Mondelez and baker’s union reach agreement

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Nabisco workers have ended their week-long strike. Pic: GettyImages/ogichobanov

A dispute over wages, hours and benefits has come to an end after Nabisco employees and management reached a tentative agreement over the weekend.

Nabisco is a subsidiary of the Oreo snack giant.

According to the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTWGM) International Union, more than 1,000 hourly employees in five US states went on strike after negotiations over the new contract – which began in May – came to an impasse last month.

Workers at six sites were objecting to changes in shift lengths and overtime rules. They have now agreed to return to work with a new contract that honours the union’s high standards.

On its website, Mondelez said the agreement is retroactive to 1 March 2021 and includes ‘hourly wage increases each year of the contract, increased company match to 401(k) contributions and updates to certain workplace policies’.

In a statement, BCTWGM president Anthony Shelton said, “This has been a long and difficult fight for our striking members, their families and our union. Throughout the strike, our members displayed tremendous courage, grit and determination.”

Glen Walker, executive VP of North America for Mondelez, added, “Our goal has always been to reach agreements that would provide our union-represented colleagues with good wages and competitive benefits, while also positioning our U.S. bakeries and sales distribution facilities for future growth and success.

“We look forward to welcoming back our BCTGM-represented colleagues and returning to normal production and distribution to customers and consumers.”