President Speelman Congratulates Hillary Clinton on Democratic Nomination

Hillary Clinton with UFCW Local 1500 President Tony Speelman

Anthony Speelman, president of New York's largest grocery workers union, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500, released the following statement after Secretary Hillary Clinton secured the delegates necessary to clinch the Democratic nomination for president of United States of America:

"Congratulations to Secretary Hillary Clinton on securing delegates for the Democratic nomination. Secretary Clinton has broke yet another barrier in our nation’s history by becoming the first woman presidential nominee for a major political party. I congratulate her for her resilience, dedication and commitment to helping all Americans. She is clearly the most qualified and deserving candidate for President of United States of America.

“While the presumed Republican candidate continues to speak and focus on building walls to divide families and our country, Secretary Clinton’s message and vision remains on uniting our country, and helping hard working Americans.

“Senator Sanders has energized and inspired millions of men and women, I congratulate him. I urge his supporters to unite behind Secretary Clinton. Once the Democratic party unites, our voices will become even stronger to fight for a better middle class, and to make sure hard working men and women aren't left behind. It is only a unified voice that can crumble the campaigns of hate and division run by the Republican party."

###

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500 is New York's largest grocery workers union, representing over 20,000 men and women throughout New York. Join us at ufcw1500.org and follow us @ufcw1500.

New York's Largest Grocery Workers Union Urges Senator Bernie Sanders to End Presidential Bid

Anthony Speelman, Secretary-Treasurer of New York's largest grocery workers union, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500, released the following statement after Secretary Hillary Clinton's New York Primary Victory:

"Congratulations to Secretary Clinton on her primary victory in New York. Secretary Clinton has a tremendous history of fighting for hard working New Yorkers. Our members know her values and we were excited to help campaign for her over the past few weeks. Whether it was knocking on doors or making calls, we are proud to support a candidate that will unite our country. She is clearly the most qualified candidate for President.

"Senator Bernie Sanders has run a tremendous campaign, bringing many issues facing working men and women in our country to national attention. He has inspired and engaged many amazing people throughout our country. However, now is the time for him to end his Presidential campaign.

"I urge Senator Sanders to end his bid for President of United States of America and to unite the Democratic Party. By doing so, our voices will become even stronger to fight for a better middle class, and to make sure hard working men and women aren't left behind. It is only a unified voice that can crumble the campaigns of hate and division run by the Republican Party."

###

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500 is New York's largest grocery workers union, representing over 20,000 men and women throughout New York. Join us at ufcw1500.org and follow us @ufcw1500.

It's NY Presidential Primary Day

Today is New York’s Presidential Primary Election. To vote in this election, you must be a registered Republican or Democrat.

In addition, there will be Special Elections held for State Senate District 9 (Part of Nassau County) and Assembly Districts 59 (Part of Kings County), 62 (Part of Richmond County) and 65 (Part of New York County). To vote in these special elections, you must be a registered voter within one of the above districts.

POLLING HOURS: In New York City and the counties of Erie, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Orange, Rockland and Putnam, POLLS OPEN at 6 AM and CLOSE at 9 PM. In all other counties POLLS OPEN at 12 NOON and CLOSE at 9 PM.

Find your Polling Place here: http://pollingplaces.democrats.org/?link_id=1&can_id=000b055b2f0f060099e1d6181a9cdd52&source=email-primary-election-day-2016&email_referrer=primary-election-day-2016&email_subject=primary-election-day-2016

New York UFCW GOTV for Hillary Clinton

Sat. April 16th: GOTV for Hillary, Locations Throughout New York State

Primary day in New York is approaching fast! April 19th is only a few weeks away and the UFCW is gearing up to help Hillary Clinton over the next two weeks. 

On April 16th we'll be hitting the streets in UFCW gold to canvas and phone bank for the Hillary campaign. There are many volunteer GOTV locations throughout our entire jurisdiction. If you're interested in helping out, please contact your Union Representative and he/she will give you details on the event.

For specific questions, please contact Brendan Sexton.

UFCW Lobby Day in Albany

 

Our annual Lobby Day will be held on May 17, 2016. We'll be charting a bus to Albany, NY and providing UFCW gear/food for all attendees. Here are the bus pick up locations:

Bus Pick Up Locations:

1.  6:30 AM: UFCW 1500 Office: 425  Merrick Road Westbury
2.  7:15 AM: Stop & Shop 2592: 2136 Bartow Ave Bronx

Register by filling out the form here & join hundreds of UFCW members to travel to Albany, N.Y. to hold our elected officials accountable!

