On Wednesday, January 8th, more than seventy workers at Barry Callebaut in Pennsauken, New Jersey, ratified a new union contract!

This new contract provides these members an immediate 3.75% wage increase and guarantees they will maintain affordable health benefits.

Additionally, the agreement introduces two new job titles, Warehouse Specialist and Mechanic-Special Projects. The company also agreed to develop an in-house apprenticeship program to help bargaining unit members continue to develop and improve their skills.

Finally, the shoe allowance was increased by $30, allowing members to be reimbursed up to $150 annually, and, new for this contract, a $25 reimbursement for shoe insoles.

Congratulations to our members and the hardworking negotiating committee! This included Executive Vice President Lisa Sanders, Executive Assistant to the President Danette Montes-Palmore, Union Representative Matte Kane, Chief Shop Steward Jerry Cheever, Shop Stewards Christian Algarin and Jose “Yusef” Polanco, and Jose L. Mercado.

UFCW Local 152 represents about seventy members in production, warehouse, and maintenance at Barry Callebaut in Pennsauken, NJ, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products.

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