What's News Today

Unions look to create middle class jobs for pot-growers in New York.

Whole Foods is extending more money to farmers, but their stock took a huge hit this week.  Fresh Market has also been downgraded to "STRONG SELL".

When a Superfresh and a Pathmark closed doors, opportunity opened for Walmart to expand stores for groceries near Atlantic City.

Melissa Mark Viverito was elected as the new speaker of the New York City Council, unanimously.  Melissa has been a champion of workers' rights and has been outspoken on protecting New York City from Walmart.

This editorial board from Oregon sets the record straight on "Right to Work" legislation.

Right-to-work is a misnomer. If proponents were straight with us, they’d call these transparently vindictive efforts a “Right to Weaken Unions Act” or a “Right to Punish Those Who Oppose Us Measure.” The laws drain money from unions under the guise of creating a more business-friendly environment for states.

Millennial's are the key to fighting back against Low Wages in our country.   An Illinois Gubernatorial candidate actually proposed to cut the minimum wage by $1...Then realized, not smart.

Top 13 News stories this week

1.  If you haven't heard, Fast-Food workers have been on  massive strikes throughout the nation.  Time magazine even wrote up on the workers discovering collective power. Sign the petition and stand with them.  And if you're up for a laugh, see how The Daily Show reacted to the media coverage of the Fast-Food strike.

2.  Ask Working America: What gives Management and Directors a right to threaten workers?

3.  Nevada became the 11th state to enact password protection laws to protect workers, but how much protection do these laws really provide?  Considerations for similar laws are ongoing in 20 states.

4.  Labor Notes: Obamacare opens for business...Shuts Out Labor

5.  Washington Post notices that Unions are getting creative to cure the decline in membership.

6.  Fresh Grocer chain of 8 supermarkets is joining Shop Rite's Wakefern supplier.

7. Aldi opened a new store in Brooklyn at a former Pathmark site.

8. The New York City Council passed a bill that would that makes it illegal to purchase any bulk amount of collected recyclable cans.

9.  Up in Buffalo, Local 36G Cohen's Bakery is on strike.

10.  In a coordinated attack, Walmart has finally retaliated against over 60 employees who participated in strikes this year.

11.  Walmart actually took out an Op-Ed in a college paper to defend themselves against a college Junior who wrote they should pay higher wages.  Classic.

12.  A&P updated Supermarket News on the possible sale.

13.  South Jersey UFCW Local 152 ratified a new contract with Shop Rite.

Related articles

• Fast Food Strikes: Unable to Unionize, Workers Borrow Tactics From 'Occupy'

We Endorse Stephen Levin for NYC Council District 33

Statement from Bruce W. Both, President, UFCW Local 1500:

"Stephen has brought energy and common sense to the New York City Council since his election in 2009.  Most importantly he brings a passion to serve the constituents of his district and the working men and women of New York City. Councilmember Levin works hard to see that government is working for them and not the other way around. As a Councilmember, he has stood side by side with our members in their fight to protect the middle class and to share in the American Dream.  We will work hard to see he is re-elected."

UFCW Local 1500 represents 23,000 members and promotes progressive policies such as demanding Wal-Mart be held accountable for it's unethical business practices, supporting the expansion of supermarkets into underserved communities and creating good food, good jobs and good health for all New Yorkers.

Other Issues of importance to Local 1500 members include aggressive wage theft prosecution, demanding labor standards be attached to corporate subsidies and strengthening New York City land use laws.  UFCW Local 1500 has an active "Women's Network Program," which addresses issues particular to women such as domestic violence and breast cancer.  Over half of UFCW Local 1500 members are women.

Statement from Patrick Purcell, Assistant to the President, UFCW Local 1500:

"Councilmember Levin was an early supporter of Local 1500's "Building Blocks" Campaign that called on New York City to develop a food policy that focuses on bringing full service supermarkets to under served communities. Stephen is dedicated to bringing good food, good jobs and good health to all New Yorkers and will continue to develop smart policies that will grow our cities economy and develop middle class jobs. Our members are thankful for his leadership."

