Despite recent losses by unions in the auto industry and rising debate among unions over reform in the health care industry, there are definite signs of success for unions in the meat packing industry. The 17-year uphill struggle to unionize employees of the largest pig slaughterhouse in the world has finally come to a conclusion. At Smithfield Foods’ Tar Heel plant in Bladen County, 80 miles south of Raleigh, 84% of Smithfield's slaughterhouse employees voted to approve a four-year union contract. The contract between United Food and Commercial Workers and Smithfield Packing ensures sick leave, time-and-a-half holiday pay, and a $1.50 raise over the next four years. In addition, employees will be able to challenge management decisions and raise concerns without fear of being fired or treated disrespectfully by employers, which some say is the most important benefit gained by the agreement.