UFCW 21 Newsletter - Summer 2010
UFCW 21
Summer 2010 Newsletter
In this issue:
- Taking Action— for a future we can all depend on
- The Inside Story: The right to form a union
- Standing Up for Your Rights
- Liquor Privatization— It's a No/No
- And more...
Taking Action —
For a future we can all depend on
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Several months of actions by grocery store workers — Standing up for Working Moms events, presenting the Bill of Rights to store managers, our Flash Mob for Sick Leave, and more — have built unity and kept the employers off balance. We’ve also generated positive media coverage on the major TV networks, daily newspapers, and local radio stations. Check out ufcw21.org for updates and check out our YouTube channel to see videos of the actions we’ve taken. |
19,000 workers. That’s the number of UFCW 21 members who have been in contract negotiations together with grocery store workers from UFCW 81 and Teamsters 38.
218 stores in 9 counties. Since March, we’ve taken action in every single one of the big chain stores in Western Washington. Together with dozens of community leaders, we have shown the employers we will do what it takes to win a fair contract in Western Washington.
So far, our efforts have pushed the big chains (Safeway, Albertsons, QFC, and Fred Meyer) to make some small improvements in their proposals. But the big picture hasn’t changed much — the employers are still proposing wage freezes and a more expensive health care plan with fewer benefits. And they are still insisting on only 3-days notice of schedules, and maintaining the same broken sick leave policies.
Everyone knows the economy is tough. Nobody expects a get-rich contract this year. But we don’t expect to get kicked in the teeth either. The big chains on the other side of the bargaining table are among the 50 biggest companies in the country. Their profits are strong, and they paid their CEOs a combined $30,000,000 last year. They can afford a fair deal.
When the time comes, members will have the choice to vote to approve a fair contract proposal, or to reject the proposal and authorize a strike. But employers will need to improve their proposals dramatically very soon to get us to a fair contract.
Stay tuned as the process continues at ufcw21.org.
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The Grocery Store Workers Bill of Rights highlights the basic rights for all workers. Over 12,000 UFCW 21 grocery store members have signed on, and members in nearly all 218 stores have presented a giant Bill of Rights to their store manager. |
The Inside Story:
The right to form a union
More than 11,000 UFCW 21 members work in hospitals and clinics, providing health care for people across the state. Their union contracts set basic standards regarding wages, benefits, and fair treatment — plus a voice on the job that means a better work environment for members, and a better care environment for patients.
Standing Up for Your Rights
Carol Tucker got her hours cut unfairly after years working in video/customer service at Safeway. Estela Lopez was fired for no good reason after 26 years at Draper Valley Farms. Brandon Fish got a raise at the Federal Way Macy's after meeting with Union Steward Nichole Booker and learning how his contract worked. Jeannette Power-Cooper and her fellow Surgery Techs at Auburn Regional Medical Center have been missing meal & rest breaks.
And you can rest assured when you have a Steward in Your Corner like Garry Hawkins. Click here to read more about all these stories of UFCW 21 members who are standing up for their rights.
Big corporations are out with two competing proposals to make millions by privatizing our state liquor stores. Their proposals would:
- Eliminate the jobs of nearly 1,000 UFCW members who work in liquor stores.
- Dramatically increase the number of places where liquor is sold. Instead of the 315 controlled liquor outlets we have now, 3,300 mini-marts and other stores that currently sell wine and beer would be allowed to sell liquor.
- Take millions from taxpayer funded state and local programs like health and education.
Explore ufcw21.org and you can:
- Find out who your Union Rep is, and how to contact them
- View your contract
- Stay up to date on negotiations
- Read about union news & events
- And more!
Fall Elections:
Coming to a Ballot Near You
Cast Your Vote by November 2nd
When union members vote, elected officials make better decisions for workers. That’s why it is important to get informed and vote.
Check out ufcw21.org for election updates and endorsements.
Connecting with younger workers
Our union includes many young members who are new to unions and new to the workforce. Our new YES 21 cards provide a quick intro to the most important info for young workers.
Interested? Talk to your Union Rep about getting involved with YES21.
