Dakota Premium workers ratify new contract

More than 75 percent of eligible members voted on a contract that improves wages by $1.85 per hour over the term of the agreement and caps any future increases in health insurance costs, the union said. The previous contract expired in July 2007 and the new wage package includes full back pay from the expiration date.

"Local 789 and its negotiating committee have been working for more 11 months to reach an agreement that was accepted by the rank and file members," the union said. "Members of 789 had previously rejected a contract offer and the accepted offer included an industry leading improvement in wages."

Local 789 represents more than 7,000 members working in retail, meat packing, nursing homes and light manufacturing.