Nearly 59 workers at B&G Foods workers in Stoughton have voted to strike “as they fight for fair wages, affordable health care and improved working conditions at an understaffed facility,” according to the union representing them.
The Stoughton plant produces household-name products including Cream of Wheat, Skinnygirl Salad Dressing and Ortega Taco Sauce.
“B&G Foods is taking advantage of a workforce that keeps its Stoughton operation running,” Shaun Mullikin, business agent with Teamsters Local 120, said in a statement. “Meanwhile, workers are dealing with long hours and rising costs, while the company refuses to make basic improvements. Fair pay, decent health care and reasonable hours shouldn’t be a fight — but right now, they are.”
In addition to wages and working conditions, workers are also seeking stronger contract language to protect their future. This includes “successorship” language, which would require any new owner of the facility to honor the existing union contract if the company is sold. Members are also seeking protections around automation to ensure that new technology is not introduced to eliminate jobs.
Teamsters Local 120 represents over 15,000 workers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.