For more info/questions contact Brendan Sexton: bsexton@ufcw1500.org 516-214-1362

In Wake of A&P Bankruptcy, Local 1500 Helps Pass Grocery Workers Retention Act in NYC

New legislation will provide a 90-day job protection for grocery workers who face unemployment through no fault of their own.

Yesterday,  Local 1500 joined elected officials, labor and community leaders, and workers as Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the Grocery Workers Retention Act (GWRA) at City Hall.

The GWRA (Int 632-2015) provides for a ninety-day transition period to eligible employees following a change in ownership of a grocery store.

The transition period is a temporary protection for employees who may face unemployment through no fault of their own. The grocery industry makes up a significant portion of New York City’s retail workforce with over 50,000 employees and roughly two-thirds of this workforce coming from immigrant labor.

As we know first hand, our industry suffers from a volatile condition with the eminent merger, closing or the establishment of new ownership of our supermarkets jeopardizing the future of workers and the quality of life of countless communities. The recent A&P bankruptcy has provided a vivid example of this, affecting over 30,000 men and women throughout the northeast. 52 stores were impacted throughout the five boroughs including subsidiary brands such as Pathmark, Waldbaum’s, Food Emporium, and Food Basics. Some stores have been closed, others sold or auctioned, or even transformed into non-supermarket entities.

 Council Member I. Daneek Miller (who proposed the GWRA) noted the importance of the act for both workers and communities in New York City, “Through this legislation we are able to provide communities with stability that would otherwise not exist during grocery transitions. We have already seen the terrible impact that A&P’s bankruptcy had on families throughout the City, and we don’t want to see such again. High worker retention rates are consistently associated with higher customer satisfaction. Experienced employees provide better service – they can find items more quickly, check out customers more efficiently, and provide culturally competent service,” said Council Member Miller.

Retention also keeps operating costs down, passing savings to communities. Turnover, from new training to lost productivity, costs the supermarket industry as a whole close to $5 billion a year. "All too often when supermarkets change ownership, workers' job security is uncertain at best," said Bruce Both, President of UFCW Local 1500, New York State's largest supermarket Union. "It is not fair to these working men and women or their communities, where union wages serve as economic anchors. I commend Councilman I. Daneek Miller, the Progressive Caucus and the entire New York City Council for passing legislation to end this injustice and provide grocery workers in the City of New York with a 90-day window to showcase their skills and stabilize the transition for the community."

The GWRA applies to grocery stores (or retailers with grocery departments) 10,000 square feet or larger excluding areas for storage, loading, food preparation, or eating. For perspective, this size is larger than three professional tennis courts combined and could serve to park roughly 100 midsized sedans. The legislation’s provisions apply only to workers who have worked a minimum average of eight hours a week and have been employed at the establishment for the previous six months.

Local 1500 Members Endorse Bill de Blasio for Mayor of NYC

Bill de Blasio after speaking and meeting with UFCW Local 1500 Shop Stewards (2012)

We're pleased to announce Local 1500 members have of overwhelmingly endorsed Bill de Blasio for Mayor of NYC.  The decision was announced tonight at our General Membership Meeting.   We couldn't be more excited to paint the NYC streets with UFCW Gold to get out the vote for Bill de Blasio in the coming weeks!

Read the full release here:

NEW YORK CITY (09/11/2013)(readMedia)-- 

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 (UFCW), representing over 23,000 grocery workers, today announced its endorsement of Public Advocate Bill de Blasio to be the next Mayor of New York City. The Union cited de Blasio's commitment to helping working families and addressing the crisis of income inequality that is leaving a majority of New Yorkers behind.

"Over the last few months, Bill de Blasio has articulated a progressive vision for New York City that the members of our Union fully support," said Bruce W. Both, President of UFCW Local 1500. "Over the years Bill has always been there to support our members as they have fought to improve their wages, benefits and quality of life. He understands that when responsible employers can operate in a free and fair market our City's economy thrives. Bill de Blasio recognizes the negative impact companies like Walmart can have on our communities with their low wage, no benefit, predatory pricing policies. Bill de Blasio will make sure that those living on Main Street are not left behind at the expense of those prospering on Wall Street," Both concluded. 

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 under served 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 and demanding labor standards be attached to corporate subsidies. UFCW Local 1500 also 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. 

United Food and Commercial Workers Union 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, Fairway, D'agastinos, Key Food and Shop Rite. 

