Wells’ Dairy employees turned down changes in their labor contract by a 151-vote margin during voting Monday and Tuesday. The vote outcome was 524 "yes" votes and 675 "no" votes. The contract amendments were negotiated by Wells’ managers and employee committee representatives earlier this month.
Wells’ Dairy asked workers to approve contract changes to reduce labor costs by five-million dollars. The workers voted by a 14-vote margin last month to open the contract set to expire at the end of this year. Company spokesman Dave Smetter said the company was disappointed.
Smetter also said despite the decision, Wells’ remains committed to future success by pursuing business strategies that will ensure financial stability and sustainability for the long-term benefit of all employees, their families and the community.