UFCW Local 400 members don’t just sell the food we eat; they also make it. At the Smithfield plant in Newport News, VA, the Tyson plant in Glen Allen, VA., and Boar’s Head plants in Jarratt and Petersburg, VA, Local 400 members prepare, process and package everything from lunch meat to bacon to chicken. It’s important work, but it’s also difficult and dangerous. Every day, workers are at risk of cuts, repetitive motion injuries, back problems, exposure to toxic chemicals, deadly microbes, and other hazards. That’s why Local 400 makes safety and health a top priority in collective bargaining...
photo: UFCW 400 President Mark Federici (second from left), touring the Smithfield plant earlier this year
photo: UFCW 400 President Mark Federici (second from left), touring the Smithfield plant earlier this year
in political and legislative advocacy, and in ensuring enforcement of all rules and regulations. Last year, the UFCW achieved two key victories in poultry safety and health. “These victories are important,” said Local 400 President Mark Federici. “And thanks to their Local 400 membership, our Smithfield, Tyson and Boar’s Head members work under better conditions with better pay and benefits than their non-union counterparts. But Local 400 is never satisfied with the status quo and as a union, we’re going to keep doing more to make their work environment and compensation better still.”