Wilson employees approve new labor contract

ADA — Union employees at Wilson Sporting Goods’ football production facility in Ada have approved a new collective bargaining agreement.

Members represented by the Workers United Chicago and Midwest Joint Board voted 62-30 Thursday afternoon to accept the contract. The vote followed a tentative agreement reached Wednesday between company officials and union negotiators.

The previous labor agreement expired Oct. 16, but negotiations continued under a seven-day extension. Union members had overwhelmingly rejected the company’s previous offer on Oct. 15 while authorizing union leaders to continue negotiations.

Union officials said their primary concerns included fair wages, affordable healthcare and an agreement that respects employees while supporting the company’s long-term success.

More than 100 union employees work at the Ada facility. Wilson began production at its new $15 million, 80,000-square-foot plant in 2024. The facility produces approximately 2,200 footballs each day.