Union Strike Ends at Nestlé Purina Plant in Pennsylvania
After nearly a month on the picket line, workers at Nestlé Purina’s Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania facility have ratified a new labor contract, bringing an end to a strike that began on April 6. The agreement was reached on May 1 following intensive negotiations between Nestlé Purina and Teamsters Local 776, which represents around 270 workers at the pet food manufacturing plant.
The new five-year contract includes significant wage increases and stronger health and safety protections. While specific wage figures were not disclosed, union representatives emphasized improved compensation as a key win for members. The contract also addresses concerns around scheduling and work-life balance, which were among the primary issues that led to the walkout.
Production at the plant, which manufactures popular pet food brands, had been disrupted during the strike. Nestlé Purina stated it maintained supply continuity through other sites within its national manufacturing network. However, the prolonged labor action highlighted growing tensions in the CPG sector around staffing, working conditions, and union relations.
“This was a fight to ensure dignity on the job and a fair deal for the hardworking people who help make Nestlé Purina’s success possible,” said Ed Thompson, President of Teamsters Local 776.
This labor dispute is one of several recent union actions affecting major FMCG manufacturers. With high inflation and shifting workforce expectations, many large-scale producers are facing pushback from employees around pay, benefits, and workplace safety. For companies like Nestlé Purina, whose U.S. pet care division saw continued growth during the pandemic-driven pet boom, labor stability is increasingly crucial for operational resilience and brand reliability.
The resolution at Mechanicsburg could serve as a barometer for future negotiations in the sector. As labor unions increase demands for stronger contracts amid rising cost-of-living pressures, FMCG executives may need to reevaluate workforce engagement strategies to mitigate risk and protect continuity across key production hubs.
The newly ratified contract now sets the stage for resumed operations at the Pennsylvania facility, reinforcing Nestlé Purina’s position in a competitive pet food market valued at over $58 billion in the U.S. alone. As demand for premium, specialty pet food continues to rise, manufacturing consistency remains a critical performance factor for brands competing in the category.