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News and Updates
December 17, 2013
Funds Raised for Hope for Haiti Project Helps Build New Computer Lab and Library
UFCW local unions from around the country donated funds to help the Haitian people to get back on their feet and rebuild their country after the devastating earthquake in 2010. The UFCW partnered with Hope for Haiti to rebuild the computer lab and library at St. Francois de Sales School in the neighborhood of Riviere Froide, commune of Carrefour, Port-au-Prince.
Students started classes at the St. Francois de Sales School in Port-au-Prince on Otcober 1st.
Thanks to the generous donations from UFCW local unions, the St. Francois de Sales School officially began on October 1st with the computer lab and library set to open on January 12th. Some of the materials purchased with the donations to help complete the computer lab and library include 34 computers outfitted with Microsoft Office software, along with tables, chairs, book shelves, and lockers. The school will provide education to more than 1,320 students in the kindergarten, primary, and secondary levels.
More information on the Hope for Haiti project and updates on construction progress can be found at
www.hopeforhaiti.com.
December 12, 2013
UFCW Applauds Introduction of Federal Paid Leave Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) today released the following statement in response to introduction of the FAMILY Act, a bill to create a national paid family and medical leave insurance program.
“A worker who gets sick, gives birth, or has to care for a loved one should not be forced to lose their income for an extended period of time. These are real life events that nearly every family will experience, so it makes perfect sense to provide workers with a safety net. The United States is the only developed country that does not guarantee paid sick leave for workers. Fewer than 40 percent have employer-provided paid leave they can use for their own medical needs, and just 12 percent have it to care for a family member. We must do better. This common sense legislation is modeled after two successful programs in California and New Jersey and will help ensure no one goes broke just because they get sick or need time off. We urge Congress to pass the FAMILY Act as soon as possible.”
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The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) represents more than 1.3 million workers, primarily in the retail and meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries. The UFCW protects the rights of workers and strengthens America’s middle class by fighting for health care reform, living wages, retirement security, safe working conditions and the right to unionize so that working men and women and their families can realize the American Dream. For more information about the UFCW’s effort to protect workers’ rights and strengthen America’s middle class, visit www.ufcw.org, or join our online community at www.facebook.com/UFCWinternational and www.twitter.com/ufcw.
December 12, 2013
This Holiday Season, Buy Union-Made!
RWDSU/UFCW Local 224 member
(List originally posted at AFL-CIO Now)
Going searching for that perfect holiday gift? Make sure it’s union made in America. Check below for gifts made by the UFCW and other union members in the U.S.
Apparel and Accessories
Brooks Brothers (UNITE HERE)
Joseph Abboud (UNITE HERE)
Majestic Athletic (UNITE HERE)
Timex watches (IAM)
Red Wing Shoes (UFCW)
Beauty Products
Avon (UFCW)
Caress skin care (UFCW)
ChapStick (USW)
Dove beauty products (UFCW)
Revlon (UAW)
Games
(All made by RWDSU/UFCW)
Barrel of Monkeys
Battleship
Candy Land
Chutes and Ladders
Clue
Connect 4
Game of Life
Hi Ho Cherry-O
Monopoly
Mouse Trap
Operation
Pictionary
Risk
Scrabble
Sorry
Taboo
Twister
Yahtzee
American Athletic (Russell) (UAW)
Louisville Slugger (UAW and IBT)
MacGregor Golf clubs (Boilermakers [IBB])
Standard Golf (IAM)
Top-Flite golf balls (IBB)
Stocking Stuffers
Rayovac batteries (Teamsters and UAW)
Bic Lighters (USW)
Ghirardelli chocolates (BCTGM)
Jelly Belly (BCTGM)
Laffy Taffy (BCTGM)
Tootsie Roll Pops (BCTGM)
Wine and Beer
(Wines brought to you by UFW.)
Chateau Ste. Michelle (IBT)
Columbia Crest
St. Supery
Charles Krug
C.K. Mondavi
Gallo of Sonoma
Miller Beer (UAW & IBT)
Miller High Life
Miller Genuine Draft
Miller Lite
Milwaukee’s Best
Icehouse
Red Dog
Anheuser-Busch (IBT & IAM)
Budweiser
Budweiser American Ale
Bud Light
Michelob
Shock Top
Busch
Rolling Rock
If You’re in the ‘Big Spender’ Category (UAW)
Jeep
Ford Mustangs
Cadillacs
See more cars made by UAW.
Editor’s note: This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all made in America, union-made products. Some places to find more info on those products include but are not limited to Labor 411, Union Plus, American Rights at Work and the BCTGM website.
