UFCW Expresses Support for Pilgrim’s Pride’s Sale of Majority Stake in Company to JBS S.A.

WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-September 16, 2009 - The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents more than 250,000 workers in the meatpacking and poultry industry, today announced its strong support for the proposed sale of a majority stake in Pilgrim’s Pride to JBS S.A., as announced in a press release issued today by Pilgrim’s Pride.

The UFCW represents approximately 13,000 workers at Pilgrim’s Pride and nearly 14,000 workers at JBS S.A.

Joe Hansen, International President of the UFCW, released the following statement:

“The sale of a majority stake in Pilgrim’s Pride to JBS is good news for workers at Pilgrim’s, for their communities and for the future of the poultry industry.

“Since its 2007 acquisition of Swift & Company, the UFCW has worked closely with management at every level of JBS. We have found them to be accessible and willing to work closely with their employees in a mutually beneficial way to improve and strengthen plant operations.

“They have a proven track record of investment in the U.S. packing industry that benefits workers, communities and all stakeholders. We look forward to working with them to build on that track record as they enter the poultry industry.

“As Pilgrim’s Pride began the difficult process of restructuring, we have worked closely with Pilgrim’s Pride’s team to navigate these challenging economic times. Pilgrim’s Pride kept the interest of their workers in mind.

“Having worked closely with both companies, we believe today’s announcement will help create a stronger, more stable U.S. poultry industry that will raise standards for workers and help sustain local economies.”

The UFCW represents 1.3 million workers, 250,000 in the meatpacking and poultry industries. UFCW members also work in the health care, garment, chemical, distillery and retail industries.

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