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News and Updates
January 14, 2016
UFCW 227 Members Advocate for Workers During “We Are Kentuckians Rally”
UFCW 227 members joined allies and friends in the Kentucky State Capitol on January 5 at the “We Are Kentuckians Rally” for the first day of the legislative session. During the rally, members joined activists from the faith, racial justice, voting rights, environmental rights and LGBTQ communities to share their ideas and visions to help create a better future for working Kentuckians and their families. Kentucky’s new Tea Party Governor Matt Bevin has already made national news by reducing the minimum wage for state workers. He is also revoking the voting rights of almost 200,000 Kentuckians who are convicted felons, but have served their time and are looking to be productive members of society.
January 12, 2016
UFCW Endorses Hillary Clinton For President
UFCW HIGHLIGHTS LENGTHY MEMBER DRIVEN ENDORSEMENT PROCESS IN ORDER TO SELECT STRONGEST 2016 CANDIDATE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Since last year, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), the largest private sector union in the nation, has actively engaged and reached out to its 1.3 million diverse members about the issues they care about, and the positions they believe the next President of the United States should embody. Based on the collective opinion of our members, the UFCW is announcing today its endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President of the United States.
Today’s announcement reflects a yearlong commitment made by the UFCW to pursue a thorough presidential endorsement process. As part of this effort, the UFCW conducted a series of nationwide meetings with current members and Local UFCW officers, internal polls of our union members, as well as focus groups with working and middle class non-union families from across the country who currently work or have worked in retail, to determine the issues that matter most to UFCW members and the workers the UFCW fights for every day.
Based on these results, as well as additional discussions with UFCW Local Presidents and the UFCW Executive Board, the collective decision was that Hillary Clinton is indeed the best qualified and positioned candidate to win in 2016 and fight for the issues – such as job security, fair scheduling, paid leave, raising wages, immigration and health care reform – that matter most to our diverse union family.
Marc Perrone, International President of the UFCW, released the following statement about the endorsement of Hillary Clinton.
“For our union family, the 2016 Presidential election is about electing someone who will fight every single day for the issues that matter most to our 1.3 million hard-working members and their families. And, as one of the most diverse unions in the nation, we believe it is critical to select a candidate who is not just ready to be President, but who best understands that the strength of this nation is our unity and diversity.
“It is our members’ strong belief that Hillary Clinton is not just the strongest presidential candidate, but the right one. By working together, we believe our incredible members can help Secretary Clinton create the better America that our union family and all middle- and working-class families have earned and deserve.
“We announce this endorsement with the full belief that the frustrations felt by the American people are real, and that they deserve an America where better wages and better benefits are enjoyed by all who help make this nation great.
“For us, these incredible retail and non-retail workers, who help feed and serve this nation, deserve a president like Hillary Clinton who will fight to make sure that paid leave, stable schedules, and higher wages become more than an election promise – they’ll become a reality.
“We would like to thank our members for their input, and are proud to have taken the time to make a thoughtful decision about this presidential endorsement. These decisions are always difficult, especially when we have good and committed candidates who have dedicated their lives to fighting for America’s families.
“To Sen. Sanders and Gov. O’Malley, we would like to thank them and acknowledge their passion and commitment to the better America we all believe in. Their voices have made a difference in this race, and we hope they will continue to speak out for the issues that Secretary Clinton and all our families care about.
“Looking ahead to the fall, we are dedicated to mobilizing all our 1.3 million members across every state to help make Hillary Clinton the next President of the United States.”
January 12, 2016
UFCW Endorses Hillary Clinton For President
UFCW HIGHLIGHTS LENGTHY MEMBER DRIVEN ENDORSEMENT PROCESS IN ORDER TO SELECT STRONGEST 2016 CANDIDATE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Since last year, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), the largest private sector union in the nation, has actively engaged and reached out to its 1.3 million diverse members about the issues they care about, and the positions they believe the next President of the United States should embody. Based on the collective opinion of our members, the UFCW is announcing today its endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President of the United States.
Today’s announcement reflects a yearlong commitment made by the UFCW to pursue a thorough presidential endorsement process. As part of this effort, the UFCW conducted a series of nationwide meetings with current members and Local UFCW officers, internal polls of our union members, as well as focus groups with working and middle class non-union families from across the country who currently work or have worked in retail, to determine the issues that matter most to UFCW members and the workers the UFCW fights for every day.
