Rochester, N.Y. – Teamsters at the BelGioioso Cheese facility in Campbell, New York, represented by IBT Local 118, have ratified a new contract that secures higher wages and strengthens job protections. The agreement covers 180 workers responsible for the production, maintenance, and distribution of Polly-O cheeses across the region.
“Our members made it clear they expected a contract that respected their work, and that’s exactly what we achieved,” said Tim Barbeto, President of Teamsters Local 118. “This agreement raises wages, improves benefits, and strengthens the workplace protections our members rely on every day.”
The contract clarifies workplace rules, improves the posting process for line lead positions, limits the use of temporary workers, and strengthens rules around seniority and job assignments.
“This contract protects our jobs and gives us a stronger voice at work,” said Thomas Didas, a steward. “We finally feel respected for the essential role we play in producing and shipping thousands of Polly-O cheese products.”
The former Polly-O cheese plant will undergo an upgrade and expansion. The agreement ensures continued stability for the plant, which has seen substantial growth since it was acquired by BelGioioso Cheese in 2022. The expansion includes upgrades to existing infrastructure and modernization efforts, including the addition of product lines to allow continued growth. The investment is expected to create new jobs. The expansion will also see the utilization of an additional 100 million pounds of milk from New York state dairy farmers.
Teamsters Local 118 represents over 5,000 workers across upstate New York and in Northern Pennsylvania.
