Kellogg Co. and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union are engaged in negotiations to finalize a master labor contract for four Kellogg ready to-eat-cereal plants in the U.S.
BCTGM members' approval of the contract ends the union's strike against Kellogg’s, which began on Oct. 5.
On Dec. 21, Kellogg stated: "We are pleased to announce that employees have ratified the tentative agreement for a master contract at our four U.S. cereal plants. The contract covers approximately 1,400 union-represented employees, all of whom are welcome back to work."
Strikers are expected to return to work the week of Dec.27.
The new five-year contract furthers employees’ leading wages and benefits, with immediate, across-the-board wage increases and enhanced benefits for all workers. It also provides an accelerated, defined path to legacy wages and benefits for transitional employees, among other items.
Highlights of the new five-year collective bargaining agreement:
- No takeaways; No concessions.
- No permanent two-tier system.
- A clear path to regular full-time employment.
- Plant closing moratorium: no plant shutdowns through October 2026.
- A significant increase in the pension multiplier.
- Maintenance of cost-of-living raises.
Additional details of the deal can be read here.
“We are pleased that we have reached an agreement that brings our cereal employees back to work,” said Kellogg chairman and chief executive Steve Cahillane. “We look forward to their return and continuing to produce our beloved cereal brands for our customers and consumers.”
BCTGM International president Anthony Shelton said, “Our striking members at Kellogg’s ready-to-eat cereal production facilities courageously stood their ground and sacrificed so much in order to achieve a fair contract. This agreement makes gains and does not include any concessions. Our entire Union commends and thanks Kellogg’s members."
