30,000 Strong

October 1, 2005

The new UFCW Local 21 unites 30,000 workers in retail, health care, and other service industries, becoming the largest union local in the State. Local 21 was formed after members of UFCW Local 1001 and Local 1105 voted by more than 97% to merge and form a new union with the size, strength, and resources we need to take on the challenges of today’s economy.

By combining the strength and resources of Local 1105 and Local 1001, the new Local 21 will:

• Increase our bargaining power through aggressive organizing of non-union employers and aggressive campaigns for fair contracts.
• Better inform and mobilize union members through expanded steward trainings, more frequent bargaining updates and newsletters, and a top-notch website.
• Dramatically enlarge our strike and defense fund so employers think twice about taking us on.
• Strengthen our voice with elected officials in Washington, DC, Olympia, and local government.

Our merger goes into effect October 1, 2005. All Local 1001 and Local 1105 contracts remain in place, and medical benefits are unchanged. For the time being, the Union Representative assigned to each workplace remains the same, and we will continue to operate the former Local 1105 office in Seattle and the former Local 1001 office in Bellevue. The satellite union offices in Silverdale and Spokane also remain open.

We look forward to working together with you and other union members in the months ahead as we build our new union. As always, we’re stronger together—and with the new Local 21, we’ll be even stronger and more united than ever before.