Top 10 Stories This Week:

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REI Pledges to not open Black Friday, will still pay employees

REI will be sacrificing one of its top business days when it closes its 143 retail stores on Black Friday to encourage customers to spend time outside, and give employees a break, read more.

WHAT'S NEWS THIS WEEK 1. UFCW Local 1500 Members Raise Over $60k in One Month to Battle Leukemia-Lymphoma, Breast Cancer It's gotta be some kind of record. Great job! 2. What decline in Unions means for next generation's income One study finds kids who grew up in union families earn more when they enter the workforce.

3. McDonald's Fights to Pay Workers Less McDonald's and the government are battling over how much control the corporation exerts on its franchises. The government says McDonald's controls the working conditions and payment of employees at stores operated by franchisees, which make up about 90 percent of McDonald's stores. But McDonald's disputes the claim, arguing its franchisees are independent operators.

4. New York's Much Needed New Task Force to Combat Worker Exploitation Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an initiative to combat worker exploitation in New York, including investigations focused on employers who are serial offenders, along with the creation of a hotline for reporting worker abuse.

5. Top 100 CEOs in US are sitting on a $5 billion Retirement Nest Egg Forget retirement worries: once a fat cat, always a fat cat. The top 100 chief executive are sitting on pension pots worth $4.9bn (£3.2bn) – equal to the total retirement savings of 116 million of the poorest Americans, according to a study released by the Institute of Policy Studies on Wednesday.

6. It's Halloween, How About Some Union-Made Candy For Your Trick-or-Treaters? Notable favs: Sour Patch Kids (are you serious?), Tootsie-Roll (classic), Baby Ruth (just for the Mets tonight).

7. A&P Puts Brand, Banners, Data Up For Sale For all archived A&P bankruptcy updates head here.

8. In Depth Read: The Life & Death of an Amazon Temp-Worker

9. Brooklyn Warehouse Workers Fight to Form a Union...End Discrimination Raising banners into the cold Atlantic wind, 100 warehouse workers from Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala marched on October 18 to the Manhattan showroom of their boss, B&H Photo Video, the nation’s largest non-chain camera store. - See more at: http://labornotes.org/2015/10/brooklyn-warehouse-workers-fight-form-union-end-discrimination#sthash.Ap6mgKsJ.dpuf Raising banners into the cold Atlantic wind, 100 warehouse workers from Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala marched on October 18 to the Manhattan showroom of their boss, B&H Photo Video, the nation’s largest non-chain camera store Raising banners into the cold Atlantic wind, 100 warehouse workers from Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala marched on October 18 to the Manhattan showroom of their boss, B&H Photo Video, the nation’s largest non-chain camera store. - See more at: http://labornotes.org/2015/10/brooklyn-warehouse-workers-fight-form-union-end-discrimination#sthash.Ap6mgKsJ.dpuf Raising banners into the cold Atlantic wind, 100 warehouse workers from Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala marched on October 18 to the Manhattan showroom of their boss, B&H Photo Video, the nation’s largest non-chain camera store. - See more at: http://labornotes.org/2015/10/brooklyn-warehouse-workers-fight-form-union-end-discrimination#sthash.Ap6mgKsJ.dpuf Raising banners into the cold Atlantic wind, 100 warehouse workers from Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala marched on October 18 to the Manhattan showroom of their boss, B&H Photo Video, the nation’s largest non-chain camera store. - See more at: http://labornotes.org/2015/10/brooklyn-warehouse-workers-fight-form-union-end-discrimination#sthash.Ap6mgKsJ.dpuf

STATISTIC OF THE WEEK via NYC Central Labor Council

One worker was killed and another severely injured in a partial building collapse this morning in Manhattan.  There have been 7 worker deaths on non-union construction sites since September alone.  The correlation between the amount of non-union construction around the City and the staggering level of injuries and fatalities is one that must be addressed by City officials and developers.

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

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!

July 7 Update for all Local 1500 Pathmark Members

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.

Important Update for all Local 1500 Pathmark Members

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.

Local 1500 Heads to Washington for Support w/ Pathmark Crisis

Earlier this May, UFCW Local 1500 Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Speelman, Political Director John Woods and Assistant to the President Patrick Purcell Jr. traveled to Washington D.C. to enlist the help of the New York area Congressional delegation in our fight to save Pathmark.

