Teamsters Secure Labor Victory at Nestlé Purina, Ending Weeklong Strike
Nestlé Purina workers represented by Teamsters Local 1150 have ended their strike in Davenport, Iowa, after successfully negotiating a new contract with the pet food giant. The resolution follows a week-long work stoppage that concluded with a resounding 99% member vote in favor of ratifying the agreement.
The outcome marks a significant moment for labor relations at Nestlé Purina, with Teamsters leadership emphasizing improvements in wages, benefits, and workplace protections. The new contract includes substantial wage increases, reduced mandatory overtime, enhanced vacation benefits, and stronger seniority rights—factors that had been core issues for workers during negotiations.
“Our members stood united, and their solidarity delivered results,” said Matt Fetherolf, President of Local 1150. “Not only did we win economic gains, but we reaffirmed the value of collective action for securing long-term workplace respect.”
The contract was ratified after a unanimous strike authorization vote earlier in June, adding pressure on Nestlé Purina to reach an agreement. The facility in Davenport plays a crucial role in Purina’s production network, and any prolonged disruption had the potential to impact supply chains for some of the brand’s key pet food products.
As labor negotiations continue to feature prominently across the FMCG landscape, this agreement underscores the necessary balance between operational efficiency and workforce satisfaction. The FMCG sector—particularly in food and beverage manufacturing—has seen an uptick in union activity, with wage fairness, workplace safety, and scheduling flexibility becoming increasingly prominent issues.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien noted that victories like this serve as a signal to major manufacturers across the sector: “Companies need to understand that Teamsters will fight for what our members earn and deserve—fair pay, a safe workplace, and job security.”
Nestlé Purina, a major player in the $128 billion global pet food market, did not provide public comment on the agreement. However, the reopening of the Davenport plant under the new contract terms is expected to restore full-scale production, allowing distribution to normalize.
This development adds to a growing trend of labor wins in FMCG, emphasizing the critical role of structured worker-employer dialogue in maintaining supply chain resilience and consumer satisfaction.