Based on these results, as well as additional discussions with UFCW Local Presidents and the UFCW Executive Board, the collective decision was that Hillary Clinton is indeed the best qualified and positioned candidate to win in 2016 and fight for the issues – such as job security, fair scheduling, paid leave, raising wages, immigration and health care reform – that matter most to our diverse union family.
Marc Perrone, International President of the UFCW, released the following statement about the endorsement of Hillary Clinton.
“For our union family, the 2016 Presidential election is about electing someone who will fight every single day for the issues that matter most to our 1.3 million hard-working members and their families. And, as one of the most diverse unions in the nation, we believe it is critical to select a candidate who is not just ready to be President, but who best understands that the strength of this nation is our unity and diversity.
“It is our members’ strong belief that Hillary Clinton is not just the strongest presidential candidate, but the right one. By working together, we believe our incredible members can help Secretary Clinton create the better America that our union family and all middle- and working-class families have earned and deserve.
“We announce this endorsement with the full belief that the frustrations felt by the American people are real, and that they deserve an America where better wages and better benefits are enjoyed by all who help make this nation great.
“For us, these incredible retail and non-retail workers, who help feed and serve this nation, deserve a president like Hillary Clinton who will fight to make sure that paid leave, stable schedules, and higher wages become more than an election promise – they’ll become a reality.
“We would like to thank our members for their input, and are proud to have taken the time to make a thoughtful decision about this presidential endorsement. These decisions are always difficult, especially when we have good and committed candidates who have dedicated their lives to fighting for America’s families.
“To Sen. Sanders and Gov. O’Malley, we would like to thank them and acknowledge their passion and commitment to the better America we all believe in. Their voices have made a difference in this race, and we hope they will continue to speak out for the issues that Secretary Clinton and all our families care about.
“Looking ahead to the fall, we are dedicated to mobilizing all our 1.3 million members across every state to help make Hillary Clinton the next President of the United States.”
January 7, 2016
UFCW Members Weigh in on What Issues They Want Addressed in Pres. Obama’s Final SOTU
via whitehouse.gov
President Obama’s final State of the Union is Tuesday evening. We asked you what issues you want addressed, or what you’d like to hear President Obama mention in the #SOTU16. Here’s what you said:
Rebuilding the Middle Class:
“How is the middle class going to get back to being middle and not lower?”
“Income inequality. Wall Street and banks are destroying the economy except for themselves. Homelessness. Immigration. People need to care.”
Trade:
“That he is going to VETO TPP!”
“Fair trade. Stop the TPP #SOTU16”
Healthcare:
“Making sure we keep Obamacare”
Student Debt:
“Student loan crisis for the older millennials–out of college for nearly a decade and crushed by debt.”
Raising the Minimum Wage:
“Wage increase across the board. People are getting screwed!!”
“$15/hr for ALL working people”
Paid Sick and Family Leave:
“Sick pay for all workers”
Many of you also noted that you want to hear about immigration, the cost of childcare, gun control, and counter-terrorism.
Here’s more of what some of our UFCW family is concerned about:
“1) Something that will lay the groundwork for future economic reforms 2) Something condemning Citizens United 3) Pride in his recent stances on gun control & environmental issues 4) A recap of his many accomplishments while in office 5)thanks or recognition to his base because we stand strong while taking a thrashing from the right wing everyday. We deserve to be proud of our President!”
“TPP; paid family leave and childcare costs; gun control”
“Break up the banks; labor law reform; minimum wage; student debt; expand Social Security”
“What can the economy look forward to in 2016 for pay wages and employment opportunities and help going back to school whether it’s an high school education or going to or returning to college”
Tune in Tuesday night to hear President Obama’s #SOTU16. We hope to hear aout comprehensive plans for all of these issues and more, as we continue to fight to make our union stronger.
January 4, 2016
Local 1102 Members Take Advantage of Union-Facilitated ESOL Classes
UFCW/RWDSU Local 1102 Food Service workers from Hofstra University and Flying Foods Group have dedicated many hours to improve their personal and professional capacities through union-facilitated English language classes.