Local 1500 representatives briefed several members of Congress as well as our two U.S. Senators about the Pathmark crisis. The Union officials asked for specific help depending on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations. “Every single person we spoke to pledged their support and agreed that we must all work to come to a fair agreement and not let A&P/Pathmark continue to run this once proud company into the ground any further. Our membership should know that our elected officials have our backs and are prepared to roll up their sleeves and stand with us as this crisis grows more serious every day,” Secretary-Treasurer Tony Speelman explained.

Pledging support were:

U.S. Representative for New York's 7th District, Democrat Joseph Crowley

U.S. Senator,  New York, Democrat Chuck Schumer

U.S. Representative for New York's 11th District, Democrat Yvette Clarke

U.S. Representative for New York's 9th District, Democrat Anthony Weiner

U.S. Representative for New York's 4th District, Democrat Carolyn McCarthy

U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand & UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce Both

Though not pictured from the recent trip, United States Senator, Kristen Gillibrand, a longtime friend of UFCW Local 1500 also pledged her support.

Message for UFCW Members @ A&P-owned Supermarkets

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A message from the UFCW International

The following is a statement from the UFCW International:

Yesterday 13 UFCW local unions met with A&P management in initial contract negotiations. The meeting marked the beginning of the bargaining process with the company that seeks to find solutions to the problems the company is facing.

Our goal is for A&P to emerge from bankruptcy healthy enough to serve customers and support good jobs in as many communities as possible. Yesterday’s meeting was a very initial exchange of information.

UFCW members are the backbone of this company and we are very proud to see union members standing together throughout this process. Together, we are stronger.

If you have any questions about the negotiations or bankruptcy process and how it might affect you and your coworkers please attend your local union’s next general membership meeting (June 8th @ 7:30) or ask your union representative.

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Again, please email us: info@ufcw1500.org or contact your Union Representative for any questions.  Additionally you may also use the Pathmark Update Hotline: 800-522-0456 ext.1355.

Important Update Regarding the A&P/Pathmark Bankruptcy

Image via WikipediaApril 15th, 2011

On Thursday, April 14th UFCW Local 1500 and other UFCW Local unions with membership working for A&P/Pathmark met with attorneys and financial consultants hired by the UFCW International to monitor the A&P/Pathmark bankruptcy. The following is a statement from UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both regarding the outcome of that meeting and the information presented:

“For the last several months members of Local 1500 working for Pathmark have continued to work hard, service the customers and are helping to return their company back on the road to profitability. At the same time, the officers and staff of Local 1500 have worked tirelessly to enforce the Union Contract, service Pathmark members and minimize the effect of several store closings. These have been difficult months for all concerned.

Despite the closing of almost 100 stores and numerous other actions to reduce debt and expenses, it has been clear to all of us involved that A&P/Pathmark may eventually seek to further reduce their expenses through reductions of their labor costs throughout their entire operation, as well as other concessions. Unfortunately, this is a standard action taken by companies that have declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. However, this cannot be done till A&P/Pathmark negotiates with the affected Unions over any reductions or concessions.

It was reported back to us yesterday that we should expect that A&P/Pathmark would present this plan to the affected UFCW Unions at a meeting on May 4th. We should also expect that at this time A&P/Pathmark management would seek cost savings from their Union contracts. In addition to labor concessions it is possible that A&P/Pathmark could announce further store closings.

While we have no details about the reorganization plan or concessions to our contract that A&P/Pathmark wants, UFCW Local 1500’s leadership is committed to holding any possible reductions to their absolute minimum and demands that the sacrifice also come from A&P management, vendors and other creditors. We have made it clear that we will fight any effort to rebuild this company on the backs of its workers and our members.

Clearly we as a Union would aggressively fight back any misguided attempt by A&P/Pathmark to void the contract and apply what could only be referred to as the “nuclear option.” While we do not expect the company to attempt such a drastic measure, we are preparing for that possibility. The UFCW Local 1500 leadership has the responsibility to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. I assure you we are prepared.

We are required by the courts to negotiate with the company. Should the company seek concessions, we will be required to bring back to the Local 1500 Pathmark members whatever has been negotiated.
There will be much to discuss over the next several weeks and months. Difficult decisions will have to be made. However, unlike so many other companies that have recently gone through bankruptcies, you will have a voice and say in your future and the future of your company.

It is only with Union Solidarity that we will successfully beat back any attempts to reduce your health insurance plans, eliminate your pensions or significantly reduce your rights under your Union contract. It will only be when we speak as One Union with One Voice that your company will get the message that the workers will not shoulder the entire burden of turning this company back to profitability.

