Albert Lea, MN-Three hundred members of UFCW Local 6 at the Cargill Meat Solutions’ Albert Lea plant (formerly Schweigert Foods) have ratified a new contract by a majority vote on April 13, 2008. The workers at the meat processing plant make lunch meats, bratwursts, chicken tenders and chicken wings among other products.

The new contract:

--Delivers wage increases including $1.40/hr increase over the next four years-including $0.50 on January 5, 2009. The increase will bring the base rate to $13.20 by the end of the contract.

--Vastly improves health care, dental care, and prescription drug coverage.

--Improves retirement security by establishing a new defined benefit pension plan. The plan ensures a guaranteed income of $22.50 per month, per year of service for retirees. In 2011, that amount will increase to $25.00 per month per year. Employees will still be able to make contributions to their existing 401(k) plan.