UFCW Local 1500 represents grocery workers in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties. Members of Local 1500 are employed by Pathmark, King Kullen, Stop and Shop, Gristedes, Key Food. Fairway, D'agastinos and Shop Rite.

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We Endorse Micah Kellner for NYC Council District 5

Micah Kellner (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

New York State's Largest Grocery Workers Union Endorses Micah Kellner for New York City Council, 5th District
Unions applauds Kellner's "Working Class Values" 

United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1500, New York State's largest grocery workers union today announced its endorsement of Micah Kellner to be the next New York City Council Member to represent the constituents of the 5th City Council District. The 5th District covers the upper east side of Manhattan. 

"As a New York State Assembly Member, Micah Kellner has distinguished himself as a vocal and aggressive advocate for the working families that reside in his Assembly District," said UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both. "UFCW Local 1500 will be equally aggressive and dedicated to his 2013 campaign and will fight to make sure that Micah Kellner brings his strong working class values and common sense governing to the New York City Council and the residents of the 5th District." 

UFCW Local 1500 represents 23,000 members and promotes progressive policies such as demanding Wal-Mart be held accountable for it's unethical business practices, supporting the expansion of supermarkets into underserved communities and creating good food, good jobs and good health for all New Yorkers.

Other Issues of importance to Local 1500 members include aggressive wage theft prosecution, demanding labor standards be attached to corporate subsidies and strengthening New York City land use laws. UFCW Local 1500 has an active "Women's Network Program," which addresses issues particular to women such as domestic violence and breast cancer. Over half of UFCW Local 1500's members are women. " Many elected officials talk the talk but few walk the walk as consistently as Micah Kellner," said Patrick Purcell, Assistant to President of UFCW Local 1500.

"Whether its demanding Wal-Mart be held accountable for it's unethical business practices or supporting the passage of the Wage Theft Prevention Act, Micah Kellner does not just support good legislation, he works tirelessly to see that the legislation becomes law and that those laws are strongly enforced. Micah Kellner is a true fighter for the American Dream and as a New York City Councilmember he will help more people realize that dream," Purcell concluded.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, based out of Westbury, NY represents grocery workers in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties. Members of Local 1500 are employed by Pathmark, King Kullen, Stop and Shop, Gristedes, Fairway, D'agastinos, Key Food and Shop Rite.

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UFCW Local 1500 Endorses Donovan Richards for New York City Council

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 announced today that they have endorsed the candidacy of Donovan Richards Jr. to represent the 31st Council District, which was vacated by now New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. after his election win in November of last year.

 “I’m honored to have been endorsed by UFCW Local 1500 today and look forward to joining them on the frontlines in ensuring that all New Yorkers can achieve the American dream.  During a time when my district is still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and many of our local supermarkets and workers were adversely affected, we need leadership that is ready to hit the ground running on day one,” said candidate Donovan Richards.

“Donovan will fight alongside UFCW members to bring good jobs and good food to underserved communities, demand that Walmart will be accountable for its unethical business practices, and continue to support and stand with those that have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy in the Rockaways. Donovan is the type of progressive leadership that is needed in the City Council to represent the working men and women of this city,” said Patrick Purcell, assistant to the President of UFCW Local 1500.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, based out of Westbury, New York represents 23,000 grocery workers in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties. Members of Local 1500 are employed by A&P/Pathmark, Fairway, Stop and Shop, Gristedes, D'Agastinos, Key Food, Dairy Barn, Shop Rite and King Kullen.

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Local 1500 Update #3 from DNC by John Woods: A Stronger Middle Class is the Solution, Not the Problem

UFCW Local 1500 Assistant to the President Patrick Purcell, Union Representative Rob Ecker and Political Director John Woods, are representing our union at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Patrick, Rob & John will be guest blogging and providing social media updates (@UncleBuck9265) from the DNC 2012 all week.

