On Wednesday, November 5, approximately 200 members at Top Quality “TQ” Baking, a Marzetti company in Vineland, New Jersey, ratified a new union contract!
With the ratification of the new three-year contract, all members at TQ Baking received an immediate, across-the-board wage increase. Future increases were also guaranteed throughout the life of the contract. Most classifications also received market adjustments to their wages, further benefiting our members.
Through hard bargaining, the contract ensures that our members will maintain affordable union healthcare. The company also agreed to raise the 401(k) match, allowing our members to save more and plan for a more comfortable retirement.
The agreement shortens the length of service needed for senior members to receive more vacation weeks, allowing the members at TQ Baking to have a better-balanced work/life schedule. Finally, the company has agreed to purchase company-approved safety shoes annually, as well as furnish and launder all uniforms.
Congratulations to our members! This great victory would not have been achieved without the union negotiating committee, which included Executive Vice President Lisa Sanders, Director of Collective Bargaining Louis Faiola, Union Representative Jose Echevarria, Shop Stewards Edwin Velez, Arthur Meade, and Maday Ramos, and committee members Tomasa Martinez and James Rannels.
UFCW Local 152 proudly represents the workers at Top Quality Baking in production, sanitation, maintenance, and more. Our members help make the popular frozen “Texas Toast” garlic bread, which can be found in union retailers.
Are you interested in joining UFCW Local 152? Start by learning more about how to start a union at your workplace.