I Worry

By-Tony Speelman
President

I used to worry about getting to work on time every day.  I had to serve my customers and do it well at Dairy Barn because I needed my job.  I worried about my new born children and my wife and wondered often if I was making the best decisions for their future.  Now my kids are adults and I think I worry about them even more.  In 1986 when I started working at Local 1500 I added more concern as I started to worry about the members.  After all I was a member just a few months before.  I knew what it felt like to work, to be an employee and a Union member.  I knew I had to make sure I treated the members I represented with the care and attention I always wanted. 

To my wife’s chagrin, I woke up one day in 2000 and decided to run for town council.  Apparently, I didn’t think I had enough to worry about and wanted to add the entire town of Brookhaven to my list.  Thankfully I lost, and focused on starting to move up through the ranks of 1500.  When I became Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1500 in 2009 I became responsible for the finances of the Union.  Money coming in, money going out, trying to make sure I did the right thing by the membership.  Without fail…. That is worrisome.  Now I’m the president of this great Union.  That means I am responsible for about 20,000 members.  Correction…that means I am responsible for 20,000 members AND their families.  So, I come to work every morning at Meehan Hall wondering what the day will bring.  Will there be another store closing to be announced today? Are there lay-offs needed somewhere that I’m going to get a call about? What new non-union company is coming to town today?  Which company is next up to try and take away some of our members hard earned benefits?  How did our Pension Fund do this month?  How much money do we need to ensure everyone continues to get the medical they deserve?  How do we battle the onslaught of technology and automation as your employer’s search for new ways to cut their labor budgets to unrecognizable levels?  How are my field and office staff holding up?  Can we afford to add more staff? 

These are just a fraction of the questions I worry about daily.  However, most are questions that have been asked before, and always need to be addressed.  So, it’s really nothing new around here.  My mentor was the late, great Frank Meehan.  I would sit in his office, or drive him to meetings and watch as he handled anything that came his way.  Not just with ease, but with class and with conviction.  I remember thinking that one day all this responsibility may very well land on my shoulders.  Thanks to the hard work of my predecessors, I was prepared when my time came.  One of the most important lessons I learned as a president is—you can’t do it all on your own.  You surround yourself with a team and let then all help make good things happen.  Now I look back to the days of being in those rooms with Frank and realize that I was a part of his team, and we were GOOD.

Now can I control Union density or market share?  No.  What about the stock market or ever-changing labor laws that make it challenging for us to negotiate new benefits or organize? No, but I still worry about it all, though.  However, one thing I do not worry about is the level of confidence I have in my team to get the job done.  For years we have crafted a team of individuals that, when they work together, can handle almost anything that comes our way.  From our recent organizing victory at Hale and Hearty, to overcoming huge challenges during negotiating contracts for SRS, Glass, and Mannix Shop Rite’s our team has accomplished a great deal over the last year.  We have also made incredible strides in servicing our members better and expanding our media and communications efforts.  My team is right there with me every step of the way. 

As this year quickly moves along we are getting ready to begin negotiations with Stop & Shop, King Kullen and Tops.  We feel confident that we will once again be able to deliver solid contracts that you can all be proud of.  With the recent settlements at Shop Rite behind us, our team has mapped out the course for the next round bargaining and we know where we’d like to end up.  But after telling you about many of the things I worry about, where do I get the confidence to make that statement…It’s from you, the amazing membership of Local 1500.  You have shown me time and time again that when our backs are against a wall, you will come out ready for a fight.  This opinion was solidified once again recently when our Shop Rite members filled the rooms at their respective contract update meetings.  Literally hundreds and hundreds of our members came out to show Shop Rite just how much you care about your contracts.  Even though we had settled with SRS Shop Rite the week before I knew you were planning to come out in droves to your meeting as well, so thank you to everyone.

It sounds a little funny to say but the one thing I worry about most, is the thing that gives me the most strength every day…You!

So, keep sticking together, stay involved in the process and be ready for anything.  I am confident that together we can overcome all challenges ahead.  I hope you all had a great Summer and I look forward to seeing you at the contract update meetings and in your stores. 

A Call To Action

By- Tony Speelman
President

There is a call to action happening for unionized workers.  Companies have seen fit to want to take away your hard-earned and hard-fought benefits.  Whether it be wage increases, holidays, or pensions, everything you are entitled to under your CBA is under attack.  The question is “WHY?”  Why would a company reward its employees by taking things away from them?

Look at Clare Rose…the employees on strike are members of Teamsters Local 812.  Why would Union members take such a drastic measure?  If you ask the employees it’s because the company is trying to reduce their wages by 30%, among other things. If you go to Clare Rose’s own website they state that they are looking to do away with the pension that their employees are currently depending on for their retirement.  The company’s reasoning for their proposal package is that all of their competitors have a separate driver and salesperson model that they are now also looking to follow, so they can remain competitive.  A couple of paragraphs later the company states “As the region’s largest beer distributor, we have a significant economic impact,..” 