December 11, 2013
Demand Investigation of Anti-Worker Group ALEC
The American Legislative Exchange Council, commonly referred to as ALEC, has been active behind the scenes in politics for decades. It is where corporations and state politicians come together to write laws that benefit special interests. These so-called “model bills” reach into almost every area of American life. ALEC has been behind efforts to strip workers’ rights, voting rights, and civil rights.
ALEC has come under scrutiny surrounding its practices in recent years. Last week, The Guardian published several internal documents which showed ALEC has seen sharp declines in both membership and corporate funding.
One of the major controversies surrounding ALEC is their tax-exempt status. ALEC’s primary purpose is to influence legislation at the state level, yet for years it has claimed in tax returns that it does not spend a single penny on lobbying. There are now three pending citizens’ complaints against ALEC and its 501c3 tax-exempt designation. In its series, The Guardian reported that ALEC has created a separate non-profit group called the “Jeffersonian Project,” raising even more red flags.
Now is the time to get involved. Please sign the petition calling for an investigation of ALEC in light of the documents revealed by The Guardian.
An organization described by former ALEC member and current Congressman Mark Pocan as a dating service for legislators and special interests should not receive special tax treatment.
Sign the petition calling for an investigation of ALEC today.
November 29, 2013
Members of Congress Express Support for Walmart Workers on Black Friday
WASHINGTON, D.C.-Members of Congress today expressed support for Walmart workers who are calling for an end to illegal retaliation, and for Walmart to publicly commit to improving labor standards, such as providing workers with more full-time work and $25,000 ayear. Workers and their supporters are holding 1500 protests all over the nation today. Pointing to the $17 billion in annual profits and the $144.7 billionwealth of the Walton family, the Black Friday protestors say Walmart can and should do more to improve jobs, and in turn, the economy.
Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Ed Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA), William Lacy Clay (D-MO), Gwen Moore (D-WI), and Jim McDermott (D-WA) today issued the following statement:
“Across the country, there are countless Walmart workers who are paid poverty wages, cannot get enough hours, and have erratic work schedules that make it difficult to survive. Worse yet, as the National Labor Relations Board confirmed last week, Walmart has systematically and illegally retaliated against workers who have had the courage to stand up to improve working conditions.
“We stand with the courageous Walmart workers who are demanding better wages and an end to illegal retaliation. Walmart, the largest private employer in the United States, has a responsibility to their employees and our country to respect workers and their rights. No one should have to fear losing their jobs just for speaking up.
“With as many as 825,000 Walmart workers making less than $25,000 a year and a single Walmart store costing taxpayers nearly $1 million in public assistance, the need for change is clear. Taxpayers should not have to pick up the tab because Walmart refuses to pay workers a living wage.
“This holiday season we are proud to stand with the Walmart workers and their supporters who are protesting and calling on the company to do better. It is time that Walmart pays its workers a fair wage and stops trampling on their rights.”
In recent weeks, members of Congress have demanded that Walmart make a commitment to providing better jobs. At a press conference last month, Representative Schakowsky, along with Representatives George Miller (D-CA) and Grace Napolitano (D-CA), challenged Walmart to stop illegal retaliation and increase hours to ensure workers earn a minimum of $25,000 a year for full-time work.
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LEGAL DISCLAIMER: UFCW and OUR Walmart have the purpose of helping Wal-Mart employees as individuals or groups in their dealings with Wal-Mart over labor rights and standards and their efforts tohave Wal-Mart publically commit to adhering to labor rights and standards. UFCW and OUR Walmart have no intent to have Walmart recognize or bargain with UFCW or OUR Walmart as the representative of Walmart employees.
November 29, 2013
PROTESTS FOR BETTER JOBS AT WALMART SWEEP STORES NATIONWIDE
Workers, Community Leaders in 9 Major Cities to Risk Arrest; Cite Walmart’s Poverty Pay
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Nation Rallies Behind Walmart Workers; Black Friday Protests Mark One of Largest Mobilizations of Working Families in Recent History
Media Call: TODAY, 12pm ET/9am PT
RSVP/Call-in Info: Giovanna Frank-Vitale, 610-207-9167, giovanna.vitale@berlinrosen.com
For Live Updates and Photos: Black Friday protests across the nation throughout the day, visit: www.BlackFridayProtests.org
Follow on Twitter: @ChangeWalmart; @ForRespect; #WalmartStrikers
(USA) – Calling for better jobs, Walmart workers and community supporters across the nation are holding 1500 protests against the mega-retailer today, in one of the largest mobilizations of working families in recent history. As part of the protests already underway, workers, faith leaders and community supporters are risking arrest in at least nine major metropolitan cities, outraged that with $17 billion in profits, Walmart continues to pay many workers poverty wages. Workers and supporters are calling for an end to illegal retaliation, for Walmart to publicly commit to paying $25,000 a year and to provide more full-time work.
