UFCW Local 1500 Blog

Friday Mornin' News Brew

2012-01-27T11:04:00.002-05:00

Here are some top industry stories to start your day:

BJ's Wholesale Club has opened up three new locations, one in Virginia and in Ithaca & Deer Park, NY. The grand opening of the 85,000 square foot Deer Park (Long Island) store is this weekend. [Press Release]

Stop & Shop raised over $2 million for with their "Foods for Friends" program, 100% of the proceeds will go to food pantries throughout the Northeast.

The Bridgehampton Citizen Action Committee supports banning plastic bags, and wants Southampton to do the same.

One is never enough....Walmart opened their second Chicago Supercenter this week.

A Bankruptcy judge has OK'd A&P's $750M exit financing.

The Valley Stream Herald reports on Target, and us, gearing up for the February 1st NLRB hearing.

UFCW's OnPoint Issue 14- January 24, 2012

2012-01-25T09:59:00.000-05:00

Check out the latest edition of OnPoint, from the UFCW International, recapping the on-goings from our UFCW brothers and sisters across the nation!

Quick News Briefs....

2012-01-23T15:36:00.000-05:00

Crain's does a close up on FreshDirect, from going to the local NY Grocer, to emerging as a national powerhouse...

Fresh Market continues to knock on the door of the five boroughs and Long Island, opening their first store in Eastchester...

Surprised? Walmart's "study"on it's impact of a potential new store in Tacoma, Washington contradicts research, public study.

Quick Newsbites....

2012-01-20T16:00:00.000-05:00

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#A&P
Scary Editorial: Food Lion Latest to Shrink Store Count in Grocery Shakeout.

A&P moves ahead with turnaround strategy with store closures.

Here's a brew of the related store closure stories,

A&P to close in downtown Danbury.

LI Herald: Waldbaum's in RVC to close.

North Jersey: Garfield A&P among stores to close.

New York City Council Member, Melissa Mark Viverito writes an editorial in The Huffington Post on Living Wage in New York City.

The RWDSU is asking the Queens Center Mall owner to do what's right, and help out the neighboring area they reside in.

Local 1500 Endorses Hakeem Jeffries for Congress NY-10th District

2012-01-19T13:37:00.000-05:00

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STATE'S LARGEST GROCERY WORKERS UNION ENDORSES

HAKEEM JEFFRIES FOR CONGRESS

UFCW Local 1500 is first labor endorsement for Jeffries

Thursday, January 19, 2012 - Brooklyn, NY - United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500, New York State's largest grocery workers union, announced its support today for Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries for Congress in NY-10. This is the first labor endorsement for Jeffries.

"We are excited and proud to endorse Hakeem Jeffries to be the next Congressman from Brooklyn's 10th Congressional District," said Bruce W. Both, President, UFCW 1500. "As a New York State Assemblyman, Hakeem stood side by side with our members and fought on our behalf as we worked to pass the New York State Wage Theft Prevention Act in 2010, a bill that provides workers in New York State protections against irresponsible employers who fail to pay their workers. As a member of Congress, our union is confident that Hakeem will bring leadership, innovative thinking and a progressive mind to a legislative body crying out for civility and common sense."

"It is an honor to have the endorsement of UFCW," said Jeffries. "This strong union stands up for all workers in their fight for fair contracts and wages, and the right to a decent quality of life. I am proud to stand with UFCW as a state legislator and I look forward to working with them in Washington to keep improving life for all city residents."

UFCW has a long history in New York. Its members work for companies such as Pathmark, Stop and Shop, Key Foods, Shop Rite and Fairway that operate in Brooklyn. With nearly 23,000 members, Local 1500 is not only the largest of New York State's grocery workers unions, it is among the largest locals in the entire national UFCW. The local represents working men and women in Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties.

Hakeem Jeffries has represented Brooklyn's 57th district in the New York State Assembly since 2007. During his time in the legislature, Assemblyman Jeffries has emerged as a champion for working families. He has successfully advanced a progressive agenda that has made a real impact throughout Brooklyn, including legislation to strengthen tenant regulations, protect the civil liberties of law-abiding New Yorkers during police encounters, reform state government in Albany, and facilitate the successful re-entry of formerly incarcerated individuals. For more information on Hakeem's candidacy, visit www.JeffriesforCongress.com.

# # #

Tues. After Noon OneLiners: Fresh Direct needs a new HQ, Retail Workers still struggling

2012-01-17T12:52:00.001-05:00

Cover of Martin Luther King, Jr.

“It's downright disturbing, as this industry grows and plays a greater role in our economy, we're seeing stagnant wages and working conditions.”

Carrie Gleason, director of the Retail Action Project, who will issue a study on how Retailers sell workers short in today's Crain's NY Business.

#A&P
A&P unveiled a new healthy food format, focusing on foods for diabetics and health conscious shoppers.

Bayonne A&P will close, impacting 77 employees. More @ the CT Courier Post.

Sprinklers exploded at the former Pathmark on Nostrand Avenue.

LoHud: Pathmark Mt.Vernon to close.

#Elsewhere, Industry
Aldi in Geneseo is closing in August.

In Jersey, consultants are wondering if a new ShopRite in Toms River will kill a Foodtown in the same town.

Fresh Direct has outgrown their Queens warehouse and is searching for a new site that could fit an additional 1,000 employees. Well, New Jersey & the South Bronx are both doing their best to seduce the retailer to make their home. Check out the article at the Daily News:

Only 47% of Fresh Direct employees make more than $25,000 a year, claimed Bettina Damiani of Good Jobs New York, a benefits watchdog group.

Living wage critics warned last week the bill could scare away Fresh Direct. But a City Council spokeswoman said Friday the legislation would not apply to the company if it moved to the Bronx.

Damiani accused Fresh Direct of using its New Jersey offer to leverage more New York aid. It has received millions of dollars in tax breaks in Queens, she said.

“It is incredibly unfair for Fresh Direct to hold city taxpayers over a barrel,” she said. “Fresh Direct is a perfect example of what’s wrong with the economic war between New York and New Jersey.”

Crain's writes about retail workers in NYC struggling to make ends meet.

The report, titled "Discounted Jobs: How Retailers Sell Workers Short," surveyed 436 workers in jobs across the five boroughs, making it one of the most comprehensive studies to date on the industry's workforce in New York. Nearly one-third of those surveyed supported at least one additional family member on their wages; their median income was $9.50 an hour. More than half made less than $10 an hour, and one in five earned less than $8 an hour.

Read more: @ Crain's NY Business

Here is RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum's statement on the NYC Living Wage agreement. The New York Times sums up the tricky compromise very well.

The UFCW Blog wrote a nice piece, Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Smithfield Packing and the UFCW are donating 30,000 pounds of protein to a food bank in Arizona.

Supermarket News says it will take 23 years for Whole Foods to reach their goal of 1,000 stores. They're telling retailers to brace themselves for record expansion pace.

Trader Joe's will be opening in Rochester and Albany, not Syracuse.

Motley Fool wonders if Target's new business strategy will over complicate the stores.

Controversial right-to-work legislation could advance this week in the Indiana legislature, and Kentucky labor unions and pro-business interests are closely monitoring its progress.

UFCW Local 400 President Tom McNutt issued a statement Jan. 13 in response to Delhaize America’s decision to close 126 Bloom, Food Lion and Bottom Dollar stores across the country.

Giant Food Stores' pending acquisition of Genuardis has investors thinking a re-branding for the stores could have great potential.

Thursday Mornin' One-Liners

2012-01-12T15:51:00.000-05:00

As we approach this important holiday, let's remember that we are united by the thirst for justice and for economic opportunity. Let's remember that we need not be limited by what we can see today, but that with faith and hard work we can transform America's dream into reality.
- Arlene Holt Baker, AFL-CIO Exec. VP in today's Detroit Free Press.

Delhazie plans to close 114 Food Lions, to close 164 total stores in US & Europe.

New Jersey wants some Fresh Direct.

Fresh & Green's, the company that bought some Superfresh stores late 2011, just selected a new marketing, advertising team.

AFL-CIO Executive VP, Arlene Holt Baker, gives an excellent guest commentary in the Detroit Free Press: "True Equality Still Challenges Us All."

Yet we know King's dream was not merely a dream about friendship, not some story about two unlikely friends communing across a great economic divide. His dream was about true equality -- economic, political and social justice.

Nike has finally agreed to pay $1 million in backwages to Indonesian workers.

The decision is being viewed as a symbolic victory, given that the compensation was rather modest and because Nike has long been accused of exploiting and underpaying employees toiling in its Third World factories.

Asbury Park Press: Pathmark in Stafford Closing Doors.

Target announced they'll be opening a store within a store today, a Target within a Target.

The UFCW Local 400 in Baltimore is embracing the #Occupy movement leading up to contract negotiations...

Weis will fill the void Pathmark left last year when the store closed in Hillsborough, New Jersey.

Tuesday Mornin' News Briefs

2012-01-10T10:51:00.000-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

"Right to Work" laws are for the 1%.

A&P to close 14 stores, here is their Press Release. More @ Progressive Grocer, CityBizRealEstate, ABC News, Supermarket News, Atlantic City Press.

A&P is accusing Stop & Shop of purposefully snarling its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case by making “illusory” claims of potential pension liabilities. From Supermarket News:

Ahold on behalf of its U.S. banners Giant-Landover and Stop & Shop has filed 216 separate proofs of claim for any increases in pension contributions that Giant and Stop & Shop may have to pay as a result of A&P’s withdrawal from multi-employer pension plans in which Giant and Stop & Shop participate.

The NLRB swears in three new members.

Epoch Times writes about the proposed new Walmart in East Patchogue, Long Island. More at Newsday (subscription required) and at Patch.

Target Change: Target & Apple a match made in heaven.

The UFCW Local 1500 Fairway in Douglaston, Queens, raised nearly $7k for the slain NYPD Detective, Peter Figoski's family. In total, Fairway donated $20,000 to the scholarship fund.

"We have a long standing history of supporting those who serve New York City and when we saw the tragedy that happened, we felt we had to jump in and help out in any way that we could,” he said of the market’s decision to donate to the scholarship fund. “What’s unique about how we did this is that we involved our customers as well.”
Figoski, 47, who was the father of four daughters between the ages of 14 and 20 years, was killed when he and his partner showed up at the scene of an alleged drug robbery that was taking place in Brooklyn.

Republicans in Indiana, in what the AFL-CIO blog calls a 5-minute charade this morning, have pushed a "right to work" bill in an 8-5 vote.

Not only were Democrats barred from offering any amendments, no discussion of the bill was allowed and immediately after the vote, the hearing was adjourned. Rep. John Bartlett (D) told reporters that he’d “never seen a charade like this in my life.”

And Trader Joe's plans in Albany need minimal approval.

Monday Morning One Liners: More Assualts on Unions, Target Teams with Apple

2012-01-06T16:08:00.000-05:00

Excellent Editorial in the New York Times: Continuing Assault on Unions focuses on the relentless, shameful attack by the Republican party on unions and workers' rights, in a time and economy when we need them most.

A proposed bill in New Jersey would allow NJ residents to get Jersey vineyard wines shipped right to their homes.

Alec Baldwin was dropped as the Wegman's earlier this week, then re-hired once customers were outraged.

The Nation highlights UFCW's campaign to Change Walmart.

Walmart is buying up more and more social media companies.

Last week Walmart was Blacklisted by one of the world's largest pension funds. The reason? Poor labor practices and their anti-union/worker stances. Sixteen other companies were blacklisted along with Walmart, nearly all of them excluded for producing chemical or nuclear weapons that violate the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Check out Lila Shapiro's piece in the Huffington Post:

Walmart typically shrugs off criticism of its labor practices as union-driven propaganda and insists that its employees are happy and well-managed, but investing experts say that when one of the largest pension funds in the world divests, the company would be wise to listen to the message. It's the same message the American labor movement has been pushing for decades.

Great article from Grist, looks at the dominance Walmart is gaining on our entire Food System and why we should be scared:

We had a leak in the cooler that didn't get fixed for a month and all this moldy food was going out on the floor." Walmart doesn't accept the idea that "a supermarket takes any skill to run," she said. "They treated the produce like any other kind of merchandise."

A&P announced the launch of plans to deploy a category optimization solution to "help enhance its merchandising strategy and improve the customer experience across its more than 300 northeast and Mid-Atlantic stores."

In Belleville, NJ, a Pathmark who was a community fixture for over 30 years, and fell victim to store closings, remains vacant over one year later. Though the community remains hopeful.

Hooray! (sarcasm) Apple mini-stores are coming to Target. A perfect match for the employer who faces federal labor law charges (Target) and the company where they reward their employees in titles like Geniuses, and not pay, benefits or basic rights at work. Looks e-harmony couldn't have matched these two any better.

Last week the National Labor Relations Board announced they would be adding more labor charges to the existing federal charges Target Corp. faces for allegedly violating the law in the weeks leading up to the union election in June, 2011.

Meanwhile Target reported increased December sales but missed expectations.

Number 8 on Brooklyn Papers top 12 to watch for in 2012 is a Brooklyn Walmart, Big Box store.

Workers at VPH Pharmacy, a Michigan-based distributor of pharmaceutical products, recently won the right to join UFCW Local 876!!

International President, Joe Hansen, appluaded President Obama's recess appointments.
“We applaud President Obama’s recent decision to fill vacant posts at the National Labor Relations Board and the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau and. These agencies play an important role in safeguarding the rights of workers and their families..."

In California, retailers are being fought on alcohol sales at self-checkouts. Most retailers are complying says the SF Chronicle, but Fresh & Easy is struggling following the newly passed law.

