper copy of both proposals, you can do so at your union office.
Please take time to review the proposal packages, and feel free to reach out to your Union Bargaining Committee members with any questions.
Upcoming bargaining dates
Your Union 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