Workers and supporters are set to take peaceful civil disobedience in major cities from coast to coast, including Los Angeles, Chicago, the Bay Area, Seattle, Dallas, Sacramento, Secaucus, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C. The group has been emboldened by revelations from Walmart’s CEO that as many as 825,000 workers are paid less than $25,000, while the Walton family’s wealth totals over $144 billion – equal to that of 42% of Americans.
“We refuse to live in fear. And we refuse to accept scraps. That’s why there have been so many strikes and protests this month,” said Dorothy Halvorson, a Walmart employee in Placerville, California, who has worked at the store for 11 years and plans to take part in civil disobedience today. “We know that we are closer to change at Walmart than ever before – and it’s clear that Walmart knows it too. We won’t stop protesting until we get change. This Black Friday is historic, and we will only grow stronger from here.”
In recent weeks, protesting Walmart workers have received an outpouring of national support. Calling for an end to Walmart’s illegal retaliation and attempts to silence workers who speak out for better working conditions, workers have walked off their jobs in a dozen cities, including Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Ohio, Dallas, Florida, Washington, D.C. and elsewhere.
“The civil disobedience by Walmart workers and supporters across the country is a testament to the immense courage of these workers fighting for dignity, respect and a decent wage — the same things that working people have marched and rallied for in this country for decades,” said Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of America’s foremost civil rights activists. “The civil rights movement of the past called for workers to be free and equal. Walmart workers today are free, but far from equal. The company has lost its way, and it’s an honor to support workers taking this powerful moral action to get Walmart on the right path.”
Earlier this month, a photo from a Canton, Ohio store went viral, as workers, customers and commentators pointed to a food drive set up for Walmart’s own employees as proof that the retailer pays its workers poverty wages. And the federal labor board recently announced it would prosecute Walmart for widespread violations of its workers’ rights, providing additional protection for Walmart’s 1.3 million employees when they are speaking out for better jobs.
“As the largest company in the country, Walmart makes billions of dollars in profit while paying workers so little that many cannot afford Thanksgiving dinner. It shows a complete disregard for employees and their families,” said Rev. Ed Middleton, a pastor at First Community Church in Dallas, Texas who plans to risk arrest today. “The scope of today’s nationwide protests matches the outrage felt by Americans across the country. Walmart’s business model is morally indefensible, and we won’t stand for it.”
Since then, the company has been on the defensive. On Monday, when Walmart announced that Doug McMillon would replace Mike Duke as CEO, numerous business analysts highlighted that the incoming CEO would have to address Walmart’s failing business model and pay its workers more.
“I’m prepared to get arrested today for everyone who can’t stand up for themselves,” said Myron Byrd, a 45 year-old father of three who makes $20,000 as a full-time Walmart employee in Chicago. “I’ve never done civil disobedience before, but I know what it is. My mother participated in the civil rights movement, and always told me that if I saw something wrong, it was our job to change it. And that’s exactly what thousands of us are doing today – calling for change at Walmart and standing up for fair pay and better jobs.”
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For updates and photos of Black Friday protests throughout the day, visit www.BlackFridayProtests.org and follow the conversation at @ChangeWalmart and #WalmartStrikers.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: UFCW and OUR Walmart have the purpose of helping Wal-Mart employees as individuals or groups in their dealings with Wal-Mart over labor rights and standards and their efforts to have Wal-Mart publically commit to adhering to labor rights and standards. UFCW and OUR Walmart have no intent to have Walmart recognize or bargain with UFCW or OUR Walmart as the representative of Walmart employees.
November 21, 2013
UFCW President Hansen Statement on Change to Senate Rules
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joe Hansen, International President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), today released the following statement after the Senate voted to change its filibuster rules for certain executive branch nominees.
“I applaud the Senate for passing long overdue rules reform. We simply cannot allow a minority of Senators to grind democracy to a halt. The filibuster, once a legislative tool, has been turned into a weapon by those who favor gridlock over progress. The American people, including the hard working members of the UFCW, have had enough. This is not the nuclear option. It is a common sense change that will allow the Senate to do its job. I hope Leader Reid will consider further reforms—beyond just nominees—in the future. Nonetheless, today is an important step towards restoring sanity in the Senate.”