Good Read: Paul Krugman in his latest piece for NY Times, "Unlevel Playing Field" says it's a fiction that GOP and Romney care about equal opportunity.

Uh-oh alert...Wall-Street employees are threatening to quit if their bonuses aren't enough.

Whole Foods is closing their Dallas Bake-house.

Trader Joe's is opening up in Albany, their first store in the capital region makes the Business Review ponder if other retailers follow them.

via AFL-CIO Blog: The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) urged the Indiana state legislature to reject a so-called right to work bill. “As Indianapolis proudly prepares to host the Super Bowl,” says the union, “it should be a time to shine in the national spotlight and highlight the hardworking families that make Indiana run instead of launching political attacks on their basic rights.”

Last week, the awesome union employer, Fairway Market, not only does right by their employees but does great for their community. Ten percent of all sales made during the seven-hour period at Fairway locations in Red Hook, Douglaston and Plainview goes straight to the fund created shortly after Officer Figoski was killed to help his four daughters attend college. Check out the story @WPIX. Great job, Fairway!

And just for fun, a man was arrested at a Walmart last week for trying to use a $1 million dollar bill.

NLRB Files Mores Charges Against Target for Conduct at Valley Stream store

2012-01-04T09:59:00.001-05:00

The NLRB has filed more charges against Target, adding more charges to what is already a long running list of ways the super retailer violated labor laws in order to prevent employees from joining the UFCW. Last June, Target intimidated workers by handing out flyers which raised questions such as "Will the Store Close if the Union Gets In?", they forced employees to watch a corny anti-union video, and interrogated workers to the extent that they felt almost 'criminal-like' for supporting the union. If that wasn't enough, Target also fired one of the leading 'pro-union' voices from Valley Stream, a mere 7-weeks after the union vote this past summer.

UFCW Local 1500 Special Projects Director and Target campaign Director Aly Waddy released the following statement:

"The NLRB is slowly recognizing Target manipulated the system, and intimidated their employees with interrogations and an intense propaganda campaign. They [Target] used every tactic possible with no regard for the law from keeping the hardworking men and woman at Target from gaining respect at work. It's reassuring [the NLRB filing more charges against Target] that their conduct and disregard for the law created a slanted atmosphere, making any shot for a fair election impractical. It's a small step that this is not only recognized by us and the workers from Target Valley Stream, but the National Labor Relations Board."

Tuesday Mornin' One Liners

2011-12-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

The NLRB has adopted the rule change, putting an end to "unnecessary litigation & delays" between filing for a union election and the vote.

Here's what UFCW International President Joe Hansen said about the NLRB rule change.

Rumors are stirring that the NLRB could be shut down by next year.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association have released a statement on the NLRB rule change naming it the "ambush election rule".

A&P has updated their Financial Outlook, Supermarket News reports.

The Seattle City Council has passed a law banning plastic carry-out bags! The bill encourages the use of reusable shopping bags by requiring grocers and retailers to charge a nickel for paper bags. The bill was also backed by UFCW-21 "We have the support of grocers, retailers, restaurants, labor unions, and environmental organizations in Seattle. We also have broad grassroots involvement from residents who have been emailing and calling in support of this issue for months now."

Poor holidays sales along with competing against Walmart & Target, is leading Sears & /Kmart to close 100-120 stores, a move expected to lay off/displace thousands of retail workers. More @ ABC News.

Rob Walton, Chairman of the Board for Walmart, won JWJ's annual 'Scrooge of the Year' contest.

The family’s dividends from their Walmart stock alone are more than $2 billion/year. Just using their dividends, they could ensure that a million Walmart employees make at least $12/hour. Instead, they are growing richer by the year. Even with all of this money, Walmart only pays an average of $8.81/hour to store associates. And the company has yet to meet with and address the concerns of those who work for them such as scheduling (especially during the holiday season). Just last month Walmart, under Rob’s leadership, slashed health care coverage for hundreds of thousands of Walmart employees and their families—right before the holidays! What a scrooge! Check out more at JWJ.

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer: Walmart a threat to NYC.

Editorial: Big Box Scheduling leaves workers exhausted and broke in the hectic holiday season.

Fresh, healthy foods were promoted less by Supermarkets in 2011 reports Supermarket News.

Bi-Lo will buy Winn-Dixie for $560 million.

Pathmark & workers clash on Christmas opening.

Huffington Post writes that Unions & Occupy Wall Street are working together, slowly.

The New York Observer sees through Target's new strive to be more 'local' at their Harlem store.

The AFL-CIO Blog points out that Lawmakers, not just CEO's, are the top 1% and maybe that's why it's so difficult to pass a millionaire's tax. Summed up in an excellent article in today's Washington Post: Growth wealth widens distance between politicians and constituents.

Sears to Close 100-120 Kmart & Sears Stores, Affecting Thousands of Retail Workers

2011-12-27T10:37:00.000-05:00

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This morning Sears announced they will be closing 100 to 120 Kmart and Sears stores due to poor sales and lack of competition to rivals like Target & Walmart. Earlier this year Sears announced they would close 10 stores. Though all major media outlets continue to only focus on what this means for the stock and shareholders of Sears/Kmart, the closing of stores is expected to lay off or displace over 1,000 Sears/Kmart retail employees. Our hearts and best wishes go out to those who will be affected by the store closings.

From The Associated Press:

Sears Holdings Corp. plans to close between 100 and 120 Sears and Kmart stores after poor sales during the holidays, the most crucial time of year for retailers.

The store closings follow its announcement last quarter it would shutter 10 stores. Kmart and Sears have a combined 2,177 U.S. big box locations and another 500 in Canada.
A list of which stores closing will be available at www.searsmedia.com.

Wall Street analysts have long faulted Sears for not investing enough to make its stores appealing. Sears is "effectively asking customers to pay for a poorer shopping environment" than other chains, Credit Suisse analyst Gary Balter said in a note to clients.
Balter was also surprised that Sears would borrow money during the holidays, which are typically a peak cash flow period.

Sears blamed poor consumer electronics sales in a tough economic environment "especially for big-ticket items" for more than half of the decline in its namesake chain's domestic same-store sales.

NLRB Adopts Rule to Speed Union Elections

2011-12-21T14:38:00.000-05:00

Today, in a small step forward to leveling the playing field for the working class, the National Labor Relations Board adopted a new, Republican criticized and attacked, rule which would eliminate and "reduce unnecessary litigation and delays" during the union election process. The new rule will go into effect on April 30, 2012. From the NLRB:

but under the current rules, inefficiency, abuse of the process, and delay still hamper resolution of many questions of representation.

In recent years, only about 10 percent of NLRB election cases have gone through the hearing process. Such elections have been held on average 101 days after the election petition was filed with a regional office.

“This rule is about giving all employees who have petitioned for an election the right to vote in a timely manner and without the impediment of needless litigation,” said Chairman Pearce.

You can read the press release from the NLRB with summaries of the proceedings here. Earlier this November, House Republicans passed what was dubbed the Election Prevention Act, to combat the modest NLRB rule change. The laws would give companies and corporations a tool-kit and a swiss-army knife for defeating unions and destroying workers' rights. Republicans continue their attack on unions, workers' rights and the NLRB, though today a small victory towards creating a fair unionization process.

"Let Us Spend Christmas With Our Families!!"

2011-12-13T12:13:00.001-05:00

UFCW Local 1500 is standing up to the A&P/Pathmark company and is asking its executives to close stores on Christmas Day. Our members have faced a very stressful and difficult year and this is not the time to be taking away a holiday that should be spent with their families. "A&P/Pathmark ended up in bankruptcy because of poor decisions by former management. Hopefully current management will not follow in their footsteps and respect their workers, their customers and the spirit of the Christmas season and keep these stores shut"- Secretary Treasurer Anthony Speelman.

Below is the letter written to the A&P/Pathmark executives.UFCW Local 1500 will hand bill company stores this week urging the public to contact A&P/Pathmark management and express their disapproval. Another way of showing your support is to sign and share this petition to show your solidarity. By signing this petition you will be helping thousands of Local 1500 members get the chance to spend Christmas with their families.

Come Meet Santa!

2011-12-09T10:00:00.001-05:00

This Sunday December 11, 2011, Local 1500 will be hosting a Holiday Breakfast with Santa Claus at the Union Office!

All Local 1500 members are invited to attend with their families and all children under 11 years old will receive a free photo with Santa and a gift!

For more information call 516-214-1305 or send an email to info@ufcw1500.org!

Thursday Mornin' One Liners: Bob's Goes UFCW, Again!

2011-12-06T16:22:00.001-05:00

"For the mayor to endorse Walmart... is an example of the 1 percent of the income earners advancing the economic interests of the 1 percent of the mega-corporate world." Brooklyn Assemblywoman Inez Barron, in response to Mayor Bloomberg's support of Walmart opening in NYC.

WalmartNYC
The New York Observer writes on how Walmart is constantly "woo'd" every week by brokers for their lucrative real estate deal if they open a store in NYC. Since that's what it's all about, real estate commissions from Walmart, not their potential affects on surrounding communities and local business.

In India they're [Walmart] hearing a familiar complaint about opening and expansion, "You'll kill our local business."

Walmart is holding a community hostage explained the Mayor of Warren, as they won't agree to a developer building a new state of the art facility that will compete against them, forcing what locals call an eyesore next to the Walmart store. “They basically have deserted the city of Warren and, rather than move out, they’re just paying their rent,”

Walmart's ballot-box tactics have California residents angered and feeling bullied by the mega-corporation.

Walmart really wants to do your taxes.

Odd story that people continue to find hypodermic needles in Walmart clothing.

Industry
New Jobs Report: Good for Retail Workers.

Four more Bob's Discount Furniture stores vote in the UFCW!

Great read: The GOP's war on labor unions.

The WSJ Reports that Stop & Shop balked A&P's new re-structuring deal, they're protesting the new CBA.

Forbes says $239 million is the cost to compete with Walmart.

Bankrupt A&P will fight on under concessionary bargains.

Stop & Shop is hosting a Healthy Kids Summit.

Target is trying to layoff their unionized employees who were recently acquired when they purchased the Canadian chain, Zellers.

Monday's News Afternoon:

2011-12-01T11:03:00.001-05:00

Asbury Park Press: Workers approve contract to keep A&P afloat. More @ NJ.com

UFCW International released a statement from President Joe Hansen on NLRB Election Rule.

Republicans are panicking about the NLRB rule change.

Stop and Shop is set to buy 3 King Kullen stores.

Buying holiday gifts made in America can help create jobs!

Huffington Post looks at Walmart's latest Chicago express store. The store is 14,800 square feet and is expected to employ 45 people.

TheStreet.com says this is Walmart of the future.

The UFCW is Battling Target in Canada:

Target purchased many unionized stores for their Canadian expansion, the UFCW Canada is asking their labor board to declare Target as a successor employer, which would require Target to recognize the union as representing employees at that location after it becomes a Target store! Target is claiming their acquisition of the stores was strictly for real estate.

More @MinneapolisBusinessJournal: Target faces union push in Canada.

Joint Statement from the 13 UFCW/RWDSU Locals of the A&P Bankruptcy Team

2011-12-01T09:53:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 30, 2011

Union Representing A&P Supermarket Workers & Company Reach a Deal to help the company emerge from bankruptcy and save nearly 36,000 Jobs

New York- November 30, 2011- After a year of intense negotiations, 13 Locals of the UFCW/RWDSU representing some 36,000 union members from Maryland to Connecticut have concluded negotiations with The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A&P) and affiliated companies who filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December of 2010.

Over a three-day voting period, union members from the 13 Local Unions ratified, by a large majority, new contracts with the company. The new collective bargaining agreements were constructed in such a way as to allow A&P to rebuild and emerge from bankruptcy, while at the same time protecting the jobs, the medical plans and pensions of the members of the various Local Unions.

Throughout the bankruptcy proceedings the UFCW/RWDSU Local Unions have remained united, negotiating as one group, to ensure the best outcome for the long term health of the company, the members working in the stores and the more than 300 communities A&P stores serve.

According to the UFCW/RWDSU this agreement, while concessionary in nature, was necessary to save the jobs of tens of thousands of members. UFCW Secretary Treasurer Marc Perrone said of the deal, “While we are never happy to be in the position of concessionary bargaining, we do believe that these agreements represent the best outcome for our members under the circumstances.” Perrone continued, “I am proud of the 13 UFCW/RWDSU Local unions who stood united and worked together to ensure that the new agreements minimize the impact on the lives of our members while providing the A&P companies with sufficient financial savings to help them emerge from bankruptcy.”

Perrone also stated, “A&P’s bankruptcy was entirely self-inflicted, as the company suffered through decades of leadership that knew very little about running a supermarket chain. While most of the people responsible for the bankruptcy are no longer with the company, we truly hope the new leadership team understands and appreciates the sacrifice our members are making to help save the companies they have served for years.”

The new contracts were a condition to the financing for A&P’s proposed plan of reorganization, and if the new contracts had not been ratified by the 13 UFCW/RWDSU Unions, A&P could have faced liquidation.

The new contracts will last five years and will take effect two business days after bankruptcy court approval of the agreements. A bankruptcy court hearing on such approval is scheduled to take place on December 5.

###

Download the pdf here.

