Union NewsCollective Bargaining
Written By Chelsea Connor

Victory at Treehouse Foods: Tennessee District Council Ratifies Strong New Contract & Grows Union Membership

On July 18, 2026, members of the Tennessee District Council (TDC) at Treehouse Foods officially ratified a new contract, marking a major win for the workforce and proving what solidarity can accomplish.

This victory was the direct result of months of hard work and relentless dedication from the member-led Bargaining Committee. They went into negotiations determined to bring back real, meaningful improvements to wages, time off, and daily working conditions, and they delivered across the board.


Organizing as We Bargain: Growing 10% Stronger

What makes this ratification even more special is how the committee used the bargaining process to unify and expand our union. Every single person who filled in a bargaining survey signed a new membership application. By actively connecting with workers at every step, personally handing out contract surveys and guiding members through the ratification process, the committee signed up enough new members to boost overall union membership by 10%. That growing unity gave our bargaining team the leverage they needed at the table.

What Members Won: Key Highlights of the New Agreement

The new contract brings huge wins that directly improve lives both on and off the shop floor:

  • Better Pay in Our Pockets: A total 14% wage increase, starting strong with 5.5% in Year 1, plus a $1,000 ratification bonus.

  • More Time for Life Outside Work: A brand-new Floating Holiday to use whenever members see fit, enhanced personal days, improved vacation language, and expanded funeral leave.

  • New Roles & Recognition for Expertise: Four brand-new job positions were created (including three within a newly formed Process Support Specialists group).

  • New Committees & Trainer Pay:

    • A Training Committee, which includes a $1.00/hour pay bump for trainers.

    • A Maintenance Committee.

    • A Process Support Specialists Committee.

  • Increased Allowances & Safety Nets: Higher short-term disability coverage and an increased shoe allowance.

Meet the Bargaining Committee

A massive thank you to the team who spent countless hours fighting for every word in this agreement!

(In the photo, left to right)

Tomas Hernandez – Chief Steward

Bob Dixon – TDC President

Johanna Moreno – New Steward (supported the team!)

Mark Jackson – Steward

David Gurfinkel – Steward

Maria Chacon – Steward

Jose Gutierrez – Steward

Christian Turner – Steward

Not pictured: Dilton MacDonald – Steward

Chelsea Connor
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