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/New-York-States-Largest-Grocery-Workers-Union-Endorses-Bill-de-Blasio-for-New-York-City-Mayor/7292276

UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both, Bill de Blasio, Secretary-Treasurer Tony Speelman

Get out the Vote Today!

It's Election Day today.  Get out and vote!

Step 1: Find your polling site here.

If you're in NYC, find your polling site here.

Step 2: Vote for Union endorsed candidates!

If you'd like to volunteer at a campaign office in New York today call Adam Obernauer at 5162141341 or email info@ufcw1500.org!

Have a great election day, and make your voice heard as we re-shape New York!

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.

###

Good Food, Good Jobs, Good Health: We Endorse Scott Stringer for NYC Comptroller

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer supports a bike lane on Houston St. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

New York State's Largest Grocery Workers Union Endorses Scott Stringer for New York City Comptroller 
Union Applauds Candidates "Smart Food Policy" and Opposition to Walmart 

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1500, New York State's largest grocery workers union with over 23,000 members, today announced its endorsement of Scott Stringer for New York City Comptroller.

"As Manhattan Borough President, Scott Stringer has proven everyday that he clearly understands how important it is to develop an economy that produces not just jobs but good jobs with a living wage. He understands that the success of Main Street is just as vital as the success of Wall Street.

The entire City of New York will be better off having a man of Scott Stringers integrity and intelligence as its Chief Financial Officer," stated UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both. "The membership of UFCW Local 1500 is excited to support his 2013 campaign for Comptroller and will work hard to see that he is elected."

UFCW Local 1500 represents 23,000 grocery workers across New York State with just over 10,000 members located within the five boroughs. "Scott Stringer 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," stated Patrick Purcell, Assistant to the President.

"Scott 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 the cties economy and develop middle class jobs. Most importantly, as Borough President, has been relentless in holding Walmart accountable for their irresponsible business practices and demanding they show real change before they enter the New York City market. Our members are thankful for his leadership."

UFCW 1500 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 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.

###

NYS Senate Wants to Make it OK for Businesses to Steal Wages

It's a crime that this isn't receiving much attention in NY Political arenas, blogs and papers.  Thankfully the Huffington Post did a write up on NY State Senate Republicans motions to remove and repeal New York's Wage Theft Prevention Act, an act designed and used to protect workers, guaranteeing they're paid the correct wages, protecting workers from dishonest employers.

We put out a release on Tuesday slamming the Senate's budget resolution for including the full repeal of the WTPA.  When Republicans cite that the act of ensuring their employees are receiving the correct pay is "a costly mandate", it's just bad politics, again.

WESTBURY, NEW YORK (03/13/2012))-- New York State's largest grocery workers Union criticized yesterday's State Senate budget resolution for including the full repeal of the Wage Theft Prevention Act. The Wage Theft Prevention Act was passed in 2010 and increased penalties for employers who fail to pay their employees their proper wages. The Senate voted last week to begin repealing portions of the bill,

"The Republican Party in New York has proven that they believe the only way for New York to be open for business is if employers feel comfortable that they can get away with stealing from their workers" said Patrick Purcell, spokesperson for United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, the lead Union in the campaign to pass the WTPA in 2010.

"Part V, under the New Jobs New York section of the Senate budget proposal, seeks to repeal the Wage Theft Prevention Act of 2010 because it is, according the Republicans, a costly mandate on NY employers. The absurdity of this proposal is that the WTPA is only costly to the employers who steal. So for the first time in recent history, the Republican Senate has decided to act on behalf of actual thieves. Dead beat employers all over New York State should sleep soundly knowing Republican Senators such as Jack Martin, Marty Golden, Kemp Hannon and Lee Zeldin are looking out for their interest," Purcell stated.

Last week the State Senate voted to repeal the annual notice portion of the Wage Theft Prevention Act, a one page document an employee must sign to acknowledge the wage that has been promised them by their employer.

"Clearly the Republican Senators have discovered the hidden reason some New York businesses are struggling in today's economy. It is the tremendous burden of this one sheet of paper their employees must fill out once a year," Purcell claimed. "Perhaps if employers were not required to get this one-sheet of paper filled out, the economy could move forward and good business owners like Mario Batali and Moutaz Ali can get back to turning profits while robbing their workers of their earned wages," Purcell concluded.

