The 20-day strike of 600 employees at the Frito-Lay plant in Topeka, Kansas ended after reaching a guaranteed rest day, a 4% increase in wages, and the end of the so-called “suicide shift”. Employees work 12 hours a day, with only 8 hours of rest between shifts.
News of the agreement was originally reported on Saturday New York Times.
After 20 days, the Frito-Lay Topeka workers’ strike ended.
Hundreds of employees approved a revised contract to ensure vacations, increase wages and eliminate “suicide shifts.” pic.twitter.com/kI0J00eFtr
— Recount (@therecount) July 26, 2021
Anthony SheltonThe chairman of the Union International issued a statement saying, “Workers have shown the world that union workers can fight the world’s largest food company and fight for themselves, their families and communities.”
“We believe that our approach to solving this strike shows how we listen to our employees, and when issues are raised, they will be taken seriously and resolved,” Frito-Lay says In a statement.
“Looking forward, we look forward to continuing to consolidate our common achievements on the basis of mutual trust and respect,” the company added.
After union members approve a new contract, Frito-Lay workers will return to work at the Topeka plant, which puts employees in a more advantageous position than at any time in recent history.from @KCUR: https://t.co/rY0ARzDuiY
— NPR (@NPR) July 24, 2021
According to The Times, hourly wages range from US$19.09 to US$38.40.
When the new contract came out, other food companies such as the Hamburg chain McDonald’s announced that the hourly salary would be $15 by 2024.
