Teamsters at the Nutra Blend facility in Madera have announced their first collective bargaining agreement. Google Street View photo

Workers at a Madera animal feed manufacturer recently ratified their first bargaining agreement.

Members of Teamsters Local 517 at Nutra Blend, the animal feed division of major agribusiness Land O’Lakes, unanimously voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement with their employer.

The new agreement includes a 14% wage increase over three years, a ratification bonus and improved job security, according to a Teamsters news release.

Nutra Blend workers are also now part of the Western Conference Teamsters Pension Plan, some of the first in the animal feed industry to receive such benefits, according to the release.

Teamsters Local 517 represents workers in various industries including aviation, transportation, health care and other crafters throughout the Central Valley.

“The first collective bargaining agreement is usually the hardest, but that didn’t stop this incredible group of people,” said Local 517 Secretary-Treasurer Greg Landers. “Their patience, unity and tenacity at the negotiating table paid off, and now they have a fantastic contract to show for it.”

Nutra Blend employees joined the Teamsters in September 2022.

Land O’Lakes did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Workers at Madera feed facility join Teamsters