Heaven Hill: Push Back on the Squeeze
Collective Bargaining Begins
Your UFCW 401 Bargaining Committee met and exchanged proposals with Heaven Hill on July 29 and 30, 2025. While this is just the beginning of the bargaining process, each side gave opening statements to talk about themes and goals for the future, followed by an exchange of proposals. We continued with early discussions on several topics, including operations, shutdowns, job postings, union representation, discipline, and dignity and respect.
Open and Transparent Bargaining
Under the leadership of President Thomas Hesse and Secretary Treasurer Richelle Stewart, and with the support of the UFCW 401 Executive Board, the local has adopted an open and transparent approach to collective bargaining. This policy means that your Bargaining Committee will be providing regular updates and creating opportunities for you to be more involved as the process continues.
“Every member’s voice matters,” said Richelle Stewart, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Local 401. “When we listen to one another and stand together, we unlock the strength that lives in our solidarity.”
As such, we are sending out copies of the initial bargaining proposals from both the union and the company. While these are initial positions, your union does have some concerns about several of the proposals that the company has tabled, though it is too early to tell where their priorities lie.
You can download a copy of the union’s proposals, here.
You can download a copy of the employer’s proposals, here.
Your Bargaining Committee will need your continued support through this process to achieve a renewed Collective Agreement that you can be proud of.
“You’re working hard, making high-quality products, showing up and keeping your workplace running, but meanwhile, your bills, groceries, and rent keep climbing,” said Thomas Hesse, President of UFCW Local 401. “We can’t allow your wages to fall behind while the cost-of-living surges. At the very least, we need a contract that keeps up with inflation. You deserve better, and we’re here to fight for it.”
IMPORTANT: If you did not receive a copy of the proposals by email, please contact our office to update your contact information so we can send them to you. Alternatively, your Bargaining Committee can provide you with a paper copy.
Upcoming Bargaining DatesYour Bargaining Committee has scheduled the following dates to continue discussions with the company:
September 23-25, 2025October 21-25, 2025October 28-30, 2025
Your committee must know what your priorities are as we progress further into bargaining.
Therefore, in the coming weeks, we will be seeking your input on a short survey on monetary and benefit proposals and asking you to rank the proposals in order of importance to you.
We will keep you updated as things progress. Please feel free to reach out to your Bargaining Committee members if you have any questions.
In solidarity,
Your UFCW Local 401
Union Bargaining Committee
To download a printable version of this document, click here.
Posted on: August 13,2025