By: John Woods; Political Director/Union Representative, Long Island

Greetings from the Democratic National Convention, Local 1500 members and friends! We're all so honored to be here, and I'm fired up to get back to New York soon to campaign for all the great folks we've been meeting with down here.

Christine Quinn speaking at the NYS Dems Breakfast

If you've been following the convention on TV,  I don't have to tell you how remarkable the speeches have been so far, there's been so many great quotes and I've learned so much  throughout this week, it's been hard to pick out what's the best one (although I'm linking one of my favorite speeches below, Kal Penn's). Tonight we're obviously all extremely eager and excited to hear from our President, Barack Obama.  There's just a buzz and excitement throughout the entire city that is electric.  I'm actually about to head down to the arena now (2:30 PM) to make sure we get into the speech! 

This morning we were invited to a breakfast by the NYS Dems hosted by our friend and state's Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli and our other friend New York City Council Speaker, Christine Quinn (photo).  At the breakfast we all discussed important issues that effect our state, individual liberties and civil rights like stop and frisk.  We then went to our daily UFCW "breakfast" meeting to discuss GOTV and winning key New York districts.   I've been with the UFCW doing Politics for a very long time and don't say this too often, this election year is as important as any other our State has ever faced.  We need to reclaim the State Senate.  That point is being drilled into all of our heads from New York.  Last night we caught an amazing speech by Richard Trumka (AFL-CIO President).  Trumka is a superb speaker on behalf of the working class.  This must have been my tenth time or so seeing him speak, and it never gets old.

After Trumka, Bob King, the head of the UAW came on and had a lot to talk about.  He thanked, and praised President Obama for saving the American auto industry.  And that's not an overstatement.  Barack Obama saved 1 million auto-industry jobs, a cornerstone of American history.

But the highlight, of course was seeing the man who people of all political parties love, Bill Clinton.  Clinton's speech was remarkable (if you didn't see it watch it here).  His delivery, stage presence and insight is unmatchable.  We're all eager to see if Obama will actually top Clinton's speech (I think he can and will).

We also heard from Massachusetts Senate candidate,  Elizabeth Warren and former Bain Capital workers who spoke about Mitt Romney killing jobs at expense of profit.  Those stories raised hairs on my arms.  In our great country, we need to unite for prosperity among all.  We can't continue to choose profits over people, look where that's gotten us.  We're constantly fighting, struggling to make ends meet.  Working more than one job is a norm here, that's because our jobs are being killed and outsourced for higher CEO profits.  Our country needs to continue to press forward, not go backwards into the same policies from eight-years ago that brought us here.

As Clinton emphasized last night, we can't expect Barack Obama to fix eight plus years of problems generated by the Republican plan of increasing taxes and weakening the middle class, while giving tax breaks to the wealthy and slashing public programs.  That just furthers the already enormous wage/class gap in our country.  These problems can't be fixed in a mere four-years, but I truly believe we're on the right road to fixing them (and that weakening the middle class isn't good for our country!).  We need prosperity for all, not just the 1% of our great nation. As Clinton said, "If you want a future of shared prosperity...you have to vote for Barack Obama." 

We'll be tweeting live from Obama's speech tonight (@UncleBuck9265). GOTV New York!

Talk to you soon!

Related articles

• Video: Kal Penn pokes fun at Clint Eastwood's RNC speech
• Update #2 from the DNC
• UFCW Local 1500 Update #1 from the Democratic National Convention
• Bill Clinton's Speech at the 2012 DNC

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

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.

A&P/Pathmark Update #14

*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.

Tuesday Morning One-Liners

Everyone is talking about Walmart backing out of the New York City Council hearing tomorrow,

Brooklyn Eagle, New York Times, The Gothamist, DNAinfo,  WNYC

"If they don't show up it's because they don't have anything to say to refute the arguments that my colleagues and myself have put forth," Quinn told the paper.
"If they did...why wouldn't they come and rub my face in it?"

Financial Post: Walmart's New York campaign.  Supermarket News comments on Walmart's NYC website.

