Workers at Ocean Spray Plant in Wisconsin Rapids Vote Against Forming a Union

Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 -- 9:01 AM

(Joe Schulz, Wisconsin Public Radio) Workers at an Ocean Spray plant in Wisconsin Rapids voted against unionizing last week.

According to Joe Schulz with Wisconsin Public Radio, that's according to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 965, which stated last Friday 41 workers voted in favor of joining the IBEW local and 50 voted against.

Dillon Gorman, business manager for IBEW 965, said in a statement the union respects the Ocean Spray employees’ decision. Although the results were not in their favor, Gorman said the union remains “dedicated to advocating for fair labor practices” and supporting workers.

“It’s essential to recognize the courage and engagement shown by all the workers throughout this process,” he said. “Exercising their voice in such a critical matter is a cornerstone of our democratic principles.”

Last week’s unionization vote came after a previous attempt in 2014 failed 40-55. Gorman and a worker at the Wisconsin Rapids plant, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told WPR last week the new unionization effort was in response to cuts to employees’ performance bonuses and increases to mandatory overtime caused by short-staffing.

They said the company had been lobbying against the union in the weeks leading up to the election. Ocean Spray acknowledged the results of the election in a statement late last Friday afternoon.

“Ocean Spray’s Wisconsin Rapids team members made their voice heard, with a majority voting against union representation,” the company said. “This was a fair election, and we deeply appreciate the care and consideration each person put into making an informed decision and casting their ballot.”

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