US-based Pinnacle Foods' workers at the Fort Madison plant are planning to initiate a strike to protest the company's plan to eliminate pensions
The Pinnacle Foods facility in Fort Madison produces canned food products such as Vienna sausages, Armour brand corned beef hash, beef stew and chili. About 400 workers, who are members of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), have voted to authorize the strike.
UFCW president Darin Boatman said that the workers at Fort Madison are trying to protect their retirement benefits after working hard to make their company profitable.
"I hope this strike vote sends a strong message to the company and moves the negotiation process to a successful conclusion," Boatman added.
Pinnacle Foods, headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, is involved in the production of branded convenience food products in North America and operates through three segments: Birds Eye Frozen, Duncan Hines Grocery, and Specialty Foods.
The company, which is backed by private equity firm Blackstone Group, reported net sales of $2.5bn during the 2011 fiscal year.
