Labor Negotiations Escalate at Pork Plant

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Meatpacking workers are showing signs of boldness in labor negotiations after experiencing the pandemic’s health threats and economic repercussions.

The union at a South Dakota pork processing plant that experienced a virus outbreak last year has overwhelmingly voted to reject a contract offer from Smithfield Foods.

It will next move to bring the prospect of a strike to the negotiating table.

Workers have pushed for workplace safety during the pandemic.

They are now navigating an economy where businesses have boosted wages.

Virginia-based Smithfield Foods is downplaying the contract rejection, saying it’s a “routine” part of negotiations.