Public Advocate, Bill de Blasio has released a report on Walmart, citing for every two jobs they create, three are lost. [Daily News]

The Brooklyn Paper wonders if Brooklyn can handle Walmart and the side effects that come with it (parking, traffic).

Scarsdale ShopRite has a ribbon cutting ceremony, is a huge hit with the neighborhood. [Patch]

BJ's Sales Up, To Cut Jobs. [Daily Market]

A&P's magazine gets a facelift and a judge has approved their $800 million loan in New Jersey.

Monday's One-Liners: Walmart Skips out on NYC Hearing & Launches a Massive PR Campaign

Walmart is skipping out on the NYC Council's hearing Wednesday, the Daily News and NY1 reports. Surprised? Speaker Christine Quinn sums it up,

"If they don't show up it's because they don't have anything to say to refute the arguments that my colleagues and myself have put forth," she said. "If they did ...why wouldn't they come and rub my face in it?"

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/01/10/2011-01-10_walmart_skips_appearance_at_city_hearings_about_potential_ny_store_council_membe.html#ixzz1Ag8MWvsA

Crain's NY has a list of questions (or cheat sheet) for the panel, and City Council for Wednesday's Walmart hearing.

If you haven't heard Walmart has launched a massive PR campaign to open up here in NYC.  They launched a website (www.walmartnyc.com) and are advertising all over the radio and print (NY Post, NY Daily News).  The Village Voice gives their thoughts on walmartnyc.com.  Crain's NY reports on the PR push.  Then there is this guy from New Jersey who demands a Walmart in NYC (via walmartnyc.com of course). The New York Times says the site looks more like a politician's campaign website than a retailer's website.

Don't forget about Target, they've just announced their plans to remodel 400 'general merchandise' stores throughout 2011 to include groceries. [AP]

A lot in Somerville, NJ is being cleared for a ShopRite.

A&P was approved for an $800 million loan on Monday afternoon. [Bloomberg News]

The Record: Struggling A&P chief handed tough task.

Happy New Year Morning One Liners

YourNabe (Queens Edition) explains the Walmart poll,  gets a few opinions from local elected officials in Queens, U.S. Representative Weiner had to say on the issue,

“I think that Walmart is an omnivorous competitor that squashes small business wherever it goes and small business is the lifeblood of New York City,” Weiner said. “I think that people like the shopping strips of Queens, which would become ghost towns if Walmart moved to the neighborhood.”

The story also quotes the President of the local Chamber of Commerce who said no one has came up to her, asking for a Walmart in the neighborhood.  Read the entire spot here: http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2010/12/30/queens/qns_queens_walmart_20101230.txt  

More @ The Queens Courier 

From Racked via WWD, gives a nicely detailed report on the potential Walmart NYC store format (with picture) with quotes from Steven Restivo, Walmart's Northeast Director of Community Relations, questioning the NYC Council hearing.

Next Animation TV created an interesting video of the Walmart/NYC saga.  The Observer has more.
 

NY Mag tell their readers that 'Wal-Mart Will Invade Brooklyn Come Hell, High Water, Or Lack of Parking Space', and asks, why won't Walmart listen to our disinterest and why do we need a Walmart in NYC?

In non-Walmart news, there will be a CB-11 hearing tonight on the new Fairway in Douglaston, Queens. [Patch]

Upstate NY, Supermarket Price Wars: Weis Markets, Wegman's Aldi, Walmart, Price Chopper continue.

Boston Herald: BJ's Takeover Back in the Spotlight

In Manchester, Iowa, a Mom & Pop store owner is circulating a petition to not allow Walmart's grocery expansion of their store.  The family operated store "Main Street Market" would be in jeopardy of closing if the Walmart expansion would occur. [Chicago Tribune]

Andrew Cuomo is seeking a One-Year salary freeze for all state employees. [NY Times]

Event Update: December 14th Wal-Mart Rally Canceled

The Rally has been canceled due to the New York City Council postponing their Wal-Mart debate...We will be posting updates and more information shortly. Please join the Wal-Mart Free NYC coalition on FB here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wal-Mart-Free-NYC/151784818201968?ref=sgm

New York City Council Bashes Mott's

As Celeste Katz reported today in the Daily News, New York City Council members have signed on to support the striking workers at Mott's. 