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The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) represents more than 1.3 million workers, primarily in the retail and meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries. The UFCW protects the rights of workers and strengthens America’s middle class by fighting for health care reform, living wages, retirement security, safe working conditions and the right to unionize so that working men and women and their families can realize the American Dream. For more information about the UFCW’s effort to protect workers’ rights and strengthen America’s middle class, visit www.ufcw.org, or join our online community at www.facebook.com/UFCWinternational and www.twitter.com/ufcw.
November 21, 2013
Dear Congress, Do Your Job
Esther Lopez delivering turkey and merlot to Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy’s office.
This morning, immigrant farmworkers, labor leaders, and immigration advocates went to the U.S. Capitol so that members of the House could see firsthand how hard immigrants in this country work.
Advocates delivered turkey and merlot processed by immigrant workers along with fact sheets to Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, Congressman Steve King, and other key House Republicans.
The purpose of the event was to remind House leaders who’s working hard for America while they take more days off.
This year Congress has taken 198 days off. They will only work 8 more days in 2013. Yet House Republican leaders claim they do not have enough time to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
They owe it to the American people to do their job.
Esther Lopez outside Speaker Boehner’s locked door.
Members of Congress should be working as hard as the rest of us. Each day that comprehensive immigration reform is delayed is another day where millions of immigrant workers have to suffer through stolen wages, unsafe working conditions, and unjust threats of deportation.
The immigration system in America is broken. The time to fix it is now.
Speaker Boehner isn’t just ignoring comprehensive immigration reform. He’s ignoring people who try to visit his office.
UFCW International Vice President Esther Lopez, Director of the Civil Rights and Community Action Department, attempted to deliver a UFCW-made turkey to the Speaker, but his staff locked the door. In response, Lopez said, “We are not asking Congress to move the sun or the moon. We are just asking them to do their jobs.”
“At the UFCW, our members work hard – often in difficult conditions – to provide excellent products to customers and communities,” Lopez added. “UFCW members are doing their jobs. It is time for Congress to do the same and give us a vote on comprehensive immigration reform.”
November 21, 2013
Immigrant Farmworkers, Labor Leaders and Immigration Advocates to the Republican House: “Do Your Jobs” on Immigration
Advocates Deliver Immigrant Processed Turkeys, Merlot and Fact Sheets to Speaker Boehner, Steve King and Other Key GOP Members; Remind Them Who’s Working Hard for America While They’re Taking More Days Off
Washington, DC – While Congress has been busy voting to repeal Obamacare forty-seven times, blaming the President for [insert anything here], taking 198 days off (including 32 of the final 40 days in 2013 as of today), complaining about having to read too many pages of legislation, and whining about “not having enough time” to do anything productive in 2013, millions of immigrant workers have been working day in and day out to help put Thanksgiving dinner on the tables of millions of Americans.
Today, immigrant farmworkers, labor leaders and immigration advocates launched the “Do Your Jobs” campaign as a reminder to Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) and the rest of the House Republican caucus about who is actually working hard for America and who needs to step it up.
According to Esther Lopez, Director of United Food and Commercial Workers International Union’s (UFCW) Civil Rights and Community Action Department, “At the UFCW, we are proud to put food on America’s table, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year. Our members work hard—often in difficult conditions—to provide an excellent product for their customers and communities. UFCW members are doing their jobs. It is time for Congress to do the same. Give us a vote on comprehensive immigration reform.”
As a send-off to Congress before they take their two-week Thanksgiving break, advocates delivered turkeys processed by immigrants to Speaker Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA), Rep. Steve King (R-IA) and other targeted Republican Members to remind them about the back-breaking work immigrants and others do in America every single day (see below for a full list of Members of Congress who received deliveries).
As a special touch, Boehner received an immigrant-harvested bottle of merlot wine (his favorite). Volunteers from each organization also handed out fact sheets to key Members of Congress, outlining the hard work that immigrants do to harvest produce, process meats, prepare foods, clean houses, and complete the numerous other jobs necessary to set our nation’s Thanksgiving tables while Members of Congress enjoy their two-week break (see the fact sheet here).
Giev Kashkooli, National Vice President of United Farm Workers (UFW) delivered turkeys and wine alongside two immigrant grape growers from the Yakima Valley in Washington, providing a face behind the hard work that goes into providing Speaker Boehner with the wine he adores.
As one of the growers, Adelaida Mendoza, UFW member from Mabton, Washington, said at today’s press conference, “It takes a lot of hard work to produce the grapes that make Merlot wine. From January when we begin to prune the vines early in the morning in 20 degree weather through the harvest season in the summer heat when poisonous snakes are regular visitors at our feet to now when we prepare the ground for the next year, the work is difficult. Now, we ask Speaker Boehner and the Republican House Leaders to Do Your Job. How can Speaker Boehner let Republicans take 32 of the next 40 days off when our country needs immigration reform?”