13 UFCW/RWDSU Locals Ratify New A&P Agreement

2011-11-30T11:55:00.001-05:00

13 UFCW/RWDSU Local Unions Overwhelmingly Ratify New A&P/Pathmark Agreement

UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both announced that the thirteen UFCW/RWDSU Locals participating in the A&P/Pathmark contract modification negotiations have ratified the new collective bargaining agreement. The following are the total votes cast:

7200 Voted 'Yes' to Accept the Contract Modifications

1827 Voted 'No' to Reject the Contract Modifications

“We know the past year was an extremely difficult time for UFCW Local 1500 members employed by Pathmark. All of us at the Union are very grateful for the support and patience shown by the Pathmark workers. While we all recognize the changes to the Pathmark contract are substantial, we are pleased that we were able to conclude this process with our Health Insurance and Pension programs unchanged. Additionally, several provisions of the new agreement will expire during the life of the contract and will not have to be negotiated back in 2016. Also, management proposals to gut the job protection language in your contracts were completely defeated," President Both stated.

“While I acknowledge that we now must move forward, we must also remain vigilant and united every day. We expect that early next year A&P/Pathmark will emerge from bankruptcy. The new management team at A&P/Pathmark must listen to the voices of the workers if they are to have any chance to once again be a growing and successful supermarket. However, as we have said in the past, Local 1500 will remain cautious and will be ready to protect our Union members jobs should A&P/Pathmark management take any actions we believe to be counter-productive to its success and harmful to our membership.”

“The key to our future is solidarity and unity. Without that, I have no doubt that thousands of Pathmark workers today would be seeking new jobs during a horrible economy rather than going to their stores knowing their working conditions far exceed those of non-union companies like Walmart, BJ's and Target. By remaining unified we can work to undo the difficult, but necessary, changes to this contract when we negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement in 2016. Again, on behalf of the entire staff and leadership of UFCW Local 1500, I thank you for your for patience, support, and most importantly, your solidarity."

Tuesday's One-Liners: Black Friday Recaps & NLRB Under Attack

2011-11-29T12:54:00.000-05:00

The NLRB is split on the new rule change, (which would cut the useless waiting periods companies have used for to push their anti-union propaganda and simplify the union election process) and last week the lone Republican serving on the National Labor Relations Board threatened to resign if the new change goes into effect.

On November 30 the AFL-CIO will hold a special forum in DC to analyze the attacks on the NLRB and workers' rights.

On Black Friday, which always brings the best out in people, 2 shoppers were hurt, 1 arrested at a Walmart upstate NY where several fights broke out. In LA, a shopper pepper sprayed fellow customers as the doors opened at a Walmart. Fox did a nice round up of all the violence from across the country on Black Friday.

Walmart's Black Friday: Shootings, Pepper Spray & a Blackout.

An exhausted Target worker fell asleep after working long hours on Black Friday and crashed into a canal.

In Saranac NY, residents kept a Super Walmart out, then opened their own Community store to keep the local businesses alive!

A&P union workers across the east cost are voting on a modified contract to help the company emerge from bankruptcy.

Supermarket News looks at Ahold's new growth strategies.

Stop & Shop is set to unveil a new concept store in Massachusetts.

To the surprise of local residents, St. James King Kullen expansion was approved by the Smithtown town board. More @ Newsday.

Walmart is finding ways to win big in California new initiatives.

AlterNet asks, is Walmart Chairman Rob Walton the worst of the top 1%?

An attorney has questioned the legality of a bill that would require Walmart and other national big box stores to meet with community groups to discuss wages, employee treatment and working conditions before opening.

UFCW Canada is calling all activists to help: Stop the Blacklisting of Migrant Workers!

More: Three Mexican farm workers who claim they were arbitrarily booted from Canada are suing the federal government and an Ontario company in a case that raises questions about the vulnerability of migrant labor.

In the first 12 days, 300,000 petitions have been signed to recall Governor Walker.

On December 1 (Thursday) we're marching with the New York City Central Labor Council at 4 PM from Herald Square to Union Square (NYC) for Economic Fairness and Jobs. NO rally and NO Speeches! Just marching! For more info head here. If you'd like to join us, send us an email!

There are 14 million unemployed in America, while the richest 1% has tripled its wealth over the past 30 years. Everyday, we see hard-working families struggling to get by. The labor movement will never be satisfied when so many working-class people find themselves shut out of the American dream.

UFCW President Joe Hansen: Stand With Workers This Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T11:36:00.001-05:00

UFCW International President Joe Hansen has written an excellent editorial on respecting retail workers featured in the Huffington Post.

Stand With Workers This Thanksgiving
By Joe Hansen
International President, United Food and Commercial Workers

When one retail worker speaks out and takes public action against unfair scheduling practices, it's a media story. When his coworkers stand with him and speak with one voice, they've got a union, and that's the best way to make real change.

Anthony Hardwick, a retail worker at a North Omaha Target store, has drawn headlines by petitioning his employer to return to traditional opening hours on Black Friday instead of pushing up the opening to Thanksgiving Day. Across the country, thousands of retail workers at stores like Target and Walmart are facing a Black Friday work schedule that leaves them with no time to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner with their families.

Scheduling issues are consistently a top concern for retail workers. Many workers want more hours and a consistent, full-time schedule they can count on to support their families. But there's a double-edged sword for workers who put in long hours and forego family time over the holiday weekend: instead of seeing a reward for their hard work and loyalty in their paychecks, many will see their hours cut back in the days following the holiday so retailers can avoid paying overtime.

Even though their on-the-job conditions are often overlooked, retail workers are the backbone of our service economy. Millions of Americans work these jobs, and retail is one of the only sectors of our economy that is growing. Retail jobs are going to define how it is to live and work in America the way that manufacturing jobs once did. It is vital that retail jobs are secure, full-time jobs that pay the bills and allow people to live a middle class life.

That's why it matters for all of us when Anthony Hardwick has no voice to make holiday scheduling work for his family or demand fair compensation for working on a holiday. Americans know the way Anthony and his co-workers are being treated is unfair and wrong; over 175,000 people have signed a petition in support of Anthony. But for real change, Anthony's concerns over scheduling and holiday pay need to be heard by his managers. The best way that retail workers can have a say over holiday scheduling is by sticking together in a union and negotiating for those changes directly from their employer.

The UFCW and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Council of the UFCW represent workers at grocery stores, but also at stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Modell's and H&M. Union retail workers earn premium pay for work on holidays. Their union contract guides fair scheduling. In these stores, many workers choose to take holiday shifts that might pay time-and-a-half or double-time union wages; as opposed to workers at stores like Target or Walmart who often work holiday shifts out of fear of losing their jobs and may not earn premium pay for these grueling shifts.

We all make compromises with our time over the busy holiday season. Sometimes it is traveling to see the in-laws. Other times it is working long hours over Thanksgiving weekend so that we can provide a magical Christmas morning for our children. When retail workers are given a voice in holiday scheduling, they can respect the needs of their families; whether that need is a loved one's presence at home or the need to earn additional income over the holidays.

Respect for the retail workers who are the heart of events like Black Friday means fair compensation for holiday hours and a voice in scheduling. When we support workers coming together to make positive changes in the workplace, we all win.

Click here to sign the petition to stand with Walmart employees and other retail workers who are sticking together to have a say over their schedules during the holidays.

###

Pathmark Contract Modification Voting Time & Sites

2011-11-17T15:43:00.001-05:00

CONTRACT MODIFICATION VOTE

FOR MEMBERS EMPLOYED BY

PATHMARK/A&P

Dear Pathmark Member:

A Secret Ballot Vote will be conducted on Monday, November 28, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. regarding approval of proposed modifications to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between UFCW Local 1500 and Pathmark for the term June 27, 2010 to September 28, 2013.

Individual vote totals from each Local Union will be combined and counted in aggregate.

YOU CAN VOTE AT ANY OF THE FIVE (5) FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

LaBetti Post, VFW International JFK Airport Hotel

390 Hylan Blvd. 144-02 135^th Avenue

Staten Island, New York Jamaica, New York

Project Hope Crowne Plaza Long Island

2050 Bartow Avenue 1730 North Ocean Avenue

Bronx, New York Holtsville, New York

UFCW Local 1500 – Union Hall

425 Merrick Avenue

Westbury, New York

Pursuant to Article 23(D)7 of the UFCW International Constitution, Local Nos. 27, 100R, 152, 338, 342, 371, 464A, 1034, 1245, 1262, 1360, 1500, and 1776 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (“Local Unions”) have agreed that the results of the vote to accept or reject the final offer by The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, Inc., and its affiliated debtors and debtors-in-possession (collectively, “the Company”) for modifications to existing collective bargaining agreements or terms for new collective bargaining agreements between the Local Unions and the Company will be determined by aggregating the votes of all the affected members of all the Local Unions.

Fraternally,

ANTHONY G. SPEELMAN BRUCE W. BOTH

Secretary-Treasurer President

_________________________________________________________________________

Print out the voting schedule by clicking the picture below and post in your store:

____________________________________________________________________

Nov. 17th: Update from UFCW Local 1500 on A&P (Pathmark) Bankruptcy

2011-11-17T13:29:00.001-05:00

UFCW Local 1500 A&P/Pathmark Update, Thursday November 17, 2011

The following is an update from UFCW Local 1500 regarding the A&P/Pathmark bankruptcy proceedings. This update includes all actions that have occurred since our last update on Sunday November 13th, 2011:

UFCW Local 1500 recently conducted a conference call with our International Legal Department, our Regional Directors and all local unions holding Collective Bargaining Agreements with A&P/Pathmark and its other banners.

The purpose of the discussion was to set-up times and the methodology needed to implement ratification and the reporting of results regarding the modifications of our current Contracts.

The following was discussed and decided:

- The Bankruptcy Court has not yet received the final Term Sheets laying out changes to each Local's contract from several Local Unions. That is causing a legal delay in discussing the contract modifications with the Pathmark membership. Please understand that because the Bankruptcy Court has not yet placed its official seal on the negotiations, we have not been permitted to discuss details of the agreement.

- As far as the voting process is concerned, all UFCW/RWDSU Local Unions agreed that the ballots will be worded in line with appropriate terminology so as to reflect whether the situation is a contract modification or the enactment of new contract provisions.

- Ballot language will be provided by our International Legal Department. All Local Unions voted unanimously that the ballots cast by all Unions will be combined and counted in the aggregate.

- The specific process regarding the vote will be left to the individual Locals. Information regarding Local 1500's voting process is being released to the membership.

- Local 1500 must print ballots, create a document, identify changes in the Contract, establish a voting procedure and provide adequate notice to the members. All of that work is being done now.

All of this work will get done despite the added complication that next week marks Thanksgiving, which is an extremely busy period in stores. The timing is not conducive to stopping work and casting ballots next week..

Members should continue to stay focused, united and informed. We will give you all the facts as soon as the Bankruptcy Court permits us to do so. Please do not believe the rumors you might hear and report them to your union delegate. Follow our updates on the union website and under our Facebook page.

The International UFCW Blog: Stop Nespressure! Tell Nestlé to respect trade unions!

2011-11-17T10:31:00.000-05:00

The UFCW Blog: Stop Nespressure! Tell Nestlé to respect trade union rights!...: Management pressure on workers and their unions continues at Nestlé, the world's largest food company. At the Nescafé factory in Panjang, Indonesia, union members have been dismissed following industrial action in response to a collective bargaining deadlock. The company has failed to show up for mediation and refused admittance to the occupied factory with a committee from the local parliament, preferring mass dismissals to good faith negotiations....Read more

Update #21 from UFCW/RWDSU Locals 1500, 338 and 342 A&P Bankruptcy Negotating Team

2011-11-13T20:37:00.001-05:00

Update on A&P/Pathmark Bankruptcy Negotiations from UFCW/RWDSU Locals 1500, 342 and 338

Sunday, November 13th

At the conclusion of four straight days of negotiations, UFCW and RWDSU Local Unions presented to A&P/Pathmark a proposal to bring before the Federal bankruptcy judge for consideration. Under the court ordered confidentiality agreement, details of the proposal cannot be released or discussed until the court process permits.

To be clear, no tentative agreement has been reached between the unions and A&P. Any agreement on labor concessions must be voted on by the members. This will only take place after the court process permits the unions to bring the proposal to the members. The members will have sufficient time to review any proposal prior to voting.

The company is scheduled to appear before the Federal bankruptcy judge Monday morning, November 14th.

UFCW/RWDSU Locals 1500, 338 and 342 have stood together throughout and will remain united.

Your Union will continue to keep you updated. Members should continue to stay focused, united and informed. Please report any rumors to your union delegate. Follow our updates on the unions website and/or Facebook page. As we have said all along, we will continue to provide information to you in compliance with the confidentiality guidelines of the bankruptcy court.

Update #20 from UFCW/RWDSU Locals 1500, 342 & 338

2011-11-13T08:15:00.001-05:00

Negotiations Continue Between Local Unions, A&P, and Yucaipa

Union Efforts Continue to Focus on Bargaining Best Deal Possible for Members Working in A&P, Pathmark, Waldbaum's, and Food Emporium

UFCW and RWDSU Local Unions are continuing to meet with A&P and Yucaipa in Newark, New Jersey in an attempt to bargain a new contract. To bargain a fair and equitable deal for the members,
Locals 342, 338, and 1500 have united together to be sure the members are spoken for with one voice.

As part of the effort to stay as united as possible, the leadership of the Local Unions are asking the members to stop expressing their opinions about the ongoing bankruptcy negotiations in front of managers and supervisors. Alleged conversations and opinions of the members are surfacing at the bargaining table, and the company is trying to use those positions to their advantage. Therefore, the Unions are asking that members please refrain from expressing all opinions on this matter in front of store management until a conclusion is reached.

UFCW Locals 342, 338, and 1500 are determined to stand together and remain more united than ever. The more united the locals remain, the more power we have at the bargaining table.

Members should continue to stay focused and informed. Please report any rumors to your union delegate. Follow our updates on the union website and our Facebook page.

In Unity There is Strength!

