Victory at Vlasic: RWDSU Local 87 Members Prove Power of Solidarity with Historic New Union Contract
When workers stand united at the bargaining table, they don't just negotiate a contract, they win real, life-changing progress on the shop floor.
That truth was proven once again as the 500+ members of RWDSU Local 87 at Vlasic overwhelmingly ratified a powerful new collective bargaining agreement. Covering the entire plant workforce, the victory is a testament to what happens when workers demand respect, dignity, and a real voice in their workplace.
From substantial wage increases to pioneering safeguards against potentially unfair use of technology, Local 87’s member-led negotiating team fought for and won contract language that sets a bold standard across the food processing industry.
Winning Security, Rest, and Fairness on the Shop Floor
The bargaining team included: Jerry Cicalo, Anthony Witcher, Sam Smith, Maira Vega-Baez, Warren Tripp. Kelina Leon, Joe Silva, Zane Crockett.
Negotiating in a state with no legal requirement for rest periods between work shifts, the bargaining committee made worker health and safety a top priority. Local 87 fought for and established a mandatory 8-hour minimum turnaround time between shifts, putting an end to grueling schedule rotations and ensuring members get the rest they earn, deserve and to ensure a safe workplace for all.
The union also broke new ground on technology safeguards by securing aggressive artificial intelligence protections. As automated technologies rapidly expand in manufacturing, the new agreement guarantees that the human element stays firmly in the loop. Management is strictly prohibited from using AI systems or algorithmic surveillance to drive workplace performance reviews, dictate discipline, track performance metrics without human evaluation, or enable potential discrimination on the job.
Building Union Power from Day One
Strengthening collective solidarity from the moment a worker steps through the door was central to this contract fight. Under the new agreement, new hires become full RWDSU Local 87 members on Day 1 with zero waiting period. Every new employee is immediately welcomed into the union, fully backed by the protections, representation, and voice of a strong collective bargaining agreement right out of the gate.
Real Financial Gains and Expanded Quality-of-Life Benefits
The economic package brings substantial gains directly to members and their families:
Significant Wage Raises: Delivers major pay increases across every plant job classification, ensuring members receive fair compensation that reflects their hard work.
Ending “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Sick Time: Workers will no longer forfeit unused Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) hours. Under the new contract language, any remaining ESTA balance is paid out directly to members at the end of each year.
Expanded Healthcare Options: Overhauls healthcare plan structures to offer expanded tier options tailored to fit families of all sizes, making affordable, quality coverage accessible to every home.
Enhanced Financial & Family Protections: Boosts the company 401(k) match to help members build long-term security, alongside increased disability benefits and expanded paid bereavement leave.
Solidarity Delivered the Win
This contract wasn't handed down, it was won through months of hard work, member engagement, and strong solidarity. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder, the members of Local 87 showed management that when we bargain together, we win together.