AUSTIN, MINN. -- Union workers at Hormel Foods Corp. have ratified a new four-year contract that will increase their pension benefits and pay but will make health care more expensive.\r\n\r\nThe United Food & Commercial Workers said Wednesday that the new contract was approved by 65 percent of those voting. \r\n\r\nThe base wage will increase $1, or 7.7 percent, to $14 by the end of the agreement. The accord also includes premium pay for night shifts and improved pensions and vacations, the union said. A federal mediator assisted in the negotiations.\r\n\r\nThe contract covers more than 3,000 workers at Hormel Foods facilities in Beloit, Wis.; Fremont, Neb.; Atlanta; Algona, Iowa, and the flagship plant at Austin.\r\n\r\nHormel workers rejected the meatpacker's previous contract offer on Sept. 7 and authorized a possible strike.Star Tribune