Update #19 From UFCW Local 1500 on A&P (Pathmark) Bankruptcy Negotiations

2011-11-11T12:03:00.001-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

The following update is from the UFCW Local 1500 A&P/Pathmark Bankruptcy Negotiation Team:

Negotiations between the UFCW Local 1500, A&P Pathmark and the several other affected UFCW Local Unions concluded Thursday evening with no progress having made between the parties.

The following is a brief summary of the current status of the negotiations:

1. Unions representing UFCW members working in A&P/Pathmark stores located in New York have presented a united front to the company and have made it clear that their solidarity will not be broken. Management must deal with the New York unions together.

2. Despite various reports from other sources outlining the companies demands, UFCW Local 1500 members should understand these negotiations will NOT be driven by any set of unacceptable demands made by the company. The Union considers several demands "dead on arrival."

3. The company is scheduled to appear before the Federal bankruptcy judge Monday morning, November 14, 2011. The unions are prepared to meet non-stop through the weekend to reach a fair agreement.

UFCW Local 1500 will continue to keep you updated as soon as events change. We continue to work very hard to reach an agreement that saves jobs, keeps as much of our contract with Pathmark intact and helps return this company to profitability and growth.

Members should continue to stay focused, united and informed. Please report any rumors to your union delegate. Follow our updates on the union website and our Facebook page. As we have all along, we will continue to disseminate information to you in compliance with the confidentiality guidelines of the bankruptcy court.

UFCW On Point: Nov 9, 2011

2011-11-09T15:30:00.002-05:00

Check out the latest edition of UFCW International's OnPoint, summarizing what's going on in the UFCW around the nation.

Update #18: UFCW Local 1500 on the A&P/Pathmark Bankruptcy

2011-11-08T09:36:00.002-05:00

Update from UFCW Local 1500 on the A&P/Pathmark Bankruptcy

Representatives of UFCW Local 1500 and several other UFCW Local Unions met Monday, November 7th, with the management team from the Yucaipa Investment company. Yucaipa is one of the investors that will be part of the management team charged with turning around this company, both financially and operationally. To be clear, Yucaipa will be playing a leading role in the turn around of A&P (Pathmark).

As of today, we know the following regarding this most recent transaction:

1. The current board of directors at A&P/Pathmark will be dissolved and replaced by a new board. A Yucaipa representative will chair the new board of directors

2. The UFCW International Union will have a representative on the new board.

3. The company will switch from a public company to a privately owned company.

4. The company is scheduled to appear before the bankruptcy judge on November 14th to seek approval of these actions.

5. Pathmark/A&P hopes to exit bankruptcy in early 2012.

Many Pathmark members have experience with Yucaipa from previous company organizational changes. Does this recent transaction mean the unions will no longer have to negotiate labor concessions as part of the company turnaround?

Absolutely not. In fact, the entire agreement between A&P/Pathmark and the group of investors led by Yucaipa is contingent upon labor concessions being negotiated and approved by the membership. Should those concessions not be negotiated and ratified, the likely end result would be the possible liquidation of the company.

As we have always stated, during negotiations we will continue to emphasize that real change must come from management and that the union members must be real partner if the company is to succeed. Once the union negotiators feel that an agreement has been reached, it will be brought before you. We do expect that these negotiations will conclude in the very near future.

Union leadership goals have not changed since day one of this bankruptcy. We want to reach an agreement that saves jobs, keeps much of our contract with Pathmark intact and helps return this company to profitability and growth.

Thank you for the continued confidence and support of your union leadership. Members should continue to stay focused, united and informed. Please report any rumors to your union delegate. Follow our updates on the union website and our Facebook page. As we have all along, we will continue to disseminate information to you in compliance with the confidentiality guidelines of the bankruptcy court.

Monday Mornin' One Liners: Nov 4 - Nov 7th: Burkle to Chair A&P

2011-11-07T10:50:00.001-05:00

#A&P

Ron Burkle will chair A&P under the new buyout plan.

The proposed new board of directors would also include two designees each from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Mount Kellett Capital Management; one director selected by the United Food and Commercial Workers union; and A&P’s chief executive officer, Sam Martin. The former two companies are combining with Yucaipa on a $490 million deal to buy A&P out of U.S. Bankruptcy Court and operate it as a privately held company, as reported first in SN Thursday. The plan is predicated upon savings as a result of a new labor deal with the UFCW, which has yet to be reached.
Read more: http://supermarketnews.com/retail_financial/burkle_ap_1104/?cid=upd#ixzz1d1mrohwR

The Bergen Record: A&P Deal Called Positive for Unions, Business.

Wall Street Journal: Yucaipa keeps A&P in its Grocery Basket.

More @ Reuters, Progressive Grocer.

The Westbury Times profiles a Local 338 member working at Waldbaum's and how the A&P bankruptcy is affecting workers.

Patch highlights how A&P's negotiations have been affecting local workers in Long Island.

#Industry
Best Yet will take over for a shuttered Waldbaum's in Patchogue, Long Island.

The National Labor Relations Board accuses Target of intimidating workers at Valley Stream before their union vote this past June.

There's a Thanksgiving Food Drive at Dix Hills Stop & Shop.

King Kullen opened a new store Friday in Garden City, Long Island.

Rumors of a new "high-end" supermarket could be opening in Southampton.

30 workers at Master Food in Flatbush have been overworked and underpaid, Local 338 helped them win back wages and a union contract!

Workers at a Flatbush supermarket who charged they were illegally stiffed on their wages for years settled a lawsuit for $300,000 - and a union contract.
The 30 workers at Master Food on Church Ave. charged they worked 12 hour days, six or seven days a week, for as little as $3.93 an hour, and never got required overtime pay. Read more: @ Daily News

#Politics

Prioritizing attacks on NLRB at the expense of Jobs:
According to a new report from American Rights at Work in 2011 alone Republicans have launched nearly 50 attacks on the National Labor Relations Board.

The AFL-CIO says it right: "The assaults on workers’ rights comes at a time when most Americans say jobs are the nation’s No. 1 priority."

Check out the report along with some interesting graphics here.

AFL-CIO Blog: For the third time in a month, senate repbulicans kill "Rebuild America Act," an act which would create hundreds of thousands of jobs.

The AFL-CIO Blog also lists Verizon and 29 other very large corporations who haven't paid taxes since 2007.

Unions supply food for thousands of Occupy Oakland protesters.

UFCW Blog: 80,000 Jobs aren't enough to re-start our economy.

Nov. 4: Week's End News

2011-11-04T16:18:00.000-04:00

SN: A&P Agrees to Deal to Emerge from Bankruptcy

A&P Receives $490 Million Commitment to Sponsor Plan of Reorganization:
Agreement with The Yucaipa Companies, Mount Kellett and Investment Funds Managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management Positions A&P to Exit Chapter 11 as a Private Company in Early 2012Here's A&P's Press Release.

Since the announcement, the UFCW A&P Negotiating team has released two statements, the first here and second here.

Workers at Bob's Discount Furniture Stores continue to organize throughout the Northeast.

The landlord of a Pathmark in Lackawanna is telling Pathmark, "shape up, or ship out!" Blaming A&P's old un-renovated Pathmark for the shopping center's demise.

Southhampton Village has drafted a new law altering zoning regulations for supermarkets, in order to allow King Kullen to build a new store.

Fresh & Easy debuts an express store format.

Nov. 4th: Update to all UFCW/RWDSU Members Working at A&P or Subsidiary Company

2011-11-04T15:01:00.000-04:00

The following message is from the UFCW/RWDSU A&P Negotiating Team

November 4, 2011

Attention all UFCW/RWDSU Members Working at A&P or Subsidiary Company:

A&P has filed a motion in the Bankruptcy Court asking approval to enter into agreements with Yucaipa and certain note holders. Those agreements would form the basis of a plan of reorganization and an investment in A&P of $490 million by Yucaipa and those note holders. This investment is conditioned on obtaining concessionary labor agreements on a very fast time frame. The Motion is scheduled to be heard by the Bankruptcy Court on November 14, 2011.

The UFCW and UFCW Local Unions will be meeting on Monday, November 7, 2011, with Ron Burkle of Yucaipa, one of the investors in this proposed transaction. We are pleased, given his past experience in the grocery business, that he will be involved in this proposed transaction. The Monday meeting will review these investment proposals and the path forward to try to reach new labor agreements.

We will further communicate with you following the meeting with Ron Burkle and advise you of our progress.

In Solidarity,

UFCW A&P Negotiating Committee

Download the printable format below:

Nov. 3, 2011: Statement from UFCW/RWDSU Negotiating Committee on A&P

2011-11-03T14:50:00.000-04:00

The following is a statement is from the UFCW/RWDSU A&P Negotiating Committee:

Attention all UFCW/RWDSU Members Working at A&P or Subsidiary Company:

This morning, A&P announced in their stores to members that it reached an agreement with financial institutions to bring the company out of bankruptcy in early 2012 as a private company and begin the turnaround process.

While this is generally good news, there are details relative to the management direction of the company still being reviewed. Negotiations with the UFCW and the RWDSU Council for new labor agreements are still not concluded. It is very important to realize that the financial arrangement to bring the company out of bankruptcy is contingent upon labor agreements that are modified from their present form. Our labor agreements will be different than those we are presently working under.

On Tuesday, the UFCW bargaining committee reviewed Yucaipa’s proposal to finance an effort to emerge from chapter 11. We will continue to review announcements from Yucaipa and A&P as they will affect our future contract.

We are still reviewing the details of today’s announcement by A&P. We will examine closely whether or not it meets the objectives of the bargaining committee of local unions.

It is important for UFCW and RWDSU members to remain unified and in contact with their local union representatives with any questions that you may have regarding the discussions between the UFCW and A&P representatives.

In Solidarity,

UFCW A&P Negotiating Committee

Download the print version below:

UFCW OnPoint: Volume 12, Issue 6

2011-11-02T12:45:00.001-04:00

Check out the latest edition of OnPoint from the International!

A&P/Pathmark Update #15 From President Bruce Both

2011-10-27T15:14:00.000-04:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeBy: Bruce Both, President, UFCW Local 1500

Without question, the last 12 months have been very difficult for the Union and members employed by Pathmark. We have been following every news report, reading all other union updates, witnessing questionable business decisions by your employer and hearing the never-ending rumors about the future of A&P/Pathmark.

The last year has been an emotional rollercoaster. We have been forced to watch a once proud company close stores, file for bankruptcy and implement questionable business practices to reverse the decline.

Still, our Union and our 5,000 members employed by Pathmark are still standing strong and united. Together we remain hopeful that Pathmark will emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy with a sound business plan that will lead to a stable, growing company.

The following is a brief summary of actions taken by the Union over the past year to protect Local 1500 Pathmark members and keep you informed.

1. The Union has met with the company several times to discuss both the company plan for the future and potential labor cost savings. These meetings have resulted in no agreements.

2. The Union has shared everything with the membership within the guidelines of the confidentiality agreement Union negotiators were required to sign by a federal judge.

3. The Union has utilized all possible means of communications with Pathmark members. We have used the union website, social media, phone hotlines, direct mail and of course, our Union Delegates.

4. The Union has emphasized in our presentations to the company that we and our members are skeptical on their ability and commitment to running supermarkets effectively.

5. We have demanded the company listens to the people who know industry operations best and have the best solutions to Pathmark’s problems: The backbone of the company, the union members!

6. We have opposed executive bonuses and incentives executive management believes it deserves in order to turn the company around.

7. The Union has made it clear to you, the Pathmark members that any final agreement between the Union and the company will be voted on by you.

I will not begin to guess when this process will reach its conclusion. We can’t predict the future. However, with over a year having already passed, we all are aware that we are getting closer to some resolution.

We must continue to stay united. The company will continue to do what is best for the company and its executives. We must speak as one union with one voice and do what is best for the workers. Remember: One Union, One Voice!

Monday Mornin' One-Liners: #OWS & Labor, Walmart's Health Plan Gets Worse

2011-10-24T11:32:00.000-04:00

Good Monday Morning! Below are relevant NY grocery industry news stories for today:

Stop & Shop signs a lease for a new store in Purchase, NY.

Ben & Jerry's newest ice cream, Schweddy Balls, has been banned by Stop & Shop.

In Europe, rumors of Aldi's plans to sell beer for a buck in 2012 have people angry.

The highly criticized Walmart health plan is changing, for the worse: Wal-Mart is substantially rolling back coverage for part-time workers and significantly raising premiums for many full-time staff. This is due to "rising costs", meanwhile the five Walton heirs who are listed in the Forbes 400 Billionaires list are worth a total of $86.4 billion.

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn slammed Walmart on Friday after learning of the Health Care cuts.

UFCW International President Joe Hansen released a statement on Walmart's Health plan changes, saying, "This lowering of working standards will have repercussions throughout the retail industry- particularly for part-time workers."

UFCW International also endorsed Barack Obama last week.

Editorial: Walmart shifts employee health costs to States.

Walmart could seek World Trade Organization relief in their controversial Massmart (South Africa) deal.

USA Today wonders if Walmart's business problems in China are just an example of a growing trend for foreign retailers in China.

"Our Walmart" held a teach in at Occupy Wall Street last week.

Walmart workers Occupy Wall Street.

NBC, NY 1 & Crain's covered the Walmart teach in.

Verizon workers marched with #OWS on Friday.

New poll shows over a third of Americans support #OWS.

AFL-CIO: Unions join Occupy Wall Street movement.

The Washington Post examines the uneasy alliance between #OWS protesters and the labor movement.

Fairway is teaming up with a local TV Chef to help public TV in Connecticut.

In Commack, Long Island, Pathmark leaves a big spot to fill.