Added Maria Ramirez, UFW member and immigrant grape harvester from Benton, Washington, “Our work is difficult but we love doing this work producing wine that so many Americans enjoy. I am here today because the struggle that our families have to win a new immigration process is so important. We have done our job so others can enjoy wine. Now, we want Speaker Boehner and Republican leaders to do their job.”
Thus far, instead of actually doing something to address immigration (an issue that’s been debated for decades), Speaker Boehner has found nearly every excuse in the book to avoid actually doing his job by tackling this issue and the many others he’s left on the table. The only immigration vote the Speaker found time to schedule this year was on a Rep. Steve King (R-IA) amendment to deport DREAMers and others, yet so far he hasn’t found the 20 minutes needed to vote on an immigration proposal that the vast majority of Americans support.
“Immigrants show up for work and do their jobs. House members show up at the Capitol but do not do their jobs. Instead, they play politics with our lives,” said Ben Monterroso, executive director of Mi Familia Vota. “If House members do not pass commonsense immigration reform with a path to citizenship, they will suffer the consequences next November. It’s as simple as that. The House can act today or face the consequences tomorrow.”
Donations were also made in the name of the Republican Members who did not receive turkeys today as well as the immigrant workers who produced these products to a local area food bank.
Said Andrea Zuniga, Legislative Representative of the AFL-CIO, “Each day Speaker Boehner delays immigration reform workers pay the price with stolen wages, unsafe working conditions and threats of deportation if they try to organize. Many of these workers will not have the luxury of spending Thanksgiving with their families- they will be working extra shifts to make ends meet or praying for family members that have been deported. It’s time for Speaker Boehner to give us a vote and fix our broken immigration system in a manner that protects all workers.”
“Immigrant workers spend hours preparing and harvesting the food that we eat every day. While Speaker Boehner and other House Republicans are enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with their families, immigrants are facing permanent separation from their families—all because the House Republican leadership will not act. Our message is simple: do the right thing. Pass immigration reform to let these hardworking immigrants become hardworking Americans, said Lynn Tramonte, Deputy Director of America’s Voice.
This new campaign is follow-up to the “Take Our Jobs” campaign of 2010 where United Farm Workers invited American workers to step into the shoes of an immigrant farmworker. Stephen Colbert and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) took up the offer and witnessed firsthand the difficulties of doing this backbreaking labor. As millions of immigrants continue their hard work to contribute to our country, we’re just asking that Congress do the same.
In August, leaders from UFW, America’s Voice and United We Dream responded to comments from Steve King about DREAMers having “calves the size of cantaloupes” by delivering sweet American-grown and immigrant harvested cantaloupes to all the 224 Members who voted in favor of Steve King’s amendment to deport DREAMers. Just as House leadership gave Steve King his vote, leaders demanded that Speaker Boehner schedule their vote on citizenship as well.
Fact Sheet: Do Your Jobs.We work hard for America. When will you work for us?
List of Members’ Offices Receiving Deliveries:
Receiving Turkey, Merlot and Fact Sheets:
Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH)
Receiving Turkeys and Fact Sheets:
Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA)
Rep. Steve King (R-IA)
Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)
House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA)
Receiving Fact Sheets and a Donation to a Local Food Back in theirs and an Immigrant Workers Name:
Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV)
Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO)
Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC)
Rep. Michael Grimm (R-NY)
Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY)
Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV)
Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA)
Rep. Scot Tipton (R-CO)
Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL)
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November 20, 2013
JBS Workers Vote for a Union Voice on the Job with UFCW Local 1776
JBS workers in Souderton, Pa., voted to join UFCW Local 1776 to have a union voice on the job.
This work, about 200 workers in a JBS rendering plant in Souderton, Pa., overwhelmingly voted for a union voice on the job with UFCW Local 1776.
“I have been a driver at JBS for three years and one reason why I wanted a union was to have better health insurance for my family. When it came time to vote, I stood with my co-workers and voted union ‘yes’,” said JBS worker Tony Serra.
The workers began campaigning to join a union at the beginning of this year. During the campaign, UFCW Locals 23, 204, 1994, and 1208 sent member activists to help UFCW Local 1776 members and JBS workers to handbill, hold worker-to-worker and member-to-worker meetings, and perform home calls to show solidarity and have a successful election. Many of the workers have been part of a union before and understand the power that workers have when they stand together.
Contract negotiations are set to begin immediately in order to run parallel with negotiations for the UFCW Local 1776 JBS beef plant workers. Respect on the job and protecting healthcare benefits are top priorities for workers.