In the News
Below are links to some stories we've seen in the news that impact Local 21 members, other union members, working families, and their communities.
Lawmakers learn more about high health care costs
January 17, 2008: The 1/17/08 edition of The Olympian reports on the success of the Healthy Washington Coalition’s lobby day at the Capitol, which focused attention on ways to expand access to affordable health care and hold down costs.
As the Olympian reported, in addition to union and community groups:
Members [of the coalition] include the Washington State Medical Association, the Washington State Hospital Association and Group Health, the insurance provider.
“We have built the largest health reform coalition that has ever existed in the state of Washington” Stern said.
UFCW Local 21 is proud to be a leading member of the Healthy Washington Coalition. Click here to learn more about the Coalition’s health care agenda
Hudson Group purchased by private equity firm; union contract remains in effect
Local 21 represents more than 200 Hudson Group employees at Sea-Tac airport. We have been in contact with the company about this development. Our contract remains in effect just as before. Hudson Group’s management team is also remaining in place, and no operational changes are planned. In short, this change of ownership is not expected to have a significant effect on Local 21 members at Sea-Tac airport.
Wal-Mart Drops Plans to Build New Mill Creek Store!
December 10, 2007: As the Seattle Times and other papers reported this weekend, Wal-Mart has dropped their plans to build a new store in Mill Creek after tenacious opposition from local community members concerned about the impact of the store.
Making this an even bigger victory for communities in South Snohomish County, Wal-Mart has also decided to delay two other proposed stores in the region.
As Karen Lowe of Citizens for a Better Mill Creek put it:
“We felt that something like a Wal-Mart wouldn’t be the best neighbor,” Lowe said. “Also, we didn’t want our local retailers going out of business. We want environmentally friendly development that doesn’t make traffic worse and is actually beneficial to the community.”
Click here to read the complete article online at the Seattle Times website — then click here to learn more about Wake Up Wal-Mart, the powerful nationwide campaign to change Wal-Mart.
Congratulations to the Mill Creek community activists who persevered and won their struggle against Wal-Mart!
Seattle Times Op-Ed: "A high price to pay for low-cost shopping"
November 28, 2007: Today’s Seattle Times includes an op-ed by Karen Lowe and Selma Bonham, leaders of Citizens for a Better Mill Creek, that explains why they and their neighbors are opposing the construction of a new Wal-Mart store in Mill Creek. As they write:
This holiday season, like all Americans, we are giving thanks for what we value most: family, community, our health and the beauty of our environment. We also value ethical business principles and practices that support families and communities. Wal-Mart has demonstrated nationwide that it values profits over the safety of our children, the health of our families, the life of our communities and the future of our environment.
Click here to read the whole piece online at the Seattle Times website.
Agreement reached in Southern California grocery negotiations!
July 18, 2007: The Los Angeles Time reports today that union grocery workers in Southern California have reached agreement for a new contract covering 65,000 workers. Details of the agreement have not been released, but the LA Times described the settlement as a “win” for workers and reports that it includes raises, improves eligibility for health benefits, and makes other improvements.