A new ShopRite in Somerville, NJ, which replaced a closed Pathmark, has the community excited and hopeful for a revitalization of business.

A&P has been fighting to save a development in New Jersey, where the landlord was accused of soliciting other retailers & having reservations about the bankrupt company...Last week a judge adjourned the dispute, encouraging A&P and the landlord to settle out of court. Another hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 14.

JBS workers in Minnesota vote in the UFCW!

Local 1500 raised over $9,000 for the Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk at Jones Beach. Local 1500 member Jessica Goldstein was quoted, “We walk every year to show support from the union we work for,” in the Long Island report.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk: Over $9K Raised!

2011-10-21T16:35:00.000-04:00

An enormous THANK YOU to everyone who participated and raised money this October for Breast Cancer awareness! Together we raised over $9300! Great job to all who came to the walk, and to those who raised money at their stores! Below are some pictures from the walk and some fundraisers at stores. If you have any other pics, send em in! Email to info@ufcw1500.org! Thanks again for raising a tremendous amount of money for a great cause!

Wednesday Afternoon One-Liners:

2011-10-19T14:10:00.001-04:00

Target just doesn't provide lots of hours to workers as we saw in Valley Stream, but now a Target Manager was fired for working through lunch.

A UFCW Local 1500 King Kullen will be opening in a new store in Garden City this November.

Huntington Patch: Future Uncertain for Local Pathmark Employees. A spotlight on Local 1500 member Pete Globoschutz.

Walmart Free NYC will be hosting a teach in tomorrow in NYC @ Liberty Park. More info @ Facebook.

In Long Island, a proposed bill could give the County executive the power to unilaterally open all county contracts up and decide which provisions he/she would like to retain or eliminate. We, along with thousands of Long Island working families, find is ridiculous and unconstitutional.

Occupy Wall Street: Working Families are Struggling.

Working Families Party's Dan Cantor is interviewed in City Hall News this week, discussing #OWS.

An advertiser's take on the middle class: More Diverse, Harder Working--and Still Shrinking....

Labor costs and inventory shorts have Walmart struggling to stock shelves.

Some grocery stores are unplugging their self-checkouts.

Biggest strike to date leaves Greece at a standstill for two-days.

UAW workers have ratified a new agreement with Ford.

And elsewhere, Carmelo Anthony planted Harlem's 500,000th tree this weekend.

UFCW International Stands with Occupy Wall Street Movement

2011-10-19T09:14:00.000-04:00

STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR OCCUPY WALL STREET MOVEMENT BY THE UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION

UFCW Stands with Americans Fighting for Good Jobs and a Fair Economy

Washington, D.C. – The following is a statement issued by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union:

“The protest that began as Occupy Wall Street has now bloomed into a mass movement spanning more than 300 cities nationwide. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest corporate greed and demand good jobs now.

“The movement is spreading like wildfire, with Americans standing up for economic justice across the nation. This is a movement started by ordinary Americans, fed-up with the growing inequality in this country - people who simply want good jobs and a shot at the American Dream. The UFCW shares that vision for America.

“The people “occupying” cities across the country are workers, students, and the unemployed. They are our friends and relatives, our neighbors and co-workers. They are fighting for the same things we are: good jobs, fairness, and an end to corporate greed and attacks on workers. And it's part of a larger movement, one that started earlier this year as workers fought back against corporate greed and right-wing politicians in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and across the nation.

“In Wisconsin, hundreds of thousands of workers and outraged community members stormed the capitol in Madison after anti-worker politicians rammed through legislation attacking the rights of workers. In Ohio, over a million signatures were gathered to repeal Ohio's SB 5. Corporate America has launched an unprecedented attack on our jobs and our rights, but the other 99% aren't just rolling over.

“So exactly what do we – the 99% – have to be so angry about? To begin with: worker productivity has been rising over the past decade, but wages have remained stagnant while the cost of health care has skyrocketed, leaving the average American struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, the gap between the richest 1% and the rest of us has gotten even wider.

“What we have seen over the past few weeks is more and more ordinary Americans standing up and demanding their share of the success that's being hoarded by the wealthiest 1% of the country. UFCW has been encouraging its members and local unions to join Occupy actions in their communities. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with these brave Americans as they fight to make America a better, more just nation.”

###

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, immigration 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.

Tuesday Afternoon One-Liners....Walmart Closes Marketside Stores

2011-10-18T16:39:00.000-04:00

The UFCW stands in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street.

Workers from seven Medical Marijuana centers in Colorado voted to join the UFCW yesterday.

"Medicinal cannabis is a commercial-production-for-human-consumption industry, and UFCW is the commercial-production-for-human-consumption union," said Dan Rush, the UFCW international director of Medical Cannabis and Hemp Industry Division."Our medicinal-cannabis members have just as much dignity and sincerity as our members in the grocery, meat, dairy, food-processing and agricultural industries,"

Trader Joe's is planning their first upstate NY store, where few have been successful taking on the powerful charismatic Wegman's.

Another Walmart idea fails as the store announces they will close their "Marketside" concept. The stores were originally intended to provide shoppers with quick ready to go meals, produce and groceries. More: [Reuters]

Walmart & Starbucks are both lobbying hard to get into India.

Walmart's China CEO has stepped down, after a year of tough public relations which included last week's pork scandal.

People are starting to look at Walmart's impact on local agriculture in South Africa. "It's always a concern when you bring cheap food to a country..."

One more Walmart story, Walmart improving environmental stances, still neglecting workforce...

When wanting to work costs you your job: Target Manager Fired for working Off the Clock.

Fight Breast Cancer this Weekend @ Jones Beach!

2011-10-14T16:34:00.002-04:00

This Sunday, October 16, 2011:

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach!

Make a difference this weekend! Join your union brothers and sisters as we walk for a great cause on October 16th at Jones Beach to fight Breast Cancer!

We're meeting at Zach's Bay, Field 5 at Jones Beach State Park from anytime between 8 AM- 11 AM

Look for the Local 1500 Tent!

Or RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UFCW1500#!/event.php?eid=239015489469784

Friday Afternoon News:

2011-10-07T14:46:00.001-04:00

Harlem residents don't want Walmart in their community.

Costco is raising their membership fee to $55 annually.

GOP Congressman equates purchasing health insurance to buying an expensive vacation home.

Want to know what's going on at Wall Street? Here is the Occupy Wall Street manifesto.

UFCW Stands with Medical Cannabis Retail Workers [Press Release]

Monday Afternoon One Liners

2011-10-03T17:14:00.001-04:00

Amid farms, South Jersey Food Deserts emerge.

Michelle Obama first welcomed Walmart, now was seen shopping at Target.

Gwen Stephani just launched a clothing line at Target.

Target's chief marketing officer is leaving the company.

Workers at three Bob's Discount Furniture stores in Connecticut have voted in the UFCW!

Moo & Oink, a supermarket chain represented by UFCW Local 1546 has gone bankrupt by a judges decision, leaving 200 employees out of work.

The RWDSU is backing the Wall Street protests! Here's the release from President Appelbaum.

Crain's says the living wage bill has been altered and weakened, but not enough for it's opponents...

A&P/Pathmark Update #14

2011-09-30T13:41:00.000-04:00

*Updated 09/30/11, 3:27 PM
The original post incorrectly reported the UFCW Locals meeting with A&P officials on Wendsday, Oct. 5th. The meeting on October 5 will be between the 13 UFCW Locals representing A&P banner stores, not company officials.

Local 1500 Officials along with the 13 other UFCW Local unions on the A&P bargaining team are set to meet again on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011. In the meantime we've continued to keep our elected officials aware of the A&P bankruptcy crisis. Earlier this week, Local 1500 officials and other UFCW Local unions from New York met with United States Senator Kristen Gillibrand and discussed A&P's bankruptcy.

Additionally, the following letter was sent to New York Congressional leaders, & the New York City Council this week:

As you may be aware, on December 12th, 2010, the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. A&P is the parent corporation of several different supermarket chains. One of those chains is Pathmark Supermarkets.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 represents over 5,000 members in Pathmark stores located on Long Island, the five boroughs and Westchester County.
Since their filing of Chapter 11, A&P has closed over 35 stores in six states and over 3,000 members have lost their jobs. Despite these closings, the company is still operating over 325 stores and employs over 30,000 UFCW members.

Along with several other UFCW Unions, UFCW Local 1500 is currently negotiating with A&P/Pathmark on possible cost savings that can be achieved from our Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Our Union’s goal, from day one of this process, has been to work with the company to reach an agreement that allows them to recover and grow economically while protecting the rights and livelihoods of our members working in their stores. That objective has not and will not change.

The A&P/Pathmark bankruptcy is a very serious situation that affects not just the workers, but the many communities these stores are located in. Should more stores close, you will see communities lose access to one of the only full-scale supermarkets in their neighborhoods and the loss of additional middle class jobs.

Realizing this situation may affect many of your constituents; this letter was sent to keep you up to date on this crisis. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss the matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me at 1-800-522-0456, ext. 11305.

I will continue to provide you with updates over the next few months and hope you will join us in seeking an outcome that saves good food, good jobs and good health for many New York communities.

Sincerely,

Bruce W. Both
President

Please Remember:

1. Stay united. We are all in this together and together is the only way we can succeed.

2. Please ignore all the rumors and count on your Union to deliver you the most up to date & accurate information to you.

3. Stay in touch with your Union Representative and Shop Steward.

4. Visit the Union web site and Facebook page for information.

5. Should you want to email us information or questions, please do so at info@ufcw1500.org

6. Show your solidarity by wearing your buttons. If you need more buttons, speak to your Union Representative.

UFCW's OnPoint Sept.27, 2011

2011-09-28T10:15:00.000-04:00

Check out the latest edition of UFCW's OnPoint & stay up to date on UFCW news around the country! You can download the pdf here.

Week's End News Briefs:

2011-09-23T12:03:00.001-04:00

It's Hispanic Heritage month at the UFCW!

Why is Target's glamor continuing to fade? Business Week highlights the reasons, one of them being their dreadful labor practices...Or a former Target executive sums up the retailer’s existential moment this way:

“Target has been able to hide behind Wal-Mart’s size, and I don’t think it can do that anymore.”

A supermarket in Brooklyn faces over $62,000 in fines for locking night-shift workers inside the store.

The New York City Council approved a new Brooklyn shopping center to be anchored with a BJ's Wholesale Club.

The CEO of BJ's affirms that the sale of the company was the right decision.

Report: Walmart needs 159 stores in NYC to satisfy their Bloodlust...The Report shows the city would be devastating: a net loss of 3,980 jobs, $353 in lost wages, 105 businesses lost in East New York alone, and 4,279 new happy Wal-Mart employees who'd have to rely on government-funded health care. [download the pdf]

NY1 Exclusive: Walmart needs 159 NYC Stores.

City Hall News: A Walmart Invasion Predicted...

Gawker: Horrifying Study: 159 NYC Walmart Stores.

Meanwhile in Chicago, Walmart is opening their 3rd store in the last few years...

Here's a list of top U.S. Urban Food Deserts, NYC comes in at #8.

Census shows that 1 in 5 New Yorkers lives in poverty.

Tentative pact reached in So.Cal UFCW Labor negotiations.

Thursday News after Noon

2011-09-22T16:22:00.000-04:00

UFCW wins over $32 million in back pay for thousands of workers.

Southern Cali strike update: Agreement reached!

Related: Huffington Post: UFCW, Poised to Strike

Check out the latest issue of OnPoint here.

Queens Tribune: Workers are left hanging in A&P's bankruptcy.

A&P is looking for momentum in the opening of their Philadelphia Superfresh.

Op-Ed: Fired for Organizing a Union; Tashawna Greene @ Valley Stream Target...

Tuesday Morning News Briefs:

2011-09-06T11:08:00.001-04:00

Image via WikipediaHappy Labor Day!

Check out this great Op-Ed: Unions & America fit together like Legos! Message from the editorial: If we don't love and support the working men and women of this country, we are in deep trouble.

Southern California negotiations overshadow Labor Day.

Small business owners have a lot to lose if there is a strike in Southern California. [Press Release]

[LA-Times] A California bill that would ban alcohol sales at self-checkouts progresses..

Kroger has purchased nine Schnucks supermarkets, which raised an interesting discussion as the FTC worries about monopoly concerns as Target & Walmart continue to expand as grocers.

Another cheap hustle from Walmart as they donate $50,000 to the Brooklyn Public Library.

A new King Kullen in Island Park, which has been held up by red tape for the last few years, is scheduled to start construction next month and open in late 2012. [Long Island Press]

A new book chronicles the rise of A&P.

Former Nostrand Ave Pathmark shoppers are now shopping at 'Food Basics'.

In Ohio, Kroger employees are taking their case to public after negotiations between the company and employees break down...Kroger is refusing to budge on employees’ demands for a pay increase after management received a pay raise in July.

Thanks!

Thursday's News Briefs:

2011-09-01T15:51:00.000-04:00

A UFCW represented Jim Beam plant in Cincinnati will close, leaving 122 UFCW 32D members jobless.

Patch asks what local shoppers think about the possibility of a Southern California strike.

A&P's new Philadelphia Superfresh is their first store in PA in 10-years. It opened yesterday, Sam Martin, "On behalf of our 39,000 Associates across the Company, I want to thank Mayor Michael Nutter, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776, and the developer of the property, Bart Blatstein, for their support and for welcoming Superfresh to this great community."

A&P announced they'll be deploying 'deal management software."

The AFL-CIO is asking, "Who do you love on Labor Day?" We <3 Food & Commercial Workers! Who do you <3 this Labor Day?

Progressive Grocer has named ShopRite 2011 retailer of the year.

