The core demands driving the industrial action, which centered on securing both safer conditions and better pay, appear to have been largely met. The union released a statement expressing pride in the outcome, confirming that the new agreement includes substantial economic gains for the workforce. Specifically, the contract features wage increases of 14.5% for the workers, staggered over the next 22 months, providing significant relief against rising costs of living in the region.

Beyond the key financial terms, the negotiated settlement also addressed crucial non-monetary demands related to job quality and security. The Teamsters Local 597 confirmed that the new contract incorporates important worker protections and guarantees for more time off. These provisions indicate a successful effort to improve overall working conditions and address the underlying grievances related to forced overtime and poor management that fueled the initial walkout.

In a statement released Tuesday, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) acknowledged the importance of cooperation and stability, framing the resolution in the context of broader stakeholder investment. DFA emphasized its appreciation for the “dairy farm families who have invested in this plant and these jobs,” underscoring the collaborative role required to deliver fresh, nutritious dairy products to local communities and schools that depend on the facility’s output.