Negotiations panned out for Teamsters Local 577 members at Tyson Foods of Amarillo, Texas, after they overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike in late June. The potential walkout accelerated negotiations over the four-year collective bargaining agreement which had been on the table since February. Local 577 members’ terms in the now-ratified contract included a 32% wage increase, more paid time off, and expanded retirement benefits, according to a Teamsters’ press release. “This victory is what Texas Teamsters are all about — coming together as one so we can fight for a better life for ourselves and our families,” said Al Brito, president of Local 577. “Let this be a lesson to everyone else in the meatpacking industry — if you’re not happy with work, it doesn’t have to stay that way. You can win a better future with the Teamsters.”

Tyson Foods’ Amarillo slaughtering and processing facility employs more than 3,000 workers, of whom 98% voted in favor of strike authorization following alleged labor law violations, as well as claims that Tyson management has participated in a harassment and coercion campaign aimed to suppress union activity and convince injured employees to drop their claims, according to a June 27 press release from Matt McQuaid, spokesman for the Teamsters Local 577.

McQuaid stated that the vote on striking was not a result of one incident — tensions and concerns have accumulated. “Our members want real changes,” McQuaid asserted. He pointed out that Local 577 represents a range of laborers “from mechanics to zookeepers. The issues that we’re raising at Tyson reflect what working families are facing all over the region.”

Tyson Foods, which is headquartered in Arkansas, is the largest meat company in the United States and the second-largest beef, chicken, and pork processor in the world.

Of the current agreement reached with Local 577, a Tyson Foods spokesperson stated, "We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Teamsters Local 577 that continues to provide a competitive pay and benefits package for our Amarillo team members. The agreement reflects our dedication and continued investment in our team members and the Amarillo community."