“Not only am I more comfortable speaking with my customers here at the University, but also I now have more confidence when I go shopping at the food store, the mall or anywhere else!” said Sylvia Quinteros, a Local 1102 member.
Another Local 1102 member, Cecelia Alvarado also benefitted from the course: “I now get more support from my managers at my job–I am able to speak with them and better understand their instructions.”
Congratulations to all the graduates!
December 23, 2015
UFCW Locals Continue to Give Back During Holiday Season
All year, but especially during the holidays, the UFCW union family strives to give back in our communities. This year on Black Friday, locals across the country stepped in to donate food and volunteer their time at food banks and soup kitchens where they live and work.
Local 338 toy drive
Those efforts have continued into December. Most recently, Local 338 deliveref toys to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation in Wantagh, New York, which provides assistance to sick and underprivileged children. The Local has held a toy drive to benefit this organization since 1997 and this year they collected over 250 donations from Local 338 members and staff!
Additionally, UFCW Local 312 recently made a donation to the St. James Church Pantry in Woodbridge, NJ.
We are proud to be a family that works hard to give back and make a difference. Thanks to all our wonderful members and staff!
December 22, 2015
UFCW Partners with NLAC for Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
We are pleased to announce that the UFCW has signed on as a national partner for the 24th annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which will take place in 2016 on its traditional second Saturday in May: Saturday, May 14!
The partnership between UFCW and letter carriers is a natural one. Working families not only see their letter carrier at least six days a week, they often see their grocery clerk or checker just as frequently. This partnership is perhaps even more appropriate since UFCW represents workers in food-related industries, such as grocery stores and food-processing facilities.
The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is the largest one-day food drive in the United States. In 2015, active and retired letter carriers, along with their family members and friends—not to mention countless volunteers—collected almost 71 million pounds of non-perishable food. These results brought the grand total to more than 1.4 billion pounds since the drive began in 1992.
We look forward to working with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) to help reach our mutual goal of to deliver much needed food to local food banks and food pantries.
December 21, 2015
Member Spotlight: Kristen Clark, Meijer Grocery Store
Sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference. It’s not easy to be personable, upbeat, and polite every day and all the time doing any job, but that’s what’s expected out of cashiers to give great customer service. However, Kristen Clark, a UFCW Local 75 member, who works as cashier at an Ohio Meijer grocery store went the extra mile with customer Kimberly Grandinette and her 3 year-old son Paul proving that a small act of kindness can have a great effect on more than just those who shared the moment.
Last Sunday, while checking out her items, Kimberly conversed with Kristen about her family’s recent hardships that had begun to have effect on 3 year-old Paul. The two continued to chat while Kristen rung up the rest of Kimberly’s items until Paul asked if he could join Kristen in ringing up the rest of his mother’s groceries. Kristen then picked up Paul and held him while he helped scan the rest of his mother’s items.
Kimberly Grandinette detailed the story in a Facebook post about how much that act of kindness meant to her and her son Paul. “She made him feel like a million bucks. He skipped out of the store with a smile on his face,” the mom wrote. “Thank you, Kristen, for making my son’s day (and my day!) a bit brighter.” Since that Sunday, Grandinette’s Facebook post has touched the lives of so many others and gathered more than 144K likes, 10K shares, and 3.6K comments on Mejier’s Facebook Page.
Kristen’s own parents saw the post of their daughter and shared their elation with and thanks to everyone who shared their daughter’s story. “That’s my wonderful daughter, I’m so thankful for her taking the time to make his day because that’s how she is and I’m thankful for you to notice. Happy holidays to you and your family,” wrote her mom, Diane. Her father, Carl, added “That’s my daughter. I’m am so proud of her. #prouddaddy.”
Although Kristen admits that she was initially surprised by how much attention the story received, she said that way she interacted with Kimberly was ordinary in her day’s work. “I try to engage with my customers,” she said. “I like to get to know people. Even if it is just for three minutes” as they’re checking out.
Since then, Kristen has received recognition as an “incredible” Meijer employee from her store spokesperson, Christina Fecher. “This is another reminder that compassion and kindness go a long way, because kindness is contagious. (Pass it on!)”
