Fishermen at Omega Protein unanimously ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement April 26. Photo courtesy of Donna Waddell.
Omega Protein Ratifies Three-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement
On Saturday April 26, Omega Protein fishermen unanimously ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement that improves the lives of 69 members working on the vessels fishing menhaden in the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, when not docked in Reedville, VA along the Northern Neck. The agreement raises their living standards and protects their health and welfare benefits.
Bestway Mt. Vernon Votes for Union Recognition
Thursday April 24, Bestway employees at the Mt. Vernon store in Virginia took a vote to have UFCW Local 400 recognized as their union. After the vote was complete, there were 16 union yes votes, 10 no votes and 9 challenge votes. The challenge votes must be investigated by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) before it can be officially deemed a victory. Last October, Bestway employees from the Falls Church, Va. location had UFCW Local 400 recognized as their union. The employees at the Silver Spring, Maryland location have been represented by Local 400 since 1998. Both locations are currently in contract negotiations.