Last Thursday, Batali was ordered to pay $5.25 million to 1,100 workers in seven of his restaurants who claim to have been cheated out of tips. Also last week, Moutaz Ali, owner of Veranda Restaurant in Greenwich Village agreed to pay $150,000 in restitution for employees who were paid below the minimum wage and did not receive overtime pay as required by law. In addition, the eatery was ordered to pay out $50,000 in restitution for damages, lost wages, and penalties for wrongfully terminating the two complaining workers.

UFCW Local 1500 represents 23,000 grocery workers in New York State. Members are employed by Stop Shop, Shop Rite, Pathmark, King Kullen and Fairway. Their members live and work in Long Island, the five boroughs, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties.

Raise New York's Minimum Wage

This is long overdue and according to a report from Fiscal Policy Institute today, raising the state’s minimum wage to $8.50 an hour in January 2013 would benefit about 1 million New York workers.

NY Grocery Workers Union: Raise NY Minimum Wage
Pledges Resources and Support to Pass Minimum Wage Increase

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, New York's largest grocery workers union, announced today that it will enthusiastically and aggressively encourage New York State elected officials to increase the State's minimum wage to $8.50 an hour. The Union, based out of Westbury New York, said it would mobilize its 23,000 members to contact their elected leaders and demand their support for the wage hike.

Bruce W. Both, President of UFCW Local 1500 stated: "Neither a strong economy nor the American dream can be built on a wage of $7.25 an hour. We must realize New York State cannot overcome its economic challenges in a sustainable way if at the very foundation of its economy are workers living below the poverty line. We must support common sense economic principles and a strong minimum wage is at the top of that list. It is unfortunate that it has taken Albany so long to address this vital issue but our Union looks forward to working with Governor Cuomo, Speaker Silver and members of the New York State Senate to get over one million New Yorkers the raise they so desperately need."

UFCW Local 1500 will mobilize its members to call legislators, mail in post cards, write letters to the editor, and to talk to friends and family members. The Union acknowledges it will have to combat an aggressive and well-funded campaign by the business community who is in opposition to the minimum wage increase.

"It is amazing how much money corporations will spend from their own pockets to make sure no additional money goes into their workers pockets," said Anthony Speelman, UFCW Local 1500 Secretary-Treasurer. "It is appalling that the voice opposing the minimum wage increase will come from those making ten, twenty even fifty times what those on minimum wage make in a year. Any business that can only survive and profit by paying their workers poverty wages should either rethink their business model or consider another line if work. Regardless, their voices of greed will be drowned out by the voices of need."

Speelman also sent a strong message to New York State's elected leaders. "You were sent to Albany to do the right thing for your constituents. You cannot look in the eyes of any of your constituents making $7.25 an hour and tell them that increasing the minimum wage will actually hurt them," Speelman said. "Should you argue that New York State can only prosper if workers remain at $7.25 an hour, then it may time for you to leave Albany, return to your district, get a minimum wage job and then let us all know how that is working out for you and your family. Perhaps then you will come to understand why New Yorkers need a raise," concluded Speelman.

UFCW Local 1500 represents grocery workers employed by Shop Rite, Stop and Shop, King Kullen, Key Food, Pathmark, Fairway Markets, Gristedes and D'agostinos. Their members live and work in Long Island, the five boroughs, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties.

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/New-York-Grocery-Workers-Union-Raise-New-Yorks-Minimum-Wage/3613908



In the Press:

Mid Hudson News: Grocery Workers Support Minimum Wage Hike.

Long Island Press: "Raise Minimum Wage" Grocery Workers Union.

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.

Thursday Morning One Liners:

Arrajj said the supermarket tried to offer union members a $500 store gift card instead. "That doesn't help pay mortgages," he said.

-Dick Arrajj, who has been picketing in front of Shaw's stores in New Hampshire and Massachusetts for more than a week. From Today's Eagle Tribune, Massachusetts Shaw's workers picket at NH stores.

NY Daily News: Patsy's Pizza dishwasher sues for working conditions, compensation and firing

Brooklyn Eagle: More and more stores are going 'bagless' in Brooklyn.

WSJ: Some Harlem developers are having second thoughts on retail in Harlem.

A few years ago, real-estate developers had aggressive plans to bring trendy retail and office space to inner-city communities, which were attracting a growing middle class. Now, some of those developers are having second thoughts.  More @ WSJ.

Progressive Grocer: Walmart Opens 1,000th Money Center, Plans 500 More...

