Big Gains for Post Cereal Workers

A strong new contract ratified by Local 374 members brings big wage increases and other improvements for workers at Post Cereal in Battle Creek, Michigan (“Cereal City”). Maintenance employees received an immediate $1.50 per hour raise, and will receive an additional six percent increase over the life of the three-year pact. Employees in other departments will see an 8.75 percent increase.

The committee was able to achieve a three-year reduction in the time it takes new employees to achieve the full wage rate. At the time of ratification, all employees who were in their 5th, 6th or 7th year of employment immediately moved to full wage, resulting in a nearly $10 per hour wage increase.  Starting wages were also increased by $2.37.

These big wage increases were accompanied by improvements on eligibility for additional vacation time, limits on mandatory overtime, reduction in employee insurance premiums, elimination of the company’s ability to increase insurance out of pocket premiums, and an increase in disability benefits as well as the elimination of the previous five-year waiting period for eligibility for this benefit.

Election Tellers Dave Sutherland and Sharon Hals count ballots during the ratification process.