Strike Ends at Nestlé Purina Plant, Workers Ratify Contract

A seven-week strike involving more than 450 unionized workers at Nestlé Purina PetCare’s South Whitehall Township plant in Pennsylvania has ended after the ratification of a new four-year contract. The agreement, negotiated by Teamsters Local 773, provides substantial wage increases, a 5% pay raise, enhanced pension contributions, and improvements to workplace policies, including an expedited grievance process and better attendance rules. Union leaders and members described the contract as their best ever, crediting unity and picketing for securing significant gains on wages, benefits, and work-life balance. Nestlé Purina, which produces major pet food brands at the plant, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, citing the agreement's benefit to both employees and the business. The strike was the first in the plant’s decades-long history and reflects the broader influence of organized labor in the pet food manufacturing sector. Both union and company representatives highlighted the importance of stability and fair treatment for workers during challenging times.