Walmart celebrated the grand opening of its 1,000th Walmart MoneyCenter in Chalmette, La., this week as it gears up to add another 500 locations this year.
“Walmart MoneyCenters are a cornerstone of our business and were specially created to give customers a welcoming environment where they can save when they cash checks, pay bills and transfer money,” said Jane Thompson, president, Walmart Financial Services. “Customers ask when their stores will get a Walmart MoneyCenter, so we are delighted to announce the expansion into approximately 500 more stores.”

Michelle Obama to food makers: Hurry up on Healthy Food!

You can check out BJ's Q4 Earnings Conference Call here.

Supermarket News: A&P has begun sending shoppers offers via text message and linking savings to their loyalty card when a reply message is received. Discounts are applied automatically when the card is swiped at the checkout.

Shaw's

Masssachusett's Shaw's workers picket at New Hampshire stores

Dick Arrajj has been picketing in front of Shaw's stores in New Hampshire and Massachusetts for more than a week. Arrajj has worked in the Methuen warehouse that ships food to Shaw's stores across New England for 20 years.

Along with other members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 791, Arrajj said he doesn't want to strike, but will continue until the supermarket and union make a deal.

Even though none of the employees in New Hampshire Shaw's stores are members of the union, Arrajj said customers have been sympathetic to their cause.

Arrajj said the supermarket tried to offer union members a $500 store gift card instead.

"That doesn't help pay mortgages," he said.

Show your support for Shaw's workers on Facebook and by signing the petition!

Politics, City & Nation

Steve Levy, the former Democratic Suffolk County Executive, announced he will switch parties and run for Governor of New York.  More @ New York Times.

Democrat & Chronicle: Fight over grocery stores' right to sell wine escalates.

NY Times: Democrats Inch Towards Securing Votes for Health Bill

NY Times: Jobs Bill passes with 11 Republican votes.

Crain's: Unions slam NYC Congressman over Health Care

The Obama health insurance overhaul has Democratic Rep. Mike McMahon caught between conservative constituents who oppose reform, and unions threatening to derail his political career if he rejects it.

Monday Morning One Liners..."Penn Traffic stores likely to be bought"

Image by UFCW Local 1500 via Flickr

New York State recovers record levels of illegally paid wages in 2009
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York State recovered record levels of illegally underpaid wages for workers in 2009. Through enhanced enforcement of existing labor laws, the State Department of Labor collected and disbursed $28.8 million to nearly 18,000 New York workers. For the second year in a row, these recovered wages represent the largest amount of money the Labor Department has collected and distributed in its 100 plus years of existence.

UFCW Local 1776 backs Tops' bid to purchase Penn-Traffic stores.

Whole Foods was the top food retail stock gainer in 2009.

"Most of Penn Traffic stores likely to be bought": Senator Chuck Schumer, NY.

Marley Coffee, the organic gourmet coffee company founded by Rohan Marley, son of legendary Bob Marley is now being distributed by Whole Foods Market.

Food retailers in NY are seeing higher costs in renovations due to last year's passage of the expanded 'bottle bill'.

Costco announces plans to open a store in Rego Park.


Politics
The NY Post reports that President Obama wants Patterson off the ticket.

Meanwhile Rep.Charles Rangel says Cuomo won't dare run against Patterson.

And Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy announced he will run against David Patterson.

Pedro Espada has plans for rent-stabilized apartments for families making less than $45,000 annually.

Welcome back Bottle Bill, Monday Morning Read...

Image via Wikipedia

The heavily debated Bottle Bill is back for the attack, after a federal judge overturned the injunction that had previously halted the bill. The New York Times has more on how the State can start collecting in on what is estimated to be 10's of millions of dollars.

The Progressive Grocer covers the opening of Pathmark in New Dorp.

Last week, when Whole Foods stance on Healthcare was released, many customers are serious about boycotting the store.

Local

The New York Times writes that Long Islanders are hopeful that the new 'Lighthouse' project in Hempstead will bring jobs, development and much needed revenue to Nassau County.

Slumlords are getting $81 million of the stimulus, despite owning hazardous buildings with numerous code violations.

The Gotham Gazette looks at the City Council District 33 race, and the changes that candidates are facing.

New polls are showing that David Patterson is far behind Andrew Cuomo for NYS Governor.

Tim Bishop has a new challenger.

Bruno's to close 38 stores, UFCW Local Authorizes strike, Manhattan gets a Costco...

Image via Wikipedia

Bankrupt Bruno’s Supermarkets Inc. has informed the state that 38 of its 60 Alabama stores may close by mid May, affecting nearly 2,200 employees.

UFCW Local 371 has authorized a strike at 15 A&P locations.