So why would the region’s largest and most successful anything be looking to model themselves after their own competitors?  You tell me. 

Clare Rose says “we respect our employees’ rights under federal labor law to conduct a strike” –Not if you replace them with temporary workers which enable you to easily keep your employees out on the street!

Let’s bring it home—Why would a wealthy supermarket owner go on to sell his flagship store for $46 million AND look to take away Sunday time and one half from his employees?  Why would the same owner who, IN ADDITION, just got his share of $48 million from the Key Food Cooperative’s owners’ bonus structure--look to do away with the pension of the very same people who have worked to build his company since even before he was born? You tell me. 

We have been embroiled in this contract fight with Pick Quick Key Food and will not rest until it is settled, giving its employees/our members the respect and dignity they deserve.

ShopRite boasts on their website an annual sales number of $14.7 Billion.  So why are they looking to take away Sunday time and one-half for most of their employees?  Why are they not seeking to give anyone at minimum wage an increase? Why do large companies like these look to make their working men and women absorb the cost of doing business in a competitive market?

As with all of the companies that we represent, Stop & Shop is a great place to do your grocery shopping.  However, If history has taught us anything it’s to be prepared for the worst with Stop & Shop.  They routinely look to take as much as possible out of your contracts and we expect the same this year.  If you work for Stop & Shop, then you must have seen the technology that they are installing in your store, doing away with registers and thus cashiers and baggers.  Couple that with the perpetual budget crunch they have everyone working under and it seems pretty clear that they are looking to operate with as few employees as possible. 

They only way we can fight off corporate greed is to band together and stand strong.  We will be calling on members from different companies to support each other.  It’s time to build on our strength and unity.  You’ve heard me say before that their fight is your fight.  This year is evidence of that statement.  We must show companies that especially now we are more determined than ever to keep what we’ve already earned, and achieve more!

2016 NEWSPAPER COVERS

2016 has been an especially eventful year for our union and for our entire country.

As we reflect on all the change and we plan for a successful 2017, I'd like to thank each and every one of you for allowing me to serve as your Union President. This is a responsibility I am humbled by and honored to do each day.

I've linked all our Union Newspapers below for you to browse and reflect on.

Thank you again and please have a safe and Happy New Year!

Your Brother,

Tony Speelman
President
UFCW Local 1500

REFLECT ON 2016 WITH YOUR UNION NEWSPAPERS

MARCH 2016

JUNE 2016

SEPTEMBER 2016

 

DECEMBER 2016

We are Thankful.

Your tireless work this week has helped thousands of New Yorkers enjoy Thanksgiving with their families.

From the entire staff at UFCW Local 1500, thank you. 

We wish you a happy and wonderful Thanksgiving.

Check out our new Thanksgiving video highlighting what we're thankful for:
 

 

https://youtu.be/fL8unJ1RQ4E

Time to Apply for Local 1500 Scholarship

 

Each year we're proud to award educational scholarships to our amazing Local 1500 members and their dependents. The deadline for applying approaching fast! You can apply online at anytime until December 31st.

You can check out the past winners on our Scholarship page.




For any details or questions please contact us.

UNION OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, October 5th: Local 1500 Open House and Building Dedication Ceremony  @ 5:45 PM

I am proud to announce we'll be hosting our first open-house at our union office at 425 Merrick Ave. Westbury, NY 11590 on October 5th. I invite you to come that evening, meet your entire Union staff from benefits offices to union reps, to organizers and executives.

Tomorrow will be a special day for our entire Union. I will be dedicating the Union Hall in honor of our former President Frank Meehan. Please RSVP and join us for the dedication ceremony at 5:45 p.m with food and refreshments to follow. All benefit offices will be open for business and available to answer your questions.

I look forward to seeing you on October 5th and making our Union bigger, stronger and better together!

Tony Speelman
President
UFCW Local 1500
@aspeel1500

New Contracts Ratified

As our new union leadership brings new energy and different negotiation tactics to the bargaining table, we're excited to share the news that Fairway Drivers and Wild by Nature workers have ratified new contracts.

We're pleased to announce the hard working men and women of Wild by Nature have ratified a new long-term contract. Wild by Nature is a chain of five organic grocery stores located on Long Island. The new contract includes raises and secures benefits for both part-time and full-time workers.

The truck drivers for Fairway Market have also ratified a multi-year contract. The drivers are covered under a separate contract than men and women working throughout Fairway Market's 17 stores. Under the new contract a huge gain was made for Fairway Drivers, they will now receive pension benefits.

We're proud of the hard work done by both union negotiation committees to reach these contracts. Thank you all for your hard work.