The Long Island Herald covers Target's illegal tactics and labor violations at Valley Stream: Union officials said they expected the NLRB’s decision to be in their favor. “We were confident from the beginning that Target’s conduct was illegal,” said Aly Waddy, a union organizer. “It was not surprising.”

Businesses are coming out against the NLRB rule changes (obviously) and are claiming they'll affect 'job creation'.

The Fresh Market continues to grow...

Target is looking for hundreds of employees in their new Canada stores.

Updated News Briefs: NLRB Alleges Labor Violations at Target Valley Stream

2011-08-30T12:28:00.000-04:00

The NLRB is alive if you were wondering, and has asserted via Crain's NY that Target used illegal tactics, such as threatening to "close the store if the union were to get in" during the weeks leading to June 17th election... "Target has violated labor laws & used illegal tactics in weeks leading up to the June 17th union election."

A rival retailer was interested in purchasing BJ's Wholesale Club earlier this year.

The NLRB has filed a complaint against Target for violating federal laws weeks leading up to the union election in June.

A Stop & Shop will open in East Brunswick, replacing an A&P which closed in October 2010.

A&P opened a new Superfresh in Philly last week. The store was originally slated to be a Pathmark.

While UFCW members authorize a strike in Southern California, Sign on San Diego wonders if the grocers could survive a strike.

Wal-Mart purchases some goodwill...Some call it buying their way into the city, some call it charity, you decide.

UFCW and Kroger reach 4 week contract extension in W.V..

The Queens Chronicle writes "Pathmark workers on edge."

DNA.info interviews two Local 1500 Members, Keith Jefferson & Flame Washington on working at Pathmark during Bankruptcy.

The Brooklyn Eagle interviewed Local 1500 Shop Steward, Sofi Rosenblum, to discuss the A&P bankruptcy.

A UFCW Local 342 Member was interviewed in the Staten Island Advance on Pathmark's Bankruptcy.

Editorial: How A&P Changed the Grocery World.

A&P announced they'll be selling local NYC pizza.

No surprise here, Unions back the NLRB proposed rule changes.

Crain's: Retail NYC workers fighting for a 40-hour work week.

Target Fires Pro-Union Worker 7-Weeks After Union Election

2011-08-17T11:57:00.001-04:00

Tashawna Greene (middle), was fired 7-weeks after being a leading
pro-union voice at Valley Stream Target

By: Target Change

Aside from a new TV and microwave in a break room, Target Corp. has not changed. Not after a union election that depicted what life was like working for Target. Not after their anti-union video surfaced, illuminating what they really thing of workers banding together in order to better their lives. Not after the lies or threats. Not even after the Wall Street Journal reported on their controversial ‘sweatshop’ like factory in Northern Jordan where employees complained of rape, threats, physical violence and over 12-hour workdays. No, Target decided that they’re better off staying the same. Which is why two-weeks ago they fired Tashawna Greene, single mother of a 6-year old daughter, & a leading voice for change within Target in Valley Stream.

As a leading voice for change at Valley Stream Target, Ms.Greene would tell her co-workers they all deserved more respect at work. She did this while remaining non-disruptive to business activity. Target claimed that Ms. Greene was fired for acting “in an overly hostile, disruptive manner that is inconsistent with Target's policies.” That's a convenient reason for Target. This is yet another repulsive act by a company who repeatedly shows they're not concerned about any repercussions for violating workers' rights. They have fired Ms. Greene for one reason, her pro-union attitude. She was fired for believing she and her co-workers deserved more from their billion-dollar employer. Is this the price Target workers must pay for standing up for themselves and fighting for what is right? Ms. Greene never let her attitude towards the company affect her work. She said, “I believe I was fired because of my participation in the union campaign,” she continued, “Because I'm for the union, they wanted to get rid of me.”

She was fired almost immediately after a Local 1500 union organizer was seen dropping her off at work. The firing of Ms. Greene is another shallow, inconsiderate move by a company who has had nothing but opportunities to do right by their employees. Target continues to take these opportunities to change as opportunities to intimidate and diminish more rights for employees. Local 1500 has filed yet another Unfair Labor Practice Charge with the National Labor Relations Board alleging Ms. Greene was fired for activities with the union. Target's scare tactics and intimidation continue, 7-weeks after the election in Valley Stream. It's sickening a company can go to this length. "This won't stop us driving for change, this is what we need to change! This will only make us push harder," an anonymous Target worker said.

Please support Tashawna by signing the petition telling Target to Re-Hire her: http://www.change.org/petitions/manager-tell-target-to-re-hire-tashawna-greene-now

You can write Tashawna messages of support on the Facebook wall or at targetchangeny@gmail.com

Monday Mornin' News Briefs: 8/12-8/15

2011-08-15T12:09:00.002-04:00

Steven Greenhouse from the NYTimes: In Strike Verizon, Union trade Barbs.
45,000 workers began their strike against Verizon Communications last Sunday, their unions have repeatedly stressed one point: Verizon’s push for concessions would “destroy middle-class jobs” and “push workers out of the middle class.”

From union-busting at home to labor violations, and alleged sweatshop conditions overseas, Target's honeymoon is over, via Working in These Times.

Islip Patch checks out Aldi in Bayshore, their first Long Island shop.

The Street is wondering what Walmart stands for nowadays, as they are no longer the 'everyday low price'. What they stand for? Here's a starting point for the people @The Street, low wages, discrimination, destroying small businesses and communities.

Walmart even made a bid to purchase BJ's Wholesale Club earlier this summer.

In Bristol, CT, Walmart is hunting for more of the grocery business.

Here's Walmart's new "Healthy, Environmental, Sustainable" pitch to New Yorkers, in their mailer to the Park Slope area.

SN: Pressures Face Walmart in NYC.

Walmart continues to buy its way into Brooklyn.

Editorial: Walmart's arrival would benefit them, not us...[Amsterdam News]

UFCW Local 23 Kroger workers rejected an offer from the company on Friday.

Bloomberg News: Seven UFCW chapters to vote on strike.

Bethpage Federal Credit Union in Levittown King Kullen was robbed last week.

The Fresh Market continues to expand, opening 2 new stores in the Pittsburgh area.

The closed Stella D'oro factory in the Bronx will become a BJ's Wholesale Club in 2013.

A Penny per a pound, AlterNet asks why won't the "progressive" Trader Joe's sign the agreement not to sell slave tomatoes? [WSJ]

#politics, #elsewhere
On Recall Elections, NYTimes: Wisconsin's Warning to Union-Busters.

Check out how your elected officials voted this year with AFL-CIO's scorecard.

As economy dips, picket lines on the rise.

Be cautious of what you post on Facebook...

In a recent ground-breaking case, an employee of the American Medical Response of Connecticut was fired for criticism of her supervisor on her Facebook page. The medical technician was accused of violating a policy that bars employees from depicting the company “in any way” on Facebook or other social media sites, among other things.

Fired up, ready to fight: 2011 Jobs with Justice national convention highlights.

A&P Seeks More Time to File Reorganization Plan

2011-08-08T13:03:00.001-04:00

Via Supermarket News:
http://supermarketnews.com/retail_financial/ap_plan_0803/?cid=upd
By: John Springer

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — A&P has asked U.S. Bankruptcy Court here for a second extension of its deadline to submit an exclusive plan of reorganization to its creditors. The retailer in court papers filed this week said the extension — to Jan. 16 of next year from a previous deadline of Dec. 31 — would assure stability through the holiday season giving it "the very best opportunity for a successful exit from Chapter 11." A&P said talks with organized labor over the renegotiation of 34 collective bargaining agreements was at a "crucial stage" while it was pushing ahead with other efforts on its operational turnaround. The exclusivity period allows company management to craft a plan to pay back creditors as opposed to creditor constituencies, which can present their own plans after the deadline. The request to extend also asks the court approve an extension of A&P's exclusive solicitation period through March 16, from an earlier date of Feb. 29.

We will continue to keep you updated, please contact us at 800-522-0456 or info@ufcw1500.org for any questions or comments you may have.

Six H&M Stores Join the UFCW

2011-08-01T16:06:00.002-04:00

The UFCW will represent 240 sales clerks at H&M stores in Queens, Brooklyn, White Plans, Yonkers and Staten Island. The workers joined 1,200 existing UFCW members who are mostly based in Manhattan.

"H&M prides itself as an employer who values its associates and presents a positive work environment," said a company spokeswoman, "H&M has a tradition of working with unions around the world, and we are confident that we will continue to build our new relationship with the UFCW."

Food Policy, Food-Deserts, Affordable Food

2011-07-26T11:12:00.001-04:00

In the last week there has been plenty of media attention on creating access to healthy, affordable food throughout America. Here's a quick update

Michelle Obama has aligned herself with Walmart (again) in order to create fresh produce and healthy foods throughout lacking areas (food deserts) across the United States. (Meanwhile the Washington Post found Michelle Obama eating a 1,700 calorie meal Shake Shack last week)

UFCW International President Joe Hansen released a statement, challenging the White House to demand better jobs from Walmart.

The initiative (we helped start in NYC years ago) has retailers salivating to open in what were once unappealing sites now that Michelle Obama has backed it. [SN]

In New York City, City Harvest has addressed the needs in specific areas.

Chase has offered to fund supermarket improvements in Food-Deserts.

Last week the NLRB held hearings on proposed rule changes, Supermarket News recaps arguments from both sides, labor and management.

UFCW International President Challenges White House: Tell Walmart to Create Good Jobs & End the Poverty Cycle

2011-07-26T10:15:00.001-04:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following statement was issued today by Joe Hansen, International President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), in advance of an event in the White House in which First Lady Michelle Obama recognizes retailers who are willing to expand their business into under served areas. Walmart is among the attendees.

“The First Lady’s commitment to addressing childhood obesity in the U.S. is laudable and the UFCW commends her for her enthusiasm for such a worthy endeavor. But with income disparity between the rich and the poor at more extreme levels than during the Great Depression, Walmart must be held accountable for its track record of lower standards for millions of retail workers.

“Walmart is more responsible than any other private employer in our country for creating poverty-level jobs that leave workers unable to purchase healthy food or provide a good life for their families.

“I met Walmart Associate Girshreila Green last month who told me that she got her job at the inner-city Crenshaw Walmart in Los Angeles through the welfare-to-work program. And after three years of work and an excellent employment record at what she calls the ‘ghetto Walmart,’ Girshreila still has a welfare card in her pocket, right along with her Walmart I.D. and Walmart discount card.

“There is no economic justification that our nation’s largest private employer should pay wages so low that any of its employees qualify for public assistance. But the fact that tens of thousands of Walmart associates qualify and utilize food stamps, Medicare, and Medicaid is reason enough that the White House should join with our union and tell Walmart – enough is enough.

“Our national economic crisis is made worse by companies like Walmart suppressing wages for its 1.4 million hourly workers who live and work in communities across the country.

“Walmart claims it wants to open stores in urban markets like Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and other major cities. Workers, community leaders and consumers in each of those cities have called on Walmart to commit to providing good jobs that pay wages high enough to improve the lives of workers in those cities. The fact is, when Walmart opens in a community, it replaces what were good jobs with poverty-level ones. Walmart continues to drive the cycle of poverty by lowering wage rates and preventing associates from lifting themselves out of economic insecurity.

“Millions of grocery workers serve communities of every income level and hold good jobs with fair wages, affordable health care, and a voice on the job. The White House should laud employers who are fueling economic recovery by creating good jobs where workers can afford to take care of their families and buy the healthy food their children deserve.”

-30-

Videos of Girshreila Green speaking out about her experience as a Walmart associate can be found at: http://vimeo.com/26640913 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTEuBHSvfFg

Making Change at Walmart seeks to promote the American values of equality, dignity and respect in the workplace. The campaign is making change by working directly with Walmart Associates to claim the respect on the job they deserve, holding Walmart corporate managers accountable to hourly employees and the public for their practices and joining with community leaders in major cities across America to make sure that any new jobs offered by Walmart meet strong standards for healthy, growing communities.

Photos from the Blood Drive!

2011-07-22T12:01:00.002-04:00

Here's some pics from Wednesday's Blood Drive! Thanks to all who helped make this day a success!

First Summer BBQ and Blood Drive

2011-07-21T09:36:00.005-04:00

Image by acroamatic via FlickrThanks to everyone who came out to our first Summer BBQ and Blood Drive. We were able to donate 92 units of blood over the course of six hours. Hope everyone enjoyed the food and refreshments and congratulations to the raffle winners. Another thanks to the nurses and rest of the staff who were very professional and did a great job. It was nice to see our members and their families coming together for a good cause. Once again thank you to all those that participated in helping save a life.

Tuesday News @ Noon

2011-07-19T12:09:00.001-04:00

The National Labor Relations Board is currently holding hearings on the proposed rule changes for union certifications at workplaces....Here is UFCW Executive Vice President, Pat O'Neill's testimony. [UFCW Blog]

Here is the full statement from the UFCW International regarding the proposed NLRB changes.

The LA Times says the rule changes are sensible and should be adopted.

Politico says this will change the scape of union organizing for the future.

Great Read: Commentary: Put an end to the stalling tactics for unionizing votes.

Supermarket News covered the UFCW's release on A&P's second proposal.

Fresh & Greens makes its U.S. debut.

Initially Philadelphia was getting a Pathmark. After A&P's bankruptcy a proposed supermarket was in limbo, now A&P announced they'll complete the project, but open the store as a Superfresh instead.

Stop & Shop contributed over $128,000 to Tornado victims.

UFCW Local 1776 and Rite Aid have reached a tentative agreement on new labor contracts covering about 2,600 workers in the company’s stores in Greater Philadelphia, the Reading area and Northeast Pennsylvania.