Two UFCW locals have merged into UFCW Local 75.

Looks like Manhattan will be graced with its first Costco.

Reeling from the real estate downturn in the city, construction unions and builders are edging closer to an agreement that they say will reduce labor costs and enable at least some of their projects in Manhattan to proceed despite the weak economy.

Younger shoppers use more online coupons.

NJ Star Ledger: the Employee Free Choice Act, backbone for a strong economy.

Labor leader Denis Rivera praised Mike Bloomberg.

The Daily News looks at Local 1500's early endorsements for the New York City Council.

Bigger Better Bottle Bill is in the new state budget.

Wal-Mart NYC rumors, BJ's gains, Patterson cuts salary...

Image via Wikipedia

Wal-Mart NYC rumors spur up again.

Costco is pressuring suppliers for lower prices.

BJ's Wholesale Club is anticipating comparable-store sales increases of 5%-7% this year — after gains of 6.4% in 2008

Endorsements of a new "Food Safety Bill"

Wegmans is soliciting customer support for the state wine proposal.

AFL-CIO is in talks with Change to Win on reuniting.

Wal-Mart eyes Japan expansion.

Wal-Mart February sales soared once again.

Politics

David Paterson promises to cut his pay by 10 percent.

The Bottle Bill gets a public hearing, and another to come on Friday.

Lee Scott said what?, Another tax loophole closes for Wal-Mart, FTC tells Whole Foods to rebrand Wild Oats, Trader John's

Image via WikipediaYesterday Lee Scott addressed the National Retail Federation in New York City, urging cooperation to solve the nations health care crisis.

Lee Scott, the outgoing chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Stores, asked business leaders to embrace such initiatives as universal health care, renewable energy and immigration reform during a presentation to attendees at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show here yesterday.

He [Lee Scott], also sees a new consumer mindset.

Local retailers throughout China are teaming up to battle Wal-Mart.

Another Wal-Mart Tax loophole may come to an end, this time in West Virginia.

The UFCW is gearing up for their Wal-Mart battle in Canada.

More info on Wal-Mart's new private label line "the Wal-Mart Great Value line"

And if that's not enough Wal-Mart news, they're also on the verge of setting up shop in Russia.

The FTC asks Whole Foods to re-brand Wild Oats.

Whole Foods is also putting off another store, this time in New Hampshire.

Wegman's CEO recognized for 'business ethics'

AdAge brings up a great point regarding the Trader Joe's, Trader John's lawsuit. "But in New York, no one's afraid to blatantly copy and/or steal a good idea -- hence Ray's Original Pizza, Ray's Pizza, Famous Ray's Original Pizza, Original Famous Ray's Pizza, New York's Rayriginal's Fizza, etc"

Progressive Grocer picked up the story also.

Food Marketing Institute’s new president and chief executive officer said the association is working diligently on a range of issues with Congress and the incoming Obama administration.

Politics

Caroline Kennedy still has a shot at the Senate seat says Governor Patterson.

Tom Suozzi met with Patterson on the Senate seat.

Anthony Weiner blames Mayor Bloomberg for New York City's growing problems, specifically the "boom-and-bust planning"

Democrats, first time in control of the State Senate since 1965 made some moves yesterday.

Elsewhere

A battle is raging on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where CVS is wooing cash-strapped shoppers with house-brand anti-wrinkle cream that’s as much as 30 percent cheaper than L’Oreal SA’s Advanced Revitalift.

Buying online to avoid sales taxes could end soon.

Zoo's and Aquariums may face the ax here.

Do the Rockerfeller Drug laws need reform?

Tuesday's News, Politics, Politics.

Image via Wikipedia
In a letter sent to President-elect Barack Obama last week, the National Grocers Association urged the incoming administration to maintain a level playing field for independent grocers through an economic stimulus, fair employee-employer legislation, federal regulation of credit card interchange fees and enforcement of antitrust laws.
Read more of this story

A former Wal-Mart and Fresh & Easy exec joins Walgreen's.

Balducci's is offering their own caviar line.

Politics
New York City’s budget gap may reach $8 billion in 18 months as the city’s Wall Street-dependent economy deteriorates, Tom DiNapoli.

Clinton is $13 Million she lent campaign.

Bloomberg defends Kennedy's bid for Clinton's vacated seat.

Kennedy spokesman Stefan Friedman said Ms. Kennedy fully intends to support the Democratic nominee for NYC Mayor, after the would-be senator avoided answering the question over the weekend.