As pork producers work on addressing the issue of a court ruling slowing line speeds at pork plants, there’s another issue brewing: a worker strike at a major pork plant. The workers’ union authorized a strike at the Smithfield Foods Plant in Sioux Falls this week.
Union workers voted overwhelmingly to go on strike if a new contract is not reached. However, leaders with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union say they hope to avoid a work stoppage as they meet with company representatives.
The union is demanding the company boost its wage offerings. Smithfield Foods says its initial contract offer was in line with accepted agreements at other plants. The Sioux Falls plant produces 5% of all U.S. pork.
