Members of Local 1421 who work at the Stepan Company ratified a new three year contract on November 3. The local won a wage increase of 10.5 percent over the life of the contract, with a four percent raise in the first year, 3.5 percent in the second, and three percent in the third.

Local 1421 President Sabir Nadeem Sabir said, “I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments made by our membership. From the beginning, the members made it clear that we understand our labor is our power, and we were prepared to stand together to prove it. Because of that unity, we entered negotiations with a strong, well-prepared, outspoken, and informed bargaining committee — backed fully by the membership every step of the way.”

Members won improved severance, sick leave, and overtime language. They also stood firm in rejecting proposed concessions by the company. “This contract is the result of resilience, persistence, and unshakable solidarity. We showed that when we stand together, we win. We are — and always will be — stronger together,” Sabir said.

The bargaining committee consisted of President Sabir Sabir, Rogelio Luna, and Alfredo Gonzalez. They were assisted by Western Region President Bryan Martindale and Field Organizer Fred Hatef.