National Labor Relations certifies unionization of Smithfield

The National Labor Relations board has certified last weeks vote for unionization of the Smithfield Packing plant in Bladen County.

Smithfield executives said they don’t plan to challenge the election results. They are looking ahead to negotiating a contract starting early next year.

Smithfield Packing works with unions at eight of its 13 plants. The company and union have battled over the meatpacking plant in Tar Heel since it opened 16 years ago.