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

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..."

Message to Local 1500 Members Working at Pathmark Supermarkets

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

Labor Day, BJ's Sales Down, Labor Day Weekend!

"A strong labor movement is at the heart of American prosperity. Decades ago, America's workers fought to bring us the eight-hour work day and the weekend, health care and paid vacations, safe jobs and pensions to retire on. America's unions helped create the middle class. Today, America's unions will reignite that same spirit and determination to give all working families a stronger voice in the workplace, in our communities, and in the global economy. We will not sit by the wayside. We are a movement in motion."
 -Change to Win Chair Anna Burger -Mobilizing for a New American Dream. in a statement on Labor Day 2009

 

King Soopers seeks to put more restrictions on Union Reps. 

Paula Deen is launching exclusive products at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club...Why is this a story? Two years ago Paula partnered with Smithfield in the midst of a labor struggle.

BJ's Wholesale Club reports sales down in August

Will Whole Foods survive Mackey's latest tirade?  The boycott Whole Foods group has grown to nearly 33,000 supporters, and it seems like there is a protest everyday, in Dallas most recently.

Workers at the Americold plant in Crete, Nebraska, obtained their first-ever union contract. 
this five-year contract negotiated by union members of  United Food and Commercial Workers 

Local 271 provides solid wage and benefit increases

Economy

Today's economy makes it a great time to be a union member.

Report: We need unions to build an economy with good jobs.

Unemployment hits 9.7%, but job losses slow.


Supermarket News covers retail stocks for August.

Politics, City, Elsewhere

"Unfortunately, he's never done anything in New York and he's learning the hard way that it's a union town."

- Sen. Joseph Addabbo, on prospective Aqueduct racino developer Steve Wynn's anti-union ways, in today's Albany Times Union

Nassau County wants to be like NYC, they now want to post calories in restaurants. 

There won't be another push for congestion pricing.

California leaders back a Health Care program for the poor.

More money has been raised in this year’s comptroller race than ever before.

Remember the NYC Labor Day Parade is Saturday Sept. 12.

The Employee Free Choice Act

Image via Wikipedia

For decades workers attempting to unionize have played on an uneven playing field.  The Employee Free Choice Act will level this playing field.  

The Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 800, S. 1041), supported by a bipartisan coalition in Congress, would enable working people to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions by restoring workers’ freedom to choose for themselves whether to join a union. It would:

• Establish stronger penalties for violation of employee rights when workers seek to form a union and during first-contract negotiations.
• Provide mediation and arbitration for first-contract disputes (PDF).
• Allow employees to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation.

The Employee Free Choice Act can help reclaim the American Dream by restoring workers' freedom to form unions and bargain for a better life. Our goal is to gather signatures in support of this bill-1 million voices calling for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. But 1 million people is a lot of people. We won't reach our goal without your help and the help of your friends and family.

Please support this bill and help us reach our goal of 1 million signatures—sign the petition today by following this link.