Teasdale Latin Foods (Teasdale) has announced a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to strengthen its workforce, operations, and community impact. On August 29th, the company successfully reached an agreement with BCTGM Local 1, also known as the Grain Millers Union, ending a period of labor uncertainty and reaffirming Teasdale’s commitment to its employees and stakeholders.
The newly ratified four-year contract reflects both the priorities of the workforce and the long-term vision of the company. At the core of the agreement is an immediate 5% wage increase for employees, providing a meaningful boost to workers’ earnings at a time when inflation and economic pressures are being felt across households. Over the life of the contract, employees will see a cumulative 17% increase in wages, ensuring steady income growth and helping Teasdale remain a competitive employer within the food manufacturing sector.
In addition to wage adjustments, the agreement includes enhanced benefits aimed at supporting work-life balance. Each employee will now receive 40 incremental hours of paid time off annually, underscoring Teasdale’s recognition of the importance of rest, family time, and overall well-being. For many employees, this improvement signals that their voices were heard during negotiations, and that the company is committed to fostering a more supportive and sustainable work environment.
Returning to Full Production in Hoopeston
The agreement comes as welcome news to employees at Teasdale’s Hoopeston, Illinois facility, who will now return to work with greater security and renewed optimism. The Hoopeston plant, which plays a central role in the company’s operations, will gradually scale up to full production in the coming weeks. Teasdale expressed its enthusiasm at welcoming employees back to the facility, highlighting that the new agreement represents not only a resolution to the recent work stoppage but also a fresh opportunity to build unity and momentum.
Teasdale also acknowledged the contributions of temporary workers who were hired to maintain operations during the labor disruption. These individuals played a critical role in sustaining production capacity and ensuring that customer needs were met, even in a challenging environment. According to the company, many of these workers will remain on staff as permanent employees, joining the returning workforce to create a stronger, more resilient team.
The Power of a Unified Network
The resolution at Hoopeston would not have been possible without the support of Teasdale’s broader organizational network. The company specifically recognized the dedication of employees and leadership at its sister plant in Atwater, California. While the Hoopeston facility navigated the complexities of the labor stoppage, the Atwater plant ramped up support to ensure continuity of supply and customer service.
This cross-facility collaboration, Teasdale emphasized, demonstrates the strength of its integrated network and its ability to adapt under pressure. By relying on its multi-site structure, Teasdale was able to avoid major service disruptions, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable partner to customers across the food industry.
Commitment to Customers and Community
During the period of negotiation, Teasdale remained in close contact with its customers, assuring them of continued service and timely updates. The company expressed deep gratitude to customers for their patience, flexibility, and trust throughout the process. Now, with the agreement finalized, Teasdale is confident it will fully return to industry-leading service levels within the next 60 days, strengthening relationships with retailers, distributors, and end consumers.
The agreement also represents a broader win for the Hoopeston community, where Teasdale is both a major employer and an active contributor to local economic health. By investing in employee wages, benefits, and operational stability, the company is reinforcing its role as a partner in community resilience. A strong, united workforce not only benefits the company but also ensures that the surrounding community continues to thrive.
A Message from Leadership
Tim O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer of Teasdale, underscored the importance of the agreement in a statement highlighting the company’s values and aspirations. “The agreement reflects our shared commitment to fairness, collaboration, and the long-term success of the Hoopeston facility,” O’Connor said. “We are stronger together, and we are excited to move forward as one team.”
O’Connor also emphasized that Teasdale’s decision to invest in people and operations is rooted in its guiding principles of transparency, integrity, and sustainability. By aligning company priorities with the well-being of employees, Teasdale aims to ensure the long-term viability of its facilities and reinforce its standing as a responsible corporate citizen.