I will report back to you following the May 4th meeting. Till then we must stay united. Remember: “One Union, One Voice!!”
-Bruce W. Both, UFCW Local 1500 President

Release: UFCW 1500 files Complaint with NY DOL Against A&P

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeFor Immediate Release to UFCW Local 1500 Members

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 1500 has filed a complaint with New York State Department of Labor against the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A&P), the parent company of Pathmark Supermarkets, alleging violations of the New York State W.A.R.N. Act. The W.A.R.N. Act is a State law that outlines a company’s legal obligations to employees when they announce the shutdown of their operations.

UFCW Local 1500 announced the complaint after repeated attempts to resolve the issue with A&P/Pathmark executives. “Our Union will continue to drive home the point that it is the workers that will lead A&P out of its financial troubles. However, they have a both a moral and legal obligation to do all they can for employees that are being impacted immediately by this bankruptcy,” stated Bruce W. Both, President of UFCW Local 1500.

UFCW Local 1500 Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Speelman emphasized the Union will continue to use all means necessary to enforce the contract and make sure appropriate authorities hear the voices of the workers. “Whether it is the Federal Judge overseeing the bankruptcy or Federal and State agencies such as the Department of Labor, our Union will continue to speak loudly on behalf of our members. The men and women working in these stores are not responsible for this company’s financial mess and we will do everything we can to make sure the A&P/Pathmark does not attempt to build it’s future solely on the backs of our members.”

For more information on the A&P/Pathmark bankruptcy, please continue to follow UFCW Local 1500 on Facebook, its website www.ufcw1500.org or by contacting the Union at 1-800-522-0456 or by email at info@ufcw1500.org. Pathmark members should also stay in contact with their designated Union Representative.

Pathmark/A&P Update from Local 1500 President Bruce Both

By: Bruce Both, President

I’d like to update you on the A&P bankruptcy. At the same time A&P is closing stores and laying off our members, the company won a bankruptcy court approval of a Key Employee Incentive Plan, which will give bonuses to “key” managers and executives.

Yet at the same time, A&P has indicated that it will ask Local 1500 to agree to reductions in wages and benefits under our collective bargaining agreement. All indications are that if A&P does not get what it wants in bargaining it will ask the bankruptcy court (in a so-called 1113 motion) to approve such reductions or, worst case, to reject our contract outright. 

If the court sets aside our contract, the ‘no strike clause' is no longer in effect and we have the right to strike.  I don’t want to alarm you, but it is my duty to let you know that A&P may leave us with no choice than to strike.  While A&P thinks that managers are so essential to its operation they should receive lucrative bonuses, it forgets that you, the members, are the ones who really matter to the future of the company, and that it cannot function or run stores without the hard work you perform every day.

I’ll continue to keep you posted.  Please email us, info@ufcw1500.org or contact your Union Representative for any questions.

In Solidarity,

Bruce W. Both

President, UFCW Local 1500

Local 1500 Objects to A&P's bid for Bonus Pay Outs

Image via Wikipedia

On Thursday, March 3, 2011, UFCW Local 1500 along with Creditors and Trustee’s objected to the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co.’s bid to pay out $6.8 million in bonuses for their “key employee retention plan”.  A&P’s ‘retention plan’ asks for a loan of $6.8 million to pay 146 non-union employees, $1.76 million of that going to their top four executives.   The plan could allow the four senior executives to earn 175% of their base salaries while providing 100% bonuses for other participants.  Local 1500 is shocked A&P made this request since they have yet to establish a one-year business recovery plan.   We valiantly oppose their bid for a bonus plan and urge A&P to focus on rebuilding their historic company.

Local 1500 Secretary-Treasurer Tony Speelman expressed his frustration; “Their plan is to take care of the executives who brought them to their current bankruptcy state right now.  Our members are insulted and saddened that A&P continues to focus on short-term goals like paying executives rather than creating a solid, sound business plan to bring this company back to the top of the grocery industry. “

Today, both the Wall Street Journal and the Dow Jones Daily Bankruptcy Review, wrote about Thursday's objection to A&P's 'Employee Retention Plan'. please follow the links above and read them.

We will be discussing Pathmark/A&P and much more at our next General Membership Meeting, March 9, 2010.  For questions or comments please contact your union representative, or email us at info@ufcw1500.org.

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Social Media Note: In effort to save tweet space, our Twitter handle is now @UFCW1500
 

A Statement from President Bruce W. Both; Re: Pathmark Store Closings

Image via Wikipedia

It is with much dejection to announce that UFCW Local 1500 has been notified by A&P / Pathmark that they will be closing three stores that employ members of UFCW Local 1500: Commack, Long Island; Hartsdale, New York  and Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn. These stores are part of larger plan by A&P to close 32 stores in six states.

