Teamsters Local 89 members at Morgan Foods in Austin, Indiana have ratified a strong new six-year agreement with an overwhelming 89% majority.

The new contract includes the strongest wage increases in the shop’s history with an average pay increase of 31% over the life of the contract, $2.00 of which has already been applied to members hourly rates. The agreement also contained a significant after-taxes ratification bonus of $6,000 dollars for all current members.

Members also won improvements in their vacation language where they will now earn their second week earlier than in previous contracts, and the new addition of a fifth week after 30 years of service.

Other economic enhancements include the addition of two more maintenance positions, an increase in allowance for safety prescription glasses, and improvements in dental coverage and short-term disability pay.

The new contract also contains several improvements to non-economic language such as strengthened seniority language for job bidding and overtime, additional leave of absence provisions, and new language designed to give members some protections from unwarranted search and seizures while they are at work.

“This is the strongest contract we’ve ever won at Morgan Foods and we’re very proud of it,” said Trustee and Business Agent Jim Kincaid. “This was already the best job in Austin, and now it’s even better. It’s going to force other companies in the area to increase pay to compete, and that’ll help everyone in the community.”

Teamsters Local 89 would like to thank our rank-and-file negotiating committee for working hard to improve the lives of all members at Morgan Foods. As one of Local 89’s largest shops, the committee contains a significant number of members including Chief Steward Jim Clemmons, Bradley Donahue, Charlene Melton, Chris Conlen, David Andre, Jaquelin Ubaldo, Juan Deltoro Ivan, Kenny Couch, Mark Fleenor, Melissa White, Michael Bush, Mike King, Monica Herrera, Myrandah Coronet, Richard Gates, Ryan Coomer, Shawn Garcia, Tony Barger, Travis Caudill, Willard “Bub” Holland and Adrian Alvarado.

From President Thompson, Secretary-Treasurer Cooper and everyone at Teamsters Local 89, congratulations to our members at Morgan Foods on winning this powerful new contract!