The letter, addressed to Mott's parent company Dr Pepper Snapple, reads in part:

"We understand that the costs of operating a plant such as this have increased. However, we don’t feel that this justifies bargaining demands for pay cuts and increasing health coverage costs, especially for a company as profitable as Dr. Pepper Snapple. For more than 100 years, Mott’s has thrived while proudly calling New York State home.The workers who are responsible for the company’s success should not be forced into a contract that cuts their income at a time when the cost of living in this state increases with each passing year."

Read the entire story here: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/07/city-council-members-bash-mott.html#ixzz0uEnhIxK2

Rally at Noon @ Amish Market Park Place Today!

Union’s Rally for Justice on Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday

“An injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere.”

                              - Martin Luther King Jr.

Unions representing thousands of workers at the World Trade Center site and in the immediate area are coming together to support workers at Amish Market Tribeca.

Who: UFCW Local 1500, the Building and Construction Trades Council of New York, the New York Central Labor Council, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn

What: Rally in support of workers at Amish Market at 53 Park Place.

When: January 15, 2010 at 12 noon – 1pm

Where: 53 Park Place @ West Broadway, Manhattan

Why:  To highlight Amish Market Tribeca's long standing anti-worker behavior.  Union and community members will pledge not to patronize Amish Market Tribeca until the owners demonstrate a reversal of their stand against workers rights.

Speakers: Speaking at the rally will be City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Central Labor Council President Jack Ahern, UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce Both as well as a worker from the market.

Performance: Rude Mechanical Orchestra (a 30-odd-piece New York City radical marching band and dance troupe).

Background: On February 26, 2009 New York State Department of Labor announced a $1.5 million enforcement action against Amish Market Park Place and other stores for primarily unpaid wages. To protect themselves from these kinds of abuses, workers have been trying to unite into UFCW Local 1500 but have been met with significant resistance from the store’s management including harassment and intimidation of union supporters.

 

To RSVP, or for more details head to Facebook.

Friday Lunch Time One Liners...Tops offer to Penn Traffic accepted...

The construction of the new Fairway in Douglaston, Queens will begin May 1, 2010.

The Buffalo News is reporing that the Tops bid to purchase Penn Traffic's 79 supermarkets, has been agreed upon, the deal is reported to be for $85 Million. A hearing is set for 2 p.m. today at which the judge could possibly award a winning bid.  Read more at the Buffalo News.

Staten Island Live: Ode to supermarkets when local produce ends.

Meanwhile the Watertown Daily News is reporting that Penn Traffic Co. backed off its plan to seek approval today to liquidate many of its assets after objections were raised by U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer and the nation's second-largest food wholesaler.

UFCW Local 789 and Wal-Mart settle anti-union charge
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has settled charges lodged by a St. Paul-area union last summer that the giant discounter threatened to fire a worker at its Hastings store over his union activity.  Under the settlement agreement, Arkansas-based Wal-Mart has agreed to prominently post notice for 60 days inside the Hastings store that it promises not to frustrate or threaten to terminate workers in engaging in union activities, including the right to form or join a labor group. Wal-Mart has also agreed not to solicit employee grievances as a way to discourage workers from exercising their union rights. 

WakeupWalmart Blog: What does Walmart do with clothes it can't sell? Apparently at one store, they throw them out. And they don't just stick them in a bag so the next person who comes by might do with them what they want, they punch holes in them with a machine to ensure that no one can use them again.

New York City Council re-elects Christine Quinn as speaker. 

Recovery? 85,000 jobs lost in December.


And Wegmans is preparing to invade the capital region. 

FoodWorks New York, and the Good Food, Good Jobs FRESH Celebration

On Monday, Local 1500 co-sponsored an event at the New School regarding the expected passage of F.R.E.S.H. (Food Retail Expansion to Support Health).  Local 1500 President Bruce Both spoke at the event, along with New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (you can read her speech here, or watch it here).