Company executives have listed the stores as "under-performing” and decided that these closings were necessary in order to demonstrate a strong solid Turnaround Plan in order to rebound from Chapter 11.

The following is a statement from UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both:

 “The loss of just one union member is one loss too many.  Local 1500 leadership is deeply troubled by today’s announcement and will aggressively enforce our collective bargaining agreement.  While we are all disappointed by today’s announcement, it should not come as a shock as we know that A&P/Pathmark must undergo massive changes to their corporate structure if they are to emerge successfully from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.”

“The unionized members of Pathmark are the backbone of this company and the foundation on which any future must be built. Those employees affected by today’s announcement of store closings are victims of mismanagement by previous company executives.  As I have said before, store closings alone will not save this company and they must focus on providing their employees and customers with innovative leadership, cutting edge technology and a more thorough and competent understanding of the grocery industry.”

“Local 1500 leadership remains optimistic about the future of this company for one compelling reason: the unionized employees. We urge management to listen to the workers' suggestions as to how better operate these stores. Many Pathmark employees have been with this company for well over 3 decades and are more than experienced in running successful supermarkets.  After today’s announcement, we urge management to move past store closings, and begin to listen to their store employees and return this company to its rightful place as a leader in the grocery industry.”

Local 1500 will conduct a thorough process for the three store closures once the 90-day notice is given under the WARN Act.  For any questions or further comments please contact your Union Representative at 1-800-522-0456 or send us an email at info@ufcw1500.org.  Union Representatives will be servicing Pathmark stores to speak and answer any of the questions Pathmark members may have.  Additionally a Pathmark Hotline has been established to update all Pathmark members of current news and actions; you may reach the hotline at 1-800-522-0456 ext. 1355. 

Update, we originally reported 33 stores would close, we have confirmed through A&P 32 stores will close.

A Message from President Both

Image via WikipediaDecember 13, 2010

To: Local 1500 Members Employed by Pathmark
From: Bruce W. Both, President
Subject: Pathmark Bankruptcy


The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, Inc. announced on Sunday, December 12, 2010 that it filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
A&P has secured an $800 million debtor-in-possession loan from JP Morgan Chase in order to keep operating.

Pathmark, which is part of A&P, will continue to conduct business as usual.

Further information will be forthcoming.

A&P Files for Bankruptcy

Here are all the articles on A&P's Bankruptcy filing:

Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company Press Release on Bankruptcy Filing: http://www.aptea.com/pressRoom_article.asp?id=216


New York Times: A&P Files for Bankruptcy Protection: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/13/business/economy/13grocer.html?src=busln

Supermarket News: http://supermarketnews.com/retail_financial/ap_bankruptcy/?cid=upd

FOX News: A&P Succumbs to Pressure, Files for Bankruptcy Protection: http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2010/12/13/ap-succumbs-pressure-files-bankruptcy/

Wall Street Journal: A&P Seeks Court Protection: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748703380104576016163826716194.html

Wall Street Journal: A&P Files for Bankruptcy: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703380104576016163826716194.html?mod=WSJ_article_MoreIn_Business


Bloomberg News: A&P's Bankruptcy Filing May Prompt Ahold for Bid on Pathmark: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-13/a-p-bankruptcy-may-prompt-ahold-bid-for-pathmark-analysts-say.html

Business Week: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9K2O2RG0.htm


Public Radio: Historic A&P Files for Bankruptcy: http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/12/13/am-historic-grocery-ap-filed-for-bankruptcy/

TickerSpy: http://www.tickerspy.com/newswire/?p=3747

NY Post: A&P's Food Fight: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/food_fight_SKmOXzkPTrBsSMquwsWcqN?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME

WSJ: Another Whack for Ron Burkle, A&P Files for Bankruptcy Protection: http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2010/12/10/another-whack-for-ron-burkle-ap-preps-bankruptcy/


Newsday: A&P, Waldbaum's file for Bankruptcy: http://www.newsday.com/business/a-p-waldbaum-s-seek-bankruptcy-protection-1.2537482

New Jersey Star Ledger:  http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/12/nj_grocer_ap_files_for_bankrup.html

NY Daily News: Lagging Grocers A&P, Pathmark, Food Emporium file for Bankruptcy http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2010/12/11/2010-12-11_grocer_lacks_green_ap_pathmark_food_emporium_face_bankruptcy.html

Patch: Pathmark, A&P Files Bankruptcy: http://southorange.patch.com/articles/pathmarks-corporate-owner-files-bankruptcy