December 17, 2015
Dolores Huerta Joins Grocery Workers’ Unfair Labor Practices Strike at El Super
- Workers at the Latino grocery chain strike in response to current violations of their rights under U.S. labor law.
- Grocery employees are joined by human rights legend Dolores Huerta at an El Super Store in Los Angeles.
- Today’s action comes one day after 19 members of Congress called on the Obama administration to uphold international labor standards at El Super.
Los Angeles, December 16—With signs held high and chants ringing across store parking lots, El Super workers at seven locations in Southern California went on strike over recent unfair labor practices (ULPs). The strikers, members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), are protesting violations of their rights and U.S. labor law requiring the company to bargain in good faith. They were joined by labor and human rights legend Dolores Huerta at a rally in front of the grocer’s location on E. Gage Ave. in Los Angeles.
“The fight El Super workers are engaged in is the same fight that the farm workers have historically fought for: the right to belong to a union, the right to bargain in good faith, and the right to industry labor standards, which means wages that can sustain their families. I stand with El Super workers and their campaign to win respect in the workplace and dignity for their families,” said Huerta, longtime champion for labor rights and co-founder of the United Farm Workers union.
Yesterday’s strike, was launched to protest recent ULPs at the chain. El Super’s conduct is the subject of charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board within the past week, including surface bargaining, repudiation of terms El Super unilaterally implemented nearly a year and half ago as part of it’s “last, best, and final” contract offer, and unreasonable delay in providing information crucial to effective negotiations.
El Super union members have been working without a contract since September 2013. In the face of court action and an NLRB trial, the company returned to union negotiations in August of this year, after over a year and half absence. They came back, however, to engage in bad faith bargaining in violation of federal law.
Flora Castaneda, an El Super cashier on strike to get the company to meet its legal obligations, said, “Reaching a union contract with the company is much more than a legal document to me, my family and my coworkers. It is my hope that if the company bargains in good faith we can sign an agreement that would ultimately allow me a holiday season where I’m able to make dinner for my family and buy some little presents for my kids. I think if the Company bargains in good faith we can reach an agreement that will enable us to able to go to the doctor when we are sick, save for our children to go to college, and have enough money at the end of the month to afford food and rent. It means we will have protection from the company’s retaliation against union supporters.”
“El Super’s disregard of workers’ rights and of labor law is shameful,” said UFCW Local 770 President Ricardo Icaza. “We will continue to stand together against this company’s lawless stonewalling of the bargaining process, and be with the workers until El Super comes to the table to negotiate in good faith for a contract where workers have the wages, benefits, guaranteed hours and respect that they have earned.”
In addition to the recent charges filed with the NLRB that prompted this strike, the NLRB recently issued a complaint against the company for additional unfair labor practices.
The UFCW and allies have also filed simultaneous complaints under the NAFTA labor agreement and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines to stop El Super and its parent company Grupo Chedraui’s attack on workers’ rights in the United States and Mexico. On Monday, 19 members of Congress representing districts with El Super store locations called on the Obama administration to expedite investigations into the complaints’ allegations.
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Sign Letter to El Super CEO: www.BoycottElSuper.org
December 16, 2015
Workers at Heritage WTI Say Yes to a Union Voice with the ICWUC
By a more than 4 to 1 margin, workers at Heritage WTI in East Liverpool, Ohio, have voted to form a union with the International Chemical Workers Union Council (ICWUC) of the UFCW. Operations workers at the company, who perform hazardous incineration, finally prevailed in their union effort on November 20 after two previous unsuccessful organizing drives.
Jeff Owens, a 14-year veteran of the plant, partially credited recent legal changes that enabled just the operations workers to form a union and a shortened election period that didn’t let the company intimidate workers into voting “no” with their victory.
“We stuck together and knew what the company had done last time. They spread falsehoods and negativity about the union, but when we voted no they proceeded to systematically reduce our benefits and pay, so we knew they weren’t telling the truth,” said Owens. “We just wanted to be treated with respect and be recognized for the extremely dangerous work we do.”
Workers at the plan use a huge incinerator, or kiln, to dispose of chemicals and waste that most people don’t even want to come near.
“By forming our union, we’re going to stand up for better wages and better benefits,” said Owens. “We’re going to be able to support our families better and get the compensation we’ve earned for our hard work.”