UFCW Local 152 members working at the Johanna Foods facility in Flemington, N.J. voted unanimously to authorize a strike against their employer on Sunday, Sept. 24.

This display of solidarity is in response to the company’s persistent unwillingness to bargain in good faith with the union. UFCW Local 152 represents approximately 100 workers at the food processing plant.

“These workers trudged through the rain on their day off to come together to send a message to management,” UFCW Local 152 President Brian String said. “These workers deserve active engagement from their employer to negotiate a fair contract for the future.”

Representatives from UFCW Local 152 and the company have met more than a dozen times since the beginning of the year to attempt to reach an agreement. For the last several months, Johanna Foods refuses to bring a complete economic proposal to the bargaining table, choosing instead to seek reductions to members’ health and welfare benefits before discussing potential wage increases and other forms of compensation.

After months of frustration due to the company’s lack of commitment to its workers, the union secured bargaining assistance from a federal mediator in September, but even mediation could not compel the company to negotiate a full economic package.

“The members at Johanna Foods have spoken loud and clear with this strike authorization,” President String said. “They are tired of the company’s insulting stalling tactics and are united in their desire for a prompt, fair contract acknowledging their dedication and hard work.”

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