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Wegmans warehouse employees reach labor pact

Wegmans warehouse workers have a new five-year labor contract following months of negotiations.

Teamsters Local 118 announced the contract that provides a 16.5 percent wage increase over the course of the agreement, better night differentials and a $500 ratification bonus.

“We are very pleased with the progress made in many areas of this new agreement. Reaching this five-year deal with the company underscores the company commitment to maintain general merchandise warehouse operations in the Rochester area,” said Local 118 Business Agent Paul Hogle.

Wegmans spokeswoman Jo Natale said, “We are pleased that we were able to quickly come to an agreement that benefits our people.”

The Teamsters represent about 4,300 workers in the Rochester area. They are one of three unions that negotiate on behalf of Wegmans’ employees. Bakeshop workers and general distribution workers are also unionized.

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Kraft Heinz and Teamsters reach agreement

kraftheinzlogoMore than 300 union workers at the Kraft Heinz Co. facility in Avon, Livingston County, can expect annual wage increases and an enhanced medical plan following the signing of a new three-year agreement between the manufacturer and Teamsters Local 118.

“Despite months of negotiations, business agent Dave Weilert and the team of union stewards did an outstanding job of reaching this agreement,” said Teamsters Local 118 President Paul Markwitz, in a statement. “The uncertainties of dealing with a new employer in a competitive environment posed many challenges along the way. The hard work put into this agreement is reflective in the overwhelming support by our members who voted to ratify this agreement.”

In addition to annual cost-of-living wage increases and an improved medical plan, workers’ personal leave and vacation time will be improved, officials said.

The Avon facility manufactures Cool Whip and Oscar Meyer Lunchables products and employs roughly 400 people. The company ranked 18th on the most recent RBJ list of Manufacturers, ranked by total number of local employees.

Kraft Heinz is the result of a 2015 merger between Kraft Foods Group Inc. and H.J. Heinz Co. The company is the fifth largest food and beverage company in the world.

In its most recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing, Kraft Heinz reported an increase in third quarter sales and net income, with a nearly 12 percent increase in diluted earnings per share. The company plans to report year-end results Feb. 16.

Shares of company stock (Nasdaq: KHC) were down slightly at $78.79 in midday trading.

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