United Steelworkers union (USW) members at five Evergreen Packaging sites overwhelmingly approved Nov. 13 a five-year master labor agreement covering about 1,600 workers that features above-industry-standard wage increases and benefits.

“By sticking together, our members obtained an agreement that sets the foundation going forward on health care and gives much needed wage increases,” said USW District 9 Director Dan Flippo. “We’re really proud of the work the negotiating committee did. The solidarity they displayed along with the membership gave them an agreement that will benefit their families and their communities and help their company during this difficult economic time.”

The master labor agreement covers plants and mills located in Canton, N.C., Waynesville, N.C., Athens, Ga., Clinton, Iowa, and Olmsted Falls, Ohio. Each location bargained over local issues and has the same contract expiration as the master labor agreement: May 13, 2014 ... more