The UFCW Blog: Day 2: NLRB Open Meeting on Proposed Changes to Un...

2011-07-19T09:37:00.002-04:00

Image via WikipediaThe National Labor Relations Board is currently holding hearings on the proposed rule changes for union certifications at workplaces....Last month at Valley Stream Target, we clearly saw the need for rule changes. Target had little respect for the law, and utilized the months prior to the election to sufffocate employees with anti-union propaganda. Today, UFCW Executive VP Pat O'Neill will be testifying on behalf of the UFCW. Check out UFCW International Blog:

The UFCW Blog: Day 2: NLRB Open Meeting on Proposed Changes to Un...: "This morning, the National Labor Relations Board dives into day two of a public hearing on its proposed rules to improve the election process..."

Monday Mornin' News Briefs

2011-07-18T11:47:00.001-04:00

The Associated Press writes how the recent organizing drive in Valley Stream could end Target's honeymoon: "Target's Honeymoon Could be Over."

Seeking Alpha asks "What's ailing Walmart's stock?"

Local 1500 President, Bruce Both has released an update on A&P/Pathmark bankruptcy.

Talks for Walmart in Brooklyn intensify, report by the Wall Street Journal. More @TheRealDeal.

A Superfresh in Maryland will be taken over by a Shoppers Food & Pharmacy this month, the company said it's working with the UFCW to retain jobs.

Fight to unionize T-Mobile goes global [DailyKos]

UFCW Local 5 won an election last week at a Macy's Furniture store in California.

A recent survey shows consumers don't believe that Walmart has the lowest prices anymore, the survey also shows consumers believe Walmart's prices are "slightly lower" than grocery stores. [FOX]

The San Diego Reader recaps the July 15th rally in support of UFCW members negotiating a new contract in California.

ESPN's Rick Reilly wrote an Anti-Union column, American Rights at Work had something to say about it.

A&P/Pathmark Update; July 18, 2011

2011-07-18T10:06:00.002-04:00

To All Local 1500 members working at Pathmark (A&P):

All 13 of the UFCW Locals involved with A&P remain united and determined to work and negotiate jointly as we move through this process. Late in the day on Wednesday, July 13th, the Local unions received a second proposal from the company. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more apparent that the company is not listening or does not believe us when we say that we will not allow them to take advantage of this situation. Their second proposal is not much different than their initial, as they seem intent on placing the full burden of their recovery plan squarely on the shoulders of You – Our members!

In their latest proposal, the company is still seeking hundreds of layoffs, drastic wage reductions, elimination of Sunday premiums, and changes that would jeopardize your pension. As if it is not enough for them to reach into your pocket, they are also seeking language changes that we believe do not provide them with any real savings. These proposed changes, categorized as “Managements Rights” would decimate many of your union protections and severely endanger your job security. As part of their latest proposal the company is seeking to “Rightsize the Workforce,” which is a corporate term for the layoff of hundreds of people. Included in the proposal are language changes that would allow them to change how they conduct that layoff.

They are seeking changes to our seniority rights and bumping procedures that would make it easier for them to conduct a layoff and realize a savings through the elimination of rate retention. This would allow them to layoff the least senior people and replace them with people with more seniority at the rate of pay of those that they laid off! It is becoming more and more apparent that the company believes that they will be able to get what they want – when they want it! And they expect you to give it to them! It is that thought process that allowed them to give millions of dollars in bonuses to their executives and 2 months later expect you to accept these unreasonable and devastating concessions. They are mistaken!

As we have said from the beginning, we are willing to help this company with their financial recovery but will not allow them to take advantage of the situation but they do not seem to be listening. We have been working hard to avoid a Strike, but we must be prepared for one! While we still hope one can be avoided, it is something that is becoming more of a possibility! Should a Strike become necessary, our Local Unions are ready, are you? We are asking all of our UFCW members working at A&P to begin to prepare themselves for a possible strike. A&P must understand that we are willing to Chip In - Not Give In!

Please contact us for any questions of concerns you may have, info@ufcw1500.org or by contacting your union representative at 1-800-522-0456.

In Solidarity,

Bruce W. Both, President

Anthony Speelman, Secretary-Treasurer

AP: Target's Honeymoon Could be Over

2011-07-15T14:36:00.004-04:00

The headline says it all. Yesterday, the Associated Press wrote about the Target workers from Valley Stream (NY) who began the movement change a billion dollar company. The movement derived from a group of workers uniting together and demanding respect.

Target's response? An all out blitzkrieg of anti-union propaganda and intimidation. From anti-union websites (which was conveniently taken down, head here for a recap on it) to anti-union videos to dispersing literature which threatened to close the store if the union won, Target took no consideration for labor laws or their team members. Lying to team members about what would happen if the union won was a decision to choose more profits and lucrative raises for execs rather than respect for their employees. Target's honeymoon is over, the national attention from the election at Valley Stream showed the American public the type of company they really are, one who has little respect for the hard working people who make their company so successful. Target still has the opportunity to change, and they should start by respecting their employees.

Check out the AP Story here: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g2SKMVezanZJIzYQIrcwI-SeGUAA?docId=51177466b85642beb08509b22672b16b

Help the movement grow, suggest Target Change (www.facebook.com/targetchange) to your co-workers and friends!

UFCW Local 1500 Summer BBQ and Blood Drive

2011-07-15T12:00:00.001-04:00

On Wednesday July 20th, UFCW Local 1500 will be holding their first annual Summer BBQ & Blood Drive (for the NY Blood Center). We'll be BBQing in the parking lot, giving away prizes and having a great time! We hope you can join us. You can RSVP on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205765262784479#!/event.php?eid=205765262784479

You don’t need a special reason to give blood.

You just need your own reason.

Some of us give blood because we were asked by a friend.
Some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day.
Some believe it is the right thing we do.

Whatever your reason, the need is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. And you’ll feel good knowing you've helped change a life.

Please PRE-REGISTER your appointment to give blood by contacting us @ 1-800-522-0456 ext. 1312 or by emailing us info@ufcw1500.org.

Eligibility Criteria:

-Bring ID with signature of Photo
-Min weight 110 lbs.
-Ages 16-75
-Eat well (low fat) and drink fluids
-No Tattoos for the past 12 months

Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduling is encouraged.

Download the flyer to print! English or Espanol

Can't give blood? No problem! You can volunteer to help out by contacting us!

Thanks and we look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, July 20th!

Thursday News Recaps @ Noon: Tengelmann A&P Exit Expected, New Fairway Markets

2011-07-14T11:55:00.003-04:00

#A&P
Eight (8) former Superfresh stores (parent, A&P) were taken over by Fresh & Green's, some stores have already opened, while a few are still under renovations.

REPORT: Tengelmann Group to exit A&P in bankruptcy process...

A&P launched a new brand of organic local chickens....More @PhillyBlurbs.

#TargetChange
Target will offer groceries and fresh food in Canada. More @CTV. The Wall Street Journal predicts their Canadian entry will affect other American retailers there.

Long Island Herald: Labor Board Reviews Target Valley Stream Union Vote.

Target told Valley Stream employees they couldn't afford to give raises to them...But they did find a way to spend $760,000 on lobbying in 1Q.

#WalmartNYC
Walmart cozies up to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.

The Brooklyn Rail: No Place for Walmart.

Walmart in New York City is far from inevitable. As one market analyst put it, Walmart needs New York City more than New York City needs Walmart, thus echoing the views of other company watchers. The company has grown desperate, but its urban growth strategy in still largely untested and unproven. So opponents feel that they can escalate their campaign and make it much harder for Walmart to come in.

Great Read: Bloomberg News: With Walmart's Sex Suit Win, The Jokes on Women.

#Elsewhere/Industry

Albertsons announced last week they'll be removing their self checkouts in order to focus on more customer service.

Fairway Market is making lease deals to open a store in Passaic County in New Jersey and another in South Shore in Nassau County next year. The grocery chain will also open a store in Rockland County in 2013. Read more @ Wall Street Journal.

In Amityville, NY, a new Stop & Shop is currently being built, though the sign color scheme was not allowed according to a town law, the town's planning board has just OK'd the new color scheme. [Newsday]

Stop & Shop also debuted 'Scan IT! Mobile', allowing shoppers to complete their entire purchase on their iphone.

In the wake of two closing supermarkets in Greenburgh, NY, two more will open this year. [lohud]

Aldi wants to open up in Buffalo (NY), but some law makers are skeptical on it drawing business away from small, local shops.

Ahold has named a new pharmacy SVP.

Thousands of SoCal Union members are supporting grocery workers fighting for a new contract.

Here's an update on California UFCW negotiations....[KDAF] [LA Times]

An HBO Documentary of the Stella D'Oro strike is being released, telling the workers story.

Via UFCW: MoveOn.org is launching a new effort--and they need our help. The goal is to help create a "Contract for the American Dream"—a people-powered plan for creating an economy that works for ALL of us. UFCW members and allies can play a key role in this effort: helping to choose the best ideas for fixing our economy.

July 7 Update for all Local 1500 Pathmark Members

2011-07-07T15:07:00.002-04:00

Dear Pathmark member,

The UFCW Local 1500 A&P bankruptcy negotiating team continues to meet with company officials and other effected Unions. Two meetings were held this week: Tuesday July 5th and Wednesday July 6th. At both meetings, information was exchanged and proposals were discussed. These are very difficult negotiations and they continue to move slowly.

The next round of meetings are expected to be held in approximately 10-to 14 days. As always, we will keep you updated on any developments that may result from our meeting with the company. Please remember the following:

1. Stay united. We are all in this together and together is the only way we can succeed.

2. Please ignore all the rumors and count on your Union to deliver you the most up to date information to you.

3. Stay in touch with your Union Representative and Shop Steward.

4. Visit the Union web site and Facebook page for information.

5. Should you want to email us information or questions, please do so at info@ufcw1500.org

6. Show your solidarity by wearing your buttons. If you need more, speak to your Union Representative.

Thank you for continued patience as our Union deals with this crisis. It is only with your tremendous support and solidarity that we will help turn this company around.

Tuesday Morning One-Liners:

2011-07-05T16:39:00.001-04:00

Supermarket News reported the Tenglemann family is looking for an exit out of A&P.

Stories broke on BJ's Wholesale Club's sale last week, and now there is an investor suing the company because the sale price of $2.8 billion is "grossly inadequate" Read it at Bloomberg.

UFCW Local 1262 President Harvey Whille was interviewed in Sunday's Exec Access in the New Jersey Record. President Whille discusses A&P, unionization in retail and workers' rights.

The Delaware News Journal reports that ShopRite is "cleaning up" as the new supermarket king in the northeast.

Union Files Final Board Charges against Target Corp. for Objections to Conduct of Union Election

2011-06-28T12:11:00.002-04:00

Request for Re-run Election Proceeds
For more information email: info@ufcw1500.org

On Friday, June 24, 2011, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1500 filed objections to Target Corporation's conduct during the course of the recent union election in Valley Stream, N.Y. The charges filed on Friday were in addition to numerous unfair labor practices previously filed against the Target Corporation during the weeks leading up to the Union election in Valley Stream.

Bruce Both, President of UFCW Local 1500 explained Target could have easily held a fair & democratic election, "Instead of playing by the rules, Target showed they were willing to do whatever it took to keep their workers from attaining a basic right: respect at work." "Eighty-Five (85) courageous workers from Valley Stream should be commended for withstanding the intimidation and scare tactics Target management suffocated them with every day leading to the June 17th election. What's troubling is that Target had an opportunity to become a corporate role model and do right by their employees. Instead of helping their employees attain the American dream, they've chosen to continue to focus on their profit growth, not their employees' growth," Both concluded.

UFCW Local 1500 pledged that the campaign to "change" Target has just begun, as they announced they are seeking a rerun election at Valley Stream Target. "In addition to the laundry list of unfair labor practices already filed against Target, filing of these objections to their [Target's] conduct during the election period, shows a blatant disregard for basic democratic practices," said Assistant to the President Pat Purcell. "We are confident Target's actions will result in a new election and hopefully an opportunity for all parties to sit down and discuss a process for a new election that will better represent the democratic principles Target's workers and consumers have come to expect in a free society."

Days after the June 17th election at Valley Stream Target, the National Labor Relations Board announced proposed changes to union election process. The rule addresses a key obstacle workers face when deciding to vote on whether to form a union. "The proposed NLRB rule reinforces our statement that the process is unbalanced. Target workers at Valley Stream didn't have a fair election process," said Purcell. "The rule change would eliminate excessive delays in the vote, delays which allow companies to further their anti-union propaganda in the stores to their employees, something we all saw as recent as last week in the Target election," said Purcell. "This rule change is a step in the right direction toward giving more workers respect, a voice on the job, and rebalancing our economy," Purcell concluded.

###

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500 represents over 22,000 supermarket workers across New York State.For more information on Target Change, head to Facebook.com/TargetChangeFollow UFCW Local 1500 on Twitter @UFCW1500 and at Facebook.com/UFCW1500

Quick Friday Afternoon News Recaps

2011-06-24T16:05:00.001-04:00

We've been tied up with the TargetChange campaign....But here's some ongoings in the NY Grocery Industry News:

AlterNet: "Anti-Union Life @Target." AlterNet looks deeper at what it's like to work at Target & other big box retail stores....
More BJ's Wholesale Club buyout rumors have surfaced, raising their stock prices.

Walmart gets a free pass from the Supreme Court over discrimination.

The Hunts Point Market is still opposed to Walmart opening in NYC.

Christine Quinn wants Walmart to buy local produce IF the chain opens in NYC.

They [Walmart] continue to donate and donate $$ into Washington DC and NYC, drawing criticisms of trying to "buy" their way into the city.

