Workers at a sour cream production facility in De Pere have gone on strike.
Teamsters Local 662 says the dispute is over New Dairy Select Milk employees’ health care plan. According to the union, the workers want to join a Teamsters health care plan. Parent company Borden Dairy wants the workers to be part of its plan.
Union members say the Teamsters plan would offer better coverage at a lower rate for both workers and the company.
“Borden Dairy is saying ‘take it or leave it,'” Tom Strickland, Local 662 secretary-treasurer Tom Strickland said in a statement. “The employer isn’t bargaining in good faith; this offer is terrible and concessionary. We’re not going to take it.”
Company officials released this statement:
NDSM is disappointed that our employees (members of Teamsters Local 662) recently rejected our proposed new labor contract and have decided to strike. Throughout this process, the company has listened carefully to the members’ concerns and requests. As a result, the company offered a very competitive new contract that significantly increases key items requested by our employees to include above-market pay and benefits.
While NDSM did not want a strike, we will continue to provide our products and services to our customers with the same great service they expect. It is our hope that the union and our employees will reconsider our proposal in the days ahead so we can finalize a contract and move forward together.
New Dairy Select Milk makes sour cream for companies including Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Hello Fresh.