“Unfortunately, while more and more chickens are cage free, many workers are still caged.” Bruce Both, President, United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 1500 –

Bluntly opening her speech, Quinn noted some oversight by the council, "Suppose I told you that New York City had the opportunity to create thousands of new jobs – but we just weren’t doing it... Now suppose I went on to say that we’ve actually had that opportunity for years, we just weren’t paying close enough attention..." Her honest point came across clear,  New York City  (and NY State) has ignored the economic potential and the amount of impact a certain sector can have on one's health for what seems like forever.  The sector is of course New York City's Food System.  The facts are all there, as Peggy Shepard from WE ACT pointed out, "The recession leaves us unemployed, obese and diabetic, not only because of individual decisions, but because our environment works against our own being."  The abundance of fast-food stores throughout the Bronx and Harlem strikes anyone who walks through those neighborhoods.  KFC, Burger King, McDonalds, Popeyes and a bodgea, these are the options our youth is left with.   More than half of New York City adults are overweight, and 34% are obese, 58% are either obese or overweight.  In the past 10 years, the number of people with diabetes in NYC has more than doubled. An estimated 530,000 adult New Yorkers know they have diabetes. For every two people who have diabetes, there is another person who has it and doesn't yet know it, suggesting another 265,000 New Yorkers with diabetes. (NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene)

 "What they came up with was the first of its kind in the nation – the use of both zoning and tax incentives to bring more grocery stores to underserved communities. And we should all be incredibly proud and excited that the FRESH zoning initiatives are about to be passed by the full City Council this week."
- Christine Quinn, Speaker, New York City Council.

In what seemed like a too good to be true event, Christine Quinn outlined a well informed five point plan called FoodWorks New York.  Covering everything from manufacturing and transportation to the health of our communities, the broad Good Food, Good Jobs coalition has clearly taken much into consideration regarding the potential of the Food System for New York City by Quinn's blunt admissions on prior oversights, "But the truth is, each step in the food cycle – from the farm all the way to the table – has a major impact on the lives of every New Yorker. And each step has the potential to create jobs, to improve public health, and to preserve our shared environment. Or – if we continue to ignore those opportunities – the potential to cost us jobs, increase obesity, and pollute our air."  

Quinn's FoodWorks NY:

1. Improving City's Food Infrastructure.  Saying, "Too much of that infrastructure is outdated and inefficient, which costs us jobs and damages our
environment. That’s why we need to begin making key, targeted investments – creating better links between the city and upstate producers, and supporting a smarter redevelopment of Hunts Point"

2. Creating new and better jobs in the food industry.  Stressed the need to create better jobs in the Food Industry, "We talk a lot about getting
people food, so they can feed their families. Now let’s use food to get people jobs, so they can afford to feed their families."

3. Keep local food dollars in the local economy -
Outlined that 2% of fruits and vegetables coming from Hunts Point come from New York State.

4. Reduce diet related illnesses like obesity, heart disease, diabetes.
Bring healthier food to low income areas who lack access.

5. Reduce environmental damage from the consumption, transport and production of food.
Stressed the need to cut out needless transportation of food from other states that is produced here in NY State.  Cut greenhouse gases by using more rail transportation rather than truck.


United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 has been on the forefront advocating for the development of a City-wide food policy. Working with the Mayor, Speaker and Department of City Planning, UFCW Local 1500 and a coalition of community groups have spent almost two years developing F.R.E.S.H and targeting the City’s food deserts for supermarket growth.

Through our innovative Building Blocks Project,  we believe that Good Food, Good Jobs and Good Health are the building blocks of all communities and that New York City's economy benefits when communities are built on this foundation.

FoodWorks New York has been covered by Supermarket News & The NY Times.