On July 20 a Pathmark in Cherry Hill, New Jersey will be up for auction.

Mrs.Green's officially confirms the purchase of A&P's Superfresh stores. More @ Gourmet.

UFCW STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED NLRB RULE THAT WOULD STANDARDIZE THE REPRESENTATION ELECTION PROCESS

2011-06-21T12:46:00.001-04:00

Image via WikipediaToday's proposed rule from the National Labor Relations Board comes down to basic fairness on the job. When workers choose to vote to form a union on the job, the vote shouldnt be plagued by delays, bureaucracy or obstacles. Working people are already struggling. And, they're waiting and wondering when the economy will recover to a point that therell be enough stable, middle class jobs in their communities. They shouldnt have to struggle to get a union voice on the job.

They shouldnt have to wait and wonder when theyll get justice on the job.Just ask the workers at the 2 Sisters Food Group plant in Riverside, California. When a majority decided they wanted a union voice in their workplace, their employer used the lengthy timeline of the NLRB election process to mount a vicious harassment and intimidation campaign. Instead of investing in their workforce, they hired anti-worker consultants. They distributed anti-union flyers. They forced attendance at daily anti-union meetings. They insisted on including leads who appeared to be supervisors in the unit, which workers agreed to, in order to avoid a lengthy pre-election litigation delay.

As Election Day neared, bosses escalated their campaign by hiring uniformed security guards to monitor the comings and goings of every worker. They illegally fired five workers for their union support-one just a week before the election. When the voting came, off-shift workers were forced to wait at a parking lot gate and then personally escorted one by one to the ballot box by the company CEO, then escorted off company grounds.The harassment, intimidation and illegal firings were too much. Workers feared for their livelihoods, and they narrowly lost their bid for a union.

Today's proposed rule is an acknowledgment that the pressure and bullying 2 Sisters workers encountered shouldnt happen in an American workplace or at an American ballot box. American workers have the right to vote on whether to form a union; and the election process should be straightforward and streamlined; it shouldnt involve long delays nor require workers to navigate a legal maze.

###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.

Important Update for all Local 1500 Pathmark Members

2011-06-15T15:45:00.004-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

The UFCW A&P Negotiating Committee has released an update to all UFCW members working under the A&P banner. You may download and view the update here: http://ufcw1500.org/files/shared/apBinder1.pdf

(Note: Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to view this update, download the Adobe Reader here)

Please contact your Union Representative or email us info@ufcw1500.org for any questions you may have.

Thank you.

Message to Local 1500 Members Working at Pathmark Supermarkets

2011-06-14T15:38:00.001-04:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeDear Pathmark Member;

The A&P/Pathmark bankruptcy process continues to evolve. I realize the frustration you must all be feeling and I greatly appreciate your patience. I assure you the process is moving along.

The affected Unions and A&P are currently exchanging information. A&P’s financial data and business plan are continuously being reviewed. The Union negotiating team must have the most accurate and credible information to properly assess A&P’s current financial situation.

I can tell you that the company has given the UFCW Locals its initial proposal and it is being reviewed. I expect to make a summary of the company’s initial proposal available for your review within the next few days. I caution you that these are only the companies’ first set of proposals. As long time Union members, you understand that the first proposal will only be a starting point for negotiations and that we will only use it for purposes of negotiating a more reasonable settlement.

Our goal from day one of this process has been too work with the company to reach an agreement that allows them to recover and grow economically while protecting the rights and livelihoods of our members working in their stores. That goal has not and will not change.

While we must hope for and work towards the best possible solution, we must prepare for the worst possible result. Our staff has developed a comprehensive response should one become necessary.

Again, I thank you for your patience. I also want to thank you for the many words of support and encouragement I have heard over the last few weeks. As long as we continue our strong solidarity, we will survive these difficult and challenging times.

Remember: One Union, One Voice!!

Bruce W. Both
President

Southern California Contract Update

2011-06-10T15:36:00.001-04:00

Image via WikipediaJune 10, 2011 - The Orange County Register - Peggy Stowe

Union leaders are pessimistic that they will reach a contract deal with three Southern California supermarket chains and fear they are moving toward a strike.Other unions in Los Angeles and San Diego joined in solidarity with Local United Food & Commercial Workers this week. Negotiations with a federal mediator continue through this month.

No talks are schedule for July.Greg Conger; president of Local 324 in Buena Park, said the grocery chains refuse to compromise on health care proposals, so he is pessimistic that a deal will be reached."We're getting closer to a strike," Conger said. "I'm concerned they're going to back us and themselves into a corner we can't back out of."A spokesman for the grocery chains said that any talk of strike is "unnecessary" and that there are still schedule days of negotiations."The only place where we can reach an agreement is at the bargaining table, and we believe our focus should be there, reaching a fair and reasonable contract," said Daymond Rice, a Vons representative speaking for the tree chains.

Some 62,000 United Food and Commercial Workers voted April 21 to authorize a strike against Albertson's, owned by Supervalu Inc.; Ralphs, owned by Kroger Co.; and Safeway Inc., which owns Vons & Pavilions. The last contract expired in March.The last strike began in October 2003, with 70,000 grocer workers walking picket lines at 900 stores. When the strike ended in February 2004, grocers had lost an estimated $1.5 billion.The sticking point this time is health care benefits, with the companies insisting on increased deductibles, higher employee out-of-pocket expenses and other plan changes.

The proposals would push some $450 million back on employees, Conger said.The companies counter that the proposal is reasonable and will still provide employees with "quality, affordable health care," said Fred Muir, a spokesman for Albertson's."Although the proposal makes some changes to the current health and welfare plan, employees would pay as little as $9 a week for coverage, receive coverage if they work 16 hours per week depending on their job, and have access to an excellent health care plan that allows them to receive comprehensive coverage for themselves and their families," Muir said.

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor started a fund to support striking workers and other labor leaders promised to honor the picket lines at all the grocery stores.Asked if there is a strike deadline, Conger said leaders have discussed setting a date but haven't reached a consensus.

To support Southern California Grocery workers, head to UFCW's E-Activist page: https://secure3.convio.net/ufcw/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=219

Afternoon News Recaps: 6/8/11

2011-06-08T16:55:00.002-04:00

UFCW Contract Update: Southern California grocery struggle to preserve medical benefits.
....Authorizing strikes at major supermarket chains in San Diego.

UFCW urges shoppers to respect picket line in Southern California.

Congressional Republicans threatening to cut National Labor Relations Board.

Chronic unemployment worse than Great Depression.

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. has hammered out a new money-saving agreement with its wholsale supplier.

A&P makes deal with major supplier to cut costs.

Protests in 10 cities to support FLOC.

Wal-Mart works with unions abroad, not at home.

Valley Stream Target vote being watched closely by other big-box retailers.

Sparks start to fly in Target fight

Local 324 members of Southern California struggle to preserve medical benefits in new collective bargaining agreement.

Chronic unemployment worse than Great Depression.

Local 135 of San Diego can effectively srtike major supermarket chains.

The British Embassay in Washington, D.C., and consulates in nine U.S. cities were picketed by Union activists.

Wal-Mart works with unions abroad, but not at home.

Message to Local 1500 Members Working at Pathmark/A&P

2011-06-03T13:45:00.002-04:00

By: Bruce W. Both, President UFCW Local 1500

A message to UFCW Members at A&P-owned supermarkets:
June 3, 2011

In recent weeks, your local union and the other UFCW local unions at A&P-owned stores have been meeting with A&P about the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. The goal of these meetings, and all our previous work on the bankruptcy committee, is for A&P to emerge from this process healthy enough that our members can continue to serve customers in as many communities as possible.

One of the requirements of our union’s participation in the bankruptcy process is to maintain strict confidentiality about financial, operational, and other information that is provided pursuant to a court-approved confidentiality agreement. That confidentiality also covers the Company’s review of such information at meetings. It’s difficult, mind you, to have a look behind the company’s curtain yet and not be able to communicate that information to our members. It’s very important that we honor the agreement lest we lose the opportunity to participate in the process and review that key information so that we can advocate for your job standards and your union contract. Ultimately we will be able to review the conclusions the unions reach after reviewing such information.

One thing is very clear - A&P would like to change everything in your union contract, under the cover of bankruptcy reorganization. In the information sharing process, the company has shown that it views all economic contract provisions as up for negotiation. Even worse, it views non-economic provisions, including those about transfers, schedules, hours, and classifications, as potential items to demand to negotiate away.

Our union will not let this happen. Our financial analysis clearly shows that there is no economic need for the type of wholesale change to the contracts sought by the company. While some changes to our contracts may happen, by standing strong together, we can keep any changes to the minimum of what’s actually necessary.

A&P needs to make changes to its corporate structure that put it back on a long-range path to success. Many of those changes will need to happen at the management level.

We are still early in this process, but it’s never too early to stick together. A&P workers are willing do to our part to get this company back on the right track and to make changes that will have a long-term positive impact on our company.

UFCW local unions will continue our coordinated work to protect UFCW members throughout the A&P chain. Shop stewards will continue to serve as key leaders in your store and we encourage you to talk with your steward about the bankruptcy process and what each of you can do to help secure a positive outcome for all A&P workers. As always, your union representative is also available to answer any questions.

In Solidarity,

Bruce W. Both
President, UFCW Local 1500

UFCW Local 1500 Blog

Friday Mornin' News Brew

UFCW's OnPoint Issue 14- January 24, 2012

Quick News Briefs....

Quick Newsbites....

Local 1500 Endorses Hakeem Jeffries for Congress NY-10th District

Tues. After Noon OneLiners: Fresh Direct needs a new HQ, Retail Workers still struggling

Thursday Mornin' One-Liners

Tuesday Mornin' News Briefs

Monday Morning One Liners: More Assualts on Unions, Target Teams with Apple

NLRB Files Mores Charges Against Target for Conduct at Valley Stream store

Tuesday Mornin' One Liners

Sears to Close 100-120 Kmart & Sears Stores, Affecting Thousands of Retail Workers

NLRB Adopts Rule to Speed Union Elections

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Come Meet Santa!

Thursday Mornin' One Liners: Bob's Goes UFCW, Again!

Monday's News Afternoon:

Joint Statement from the 13 UFCW/RWDSU Locals of the A&P Bankruptcy Team

13 UFCW/RWDSU Locals Ratify New A&P Agreement

Tuesday's One-Liners: Black Friday Recaps & NLRB Under Attack

UFCW President Joe Hansen: Stand With Workers This Thanksgiving

Pathmark Contract Modification Voting Time & Sites

ANTHONY G. SPEELMAN BRUCE W. BOTH

Nov. 17th: Update from UFCW Local 1500 on A&P (Pathmark) Bankruptcy

The International UFCW Blog: Stop Nespressure! Tell Nestlé to respect trade unions!

Update #21 from UFCW/RWDSU Locals 1500, 338 and 342 A&P Bankruptcy Negotating Team

Update #20 from UFCW/RWDSU Locals 1500, 342 & 338

Update #19 From UFCW Local 1500 on A&P (Pathmark) Bankruptcy Negotiations

UFCW On Point: Nov 9, 2011

Update #18: UFCW Local 1500 on the A&P/Pathmark Bankruptcy

Monday Mornin' One Liners: Nov 4 - Nov 7th: Burkle to Chair A&P

Nov. 4: Week's End News

Nov. 4th: Update to all UFCW/RWDSU Members Working at A&P or Subsidiary Company

Nov. 3, 2011: Statement from UFCW/RWDSU Negotiating Committee on A&P

UFCW OnPoint: Volume 12, Issue 6

A&P/Pathmark Update #15 From President Bruce Both

Monday Mornin' One-Liners: #OWS & Labor, Walmart's Health Plan Gets Worse

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk: Over $9K Raised!

Wednesday Afternoon One-Liners:

UFCW International Stands with Occupy Wall Street Movement

Tuesday Afternoon One-Liners....Walmart Closes Marketside Stores

Fight Breast Cancer this Weekend @ Jones Beach!

Friday Afternoon News:

Monday Afternoon One Liners

A&P/Pathmark Update #14

UFCW's OnPoint Sept.27, 2011

Week's End News Briefs:

Thursday News after Noon

Tuesday Morning News Briefs:

Thursday's News Briefs:

Updated News Briefs: NLRB Alleges Labor Violations at Target Valley Stream

Target Fires Pro-Union Worker 7-Weeks After Union Election

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Monday Mornin' News Briefs: 8/12-8/15

A&P Seeks More Time to File Reorganization Plan

Six H&M Stores Join the UFCW

Food Policy, Food-Deserts, Affordable Food

UFCW International President Challenges White House: Tell Walmart to Create Good Jobs & End the Poverty Cycle

Photos from the Blood Drive!

First Summer BBQ and Blood Drive

Tuesday News @ Noon

The UFCW Blog: Day 2: NLRB Open Meeting on Proposed Changes to Un...

Monday Mornin' News Briefs

A&P/Pathmark Update; July 18, 2011

AP: Target's Honeymoon Could be Over

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UFCW Local 1500 Summer BBQ and Blood Drive

Thursday News Recaps @ Noon: Tengelmann A&P Exit Expected, New Fairway Markets

July 7 Update for all Local 1500 Pathmark Members

Tuesday Morning One-Liners:

Union Files Final Board Charges against Target Corp. for Objections to Conduct of Union Election

Quick Friday Afternoon News Recaps

UFCW STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED NLRB RULE THAT WOULD STANDARDIZE THE REPRESENTATION ELECTION PROCESS

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Important Update for all Local 1500 Pathmark Members

Message to Local 1500 Members Working at Pathmark Supermarkets

Southern California Contract Update

Afternoon News Recaps: 6/8/11