On Wednesday, April 2nd, approximately twenty-five workers at MD Plastics (formerly Maryland Plastics) in Federalsburg, Maryland ratified a new union contract!

New Beginnings

In December 2024, Maryland Plastics was sold to new owners. Fortunately, our union members at the plant had peace of mind knowing that their union contract held “successorship language” that would protect them in the event of a sale.

While the new owners have the right to implement changes to their business, because of the existing union contract, the new terms needed to be negotiated with the membership.

The two negotiating committees had to work together to create a mutually agreeable contract that worked for both parties. These changes were ultimately beneficial to both parties.

Hard Work Pays Off

The new owners, who renamed the company MD Plastics, greatly value their religious beliefs and wanted to reflect their faith in their business, particularly within their operating schedule and holidays.

The company proposed reducing the workweek to 32-hour schedules to eliminate work on Fridays, but through hard bargaining, our union negotiating committee kept the 40-hour workweek by adjusting the work schedule. Members will work five eight-hour days or four ten-hour days, depending on the shift worked.

Additionally, the union committee succeeded in negotiating pay for our members when the plant closes to observe certain religious holidays.

All members will receive an across-the-board wage increase as well as annual increases for the three-year contract’s term. The union negotiating committee maintained the members’ quality union health insurance. Finally, the company agreed to increase the 401(K) employer match, which will provide an opportunity for our members to plan for retirement and a more secure financial future.

Strong Committee

Congratulations to our members, and a special congratulations to the workers on the union negotiating committee! The committee consisted of Executive Vice President Lisa Sanders, Union Representative Ernest Dunmore, and Shop Stewards Vanessa Ryans and Davonya Thomas.

UFCW Local 152 proudly represents about twenty-five workers at MD Plastics, a manufacturer of consumer plastics, including cutlery, tabletop, housewares, and more in Maryland. Our members work in production, maintenance, warehouse, and shipping.

Are you interested in joining UFCW Local 152? Start by learning more about how to start a union at your workplace.