Local 1500 Applauds New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn on Food Policy Announcement and Expected Passage of F.R.E.S.H. Initiative by the New York City Council

Image via Wikipedia

 Immediate Release: December 7th, 2009

New York State’s Largest Supermarket Union Applauds New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn on Food Policy Announcement and Expected Passage of F.R.E.S.H. Initiative by the New York City Council

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, New York State’s largest grocery workers union, commended New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn’s speech today on a city wide food policy and for her leadership on the expected passage of the F.R.E.S.H. (Food Retail Expansion to Support Health) initiative this coming Wednesday by the New York City Council. Speaker Quinn, at an event today co-sponsored by United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 and the Good Food, Good Jobs Coalition, announced a progressive and comprehensive city wide food policy aimed at the entire food system network. She also touted the expected passage of F.R.E.S.H., an initiative aimed to bring more supermarkets to NYC’s low-income communities.

“Speaker Quinn hit the equivalent of a policy grand slam today and UFCW Local 1500 and its 23,000 members could not be more supportive,” said Bruce W. Both, President of UFCW Local 1500. “Good Food, Good Jobs, and Good Health will be achieved through Good Policy throughout all segments of New York City’s food system is the message I received today from the Speaker. Through the soon to pass F.R.E.S.H initiative and Speaker Quinn’s stated vision for moving forward, I believe all invested partners including labor, community groups and food policy experts left today’s event feeling that their collective voices have been heard and that Speaker Christine Quinn will be the champion of this very important issue, “ Both concluded.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 has been on the forefront advocating for the development of a City-wide food policy. Working with the Mayor, Speaker and Department of City Planning, UFCW Local 1500 and a coalition of community groups have spent almost two years developing F.R.E.S.H and targeting the City’s food deserts for supermarket growth. Through its innovative Building Blocks Project, UFCW Local 1500 believes that Good Food, Good Jobs and Good Health are the building blocks’ of all communities and that New York City's economy benefits when communities are built on this foundation.

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United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, based out of Queens Village, represents over 23,000 grocery workers in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties and New Jersey. Members of Local 1500 are employed by Pathmark, King Kullen, Stop and Shop, Gristedes, Fairway, D’agastinos, Key Food and Shop Rite.

Update on yesterday's FRESH Hearing at the New York City Council

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By: Mo Kinberg, Food Policy Coordinator, UFCW Local 1500


On Monday October 26th, the New York City Council, Zoning and Franchises Committee held the first of two hearings to review the City's proposed Food Retail Expansion to support Health program. UFCW Local 1500, along with a coalition of community and faith based organizations spoke on a panel in support of the program, on the condition that good food and good job standards are attached to any financial incentives stores receive through the program. Before hearing public testimony, Speaker Christine Quinn joined the committee to say a few words on how important this program is to her in the pursuit of addressing health disparities in NYC.  She acknowledged that the proposal is not perfect and that she is committed to working with all stakeholder groups including labor and business to continue improve the program before it is vote don by the full Council. 

In her public testimony, Lisa Sharon-Harper, Executive Director of NY Faith and Justice reminded the Council of a previous incentive program passed in 1984, the Industrial Commercial Abatement Program.  Pointing out that although this program was passed with the best of intentions, to create job in low-income areas in hindsight it spurred the proliferation of fast food restaurants and poverty level wage jobs.  Pat Purcell, Assistant to the President of Local 1500, told the story of the good, the bad and the ugly in NYC City's supermarket industry, urging the council to ensure bad employers like Whole Foods and Amish Markets are not eligible for public subsidies.   Kerry Bernbach of New York City Coalition Against Hunger spoke on the need to consider high-rates of poverty in relationship to obesity and diabetes in low-income and communities. 

In her closing Lisa Sharon-Harper quoted

Cardinal Roger Mahony who echoed Ghandi when he said that: “Any society is judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members -- the last, the least, the littlest.” She called on this Council not to be remembered for their good intentions but "by the effect of your policies on the last, the least, and the littlest in our city."

On Monday Nov. 16h the full Land Use Committee will hold a second hearing on F.R.E.S.H. We encourage and hope for all of you to attend!

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