Cargill Fort Morgan employees voted today to ratify a five-year agreement. With more than 1,100 yes votes and only 211 no votes, employees will return around Aug. 24 with harvest predicted to resume the week of Sept. 7. At full capacity, Fort Morgan can harvest 4,700 head per day; prior to the halt it was averaging 4,000 head.
“Cargill is pleased that employees represented by Teamsters Local 455 have voted to ratify a new labor agreement for our Fort Morgan beef facility,” the Cargill representative says. “We will work closely with the union on a safe, phased return to operations. Following an extended pause, employees will receive the training and support needed to return safely, while teams ensure the facility is ready to resume production. Employee safety, food safety and operational readiness will guide every step of the process. We look forward to welcoming employees back and moving forward together.”
According to the Teamsters social media, “Cargill Teamsters have stood side by side throughout this fight to protect their work, families and community. While this contract is not perfect, it is a legally binding agreement that provides security for the more than 1,700 men and women who keep Cargill running.”
The Fort Morgan plant has not been harvesting since April 23 and initiated a lockout on May 20 due to the ongoing labor negotiations with Teamsters Local 455 and the concern of a potential work stoppage. Beef processing involves live animals and highly coordinated operations. Cargill explains a sudden stoppage during production could create risks related to food safety and animal welfare, and could result in extensive food waste.
Watch for updates as more details become available.
