Teamsters Local 120 Authorizes Strike at B&G Foods for Fair Conditions

Workers at B&G Foods' Stoughton Plant Demand Equity in Workforce Practices

Teamsters Local 120 members employed at B&G Foods in Stoughton, Wisconsin, have taken a significant step towards better employment conditions by voting in favor of authorizing a strike. The decision comes as employees advocate for higher wages, affordable health care, and improved working conditions at the facility, which they claim has been persistently understaffed.

The Stoughton facility plays a crucial role in the production of popular consumer products such as Cream of Wheat, Skinnygirl Salad Dressing, and Ortega Taco Sauce. Its importance to B&G Foods underscores the workers' calls for improved labor practices.

“B&G Foods is taking advantage of a workforce that keeps its Stoughton operation running,” stated Shaun Mullikin, business agent with Teamsters Local 120. He emphasized the discrepancy between the workers' long hours and rising living expenses, and the company's stance on making basic employment improvements. “Fair pay, decent health care, and reasonable hours shouldn’t be a fight — but right now, they are,” Mullikin added.

Beyond financial compensation and working conditions, the workers seek stronger contractual assurances, particularly around potential company ownership changes. They are pushing for “successorship” clauses, which would ensure any future owner of the facility honors existing union contracts. Additionally, they are advocating for protections against the introduction of technology that could threaten job security through automation.

“We’ve given so much to this company, and all we’re asking for is fairness and stability,” said Traci Gosda, Chief Steward at B&G Foods and member of Local 120. She highlighted the need for a work environment where employees are not forced to choose between their health, family, and work. “We’re standing together to make sure this is a place where people can build a decent life, and not just get by,” Gosda asserted.

Teamsters Local 120, representing over 15,000 workers across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota, continues to support the efforts of its members in this critical labor dispute. Further details can be found at local120.org.