The Sioux Falls Chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union has reached a tentative contract agreement with Smithfield Foods Pork Processing Plant. UFCW President B.J. Motley says they’ll hold a meeting of Union members next week and then vote on the deal on Thursday June 17.

He says their three main issues they had with management included wages, health care and worker protection.

Motley says for the contract to be approved two thirds of the 2500 members will have to vote in favor of it. On another issue, he says fast line speeds are an issue of concern for processing workers.

Motley says worker protections have improved since the pandemic hit with workers using personal protective equipment and masks.