HomeGoods Workers Ratify 3-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement

LORDSTOWN, Ohio — Workers at the TJX HomeGoods distribution center have ratified their collective bargaining agreement with 98% approval.

The three-year agreement is a historic first, according to a press release, and will cover more than 700 workers in the Mahoning Valley area. The contract includes a $3 wage increase, premium job pays and shift differentials.

Workers will be able to choose from two health plans, receive vacation time after a year of service and will earn sick time.

A spokesman for the TJX Companies Inc. declined to comment on the agreement.

“Being on the bargaining committee gave me hope that we can bring Union presence and premium jobs back to Lordstown, to fill part of the void that was left when GM closed,” Bob Armes, bargaining committee member from Austintown, said in the release.

Mike Heeter from Warren believes that “this contract is so important for the future prosperity of our valley,” he said, adding “it is fantastic to see the tide turning and the workers starting to realize how much power they actually have.”

The workers at the distribution center chartered Local 3121 with the Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board of Workers United. Kathy Hanshew, president and international vice president of Workers United, said she is excited about the possibilities of strengthening the Mahoning Valley communities, she said.

“The goal of the Union is to always strive to improve the lives of the workers benefiting their families and their communities, that is what we have done here,” Hanshew said.

Traditionally a textile union, Workers United is now seen as the leading union in the organizing efforts in the distribution center industry. Currently, Workers United represents TJX distribution workers in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania. Georgia , Virginia, Nevada, Alabama, Arizona and Canada.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.