Relations weren't always so rosy, however. The dispute was heated and bitter. But when workers overwhelmingly voted for the union in 1995, Chief Executive Bill Williams offered to become a partner rather than an adversary. Within three months, workers had their first contract, an unusually speedy turnaround. Even more surprising were the terms.
Employees now earn an hourly wage, rather than the piece rates common in agriculture.
Even more important, said several longtime employees, is that their opinions are heard and valued. We want the company to grow, and a lot of us have good ideas to make that happen. Company spokesman Bill Ihle said that under the partnership, productivity has increased, absenteeism and workers' compensation claims have dropped and morale has noticeably improved. Especially in our business, where quality is so important. The relationship was recently honored by the national AFL-CIO, which has been trying to develop more strategic alliances between unions and businesses.