It's my pleasure and honor to serve as your Union President,

Tony Speelman
President
UFCW Local 1500
@aspeel1500

Long Island Families Deserve Better

Today at Best Yet in Huntington Station, NY, as part of an ongoing effort to highlight hardworking people, and their desire for better jobs, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union launched a coordinated television campaign and grassroots effort to show why Long Island needs Best Yet and Best Market stores to change for the better.

"I have lived on Long Island my entire life, I know the real difference that a good job with better wages and benefits can make," said Steven Dozier, a Local 1500 member from Roosevelt who is part of the ad. "When Best Market grew, they didn't do it alone, their hardworking employees and their dedication are the real secret to Best Market's success. Best Market needs to change and do what's right, by providing our neighbors and friends with better wages and benefits so that we can all have have a better future together. We want Best Market to live up to their name and do what's best for Long Island families, they owe it to those who work hard everyday and to our communities."

The television ad campaign will run on cable channels and local broadcast news programs throughout the Long Island region for multiple weeks.

UFCW/RWDSU Locals 338, 342 & 1500 along with community groups like the Long Island Progressive Coalition, Long Island Jobs with Justice rallied in front of Best Market's Huntington Station store, demanding the company do better by their employees.

Shop Rite Contract Update

ShopRite (United States) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We are glad to report that all three Shop Rite companies (Glass, Mannix & SRS) have been engaging in faithful, fair bargaining with your Union negotiating committees.

The only issue that has come up is scheduling the next negotiating sessions.

Both company and Union officials remain confident a contract agreement will be reached, however due to various issues, including all three companies using the same attorney and Wakefern bargaining representative, scheduling negotiation sessions has been difficult. An SRS contract negotiation session was just scheduled for September 29th. However, the majority of negotiations will not continue until early October.

The most important takeaway: You will not be working without a contract.

All three companies are faithful and eager to negotiate a new contract. They have signed contract extensions and your rights and benefits are secured.

As the next negotiation dates are scheduled or any news breaks we will let you know. In the meantime please encourage your coworkers to sign up for email and mobile updates and please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative by phone or email if you have any questions.

Gristedes Contract Proposal Meeting- TONIGHT!

Just a reminder that tonight is the Gristedes contract proposal meeting. All Local 1500 members working for Gristedes should attend this proposal meeting to have an impact on your next contract.

 Gristedes Contract Proposal Meeting: 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016 @ 6:00 PM @ HOLIDAY INN MIDTOWN 57TH STREET 

RENAISSANCE ROOM B – 2ND FLOOR 440 WEST 57TH STREET (BETWEEN 9TH & 10TH AVENUES) NEW YORK, NY 10019 

In the meantime please encourage your coworkers to sign up for email and mobile updates and please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative by phone or email if you have any questions.

President Bruce W. Both Retires

Former President Bruce W. Both with the Local 1500 Executive Board

At his last Executive Board meeting an emotional President Both announced he would be retiring effective May 1, 2016. The rarely publicly emotional President gave a heartfelt speech, “My family has been a part of this union since 1930. As members, and part of the Union staff. This is a difficult day for me to announce we will no longer be a part of Local 1500. I love this union with all my heart. We have the best staff, serving the best union members,” Both said.

President Both led multiple fights to keep Walmart out of NYC

After his speech Executive Board member Anthony Drago shared his feelings on Both’s tenure, “Bruce did not have an easy road to navigate as President. The massive healthcare changes and significant legislation that affects union contracts have changed bargaining in the last 10 years, it’s not the way it used to be. He never faltered, though. He stayed strong and never backed down from a fight, always told us how it really was. We respect him and thank him for his service as President.” Bruce first became a member of Local 1500 in the late 1960’s working for the H.C. Bohack Supermarket Company. As a member in the stores, and on Union staff, Bruce has a collective 40 years of service as a UFCW Local 1500 member.

In 1999 Bruce was elected as Secretary-Treasurer, and in 2004 Bruce was elected President of UFCW Local 1500. In January 2007, Bruce was elected International Vice President of the UFCW. Throughout his 10 years of leadership, Bruce successfully secured the future of our union by increasing our welfare fund significantly.

Bruce also brought UFCW Local 1500 to a new union headquarters with state of the art technology, moving the union from a rent-paying tenant in Queens Village, to an owner at 425 Merrick Ave. in Westbury, NY. The new building features a full state of the art Union Hall, where general membership meetings, blood drives, fundraisers, dinners and various other events are hosted.

Bruce finished his last Executive Board meeting with these words, "I am leaving this organization the way I came in, quietly and with dignity."

We thank Bruce for his service as President, and wish him congratulations, and a healthy, happy retirement. Wishes, cards and notes to former President Both may be sent to the union office, addressed to Bruce W. Both.

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

Fairway Market Workers Ratify New 3-Year Contract

On the day of the vote, the message and tone was clear, “No matter the position, no matter the language, your vote matters. We’re united,” said Iris Bien-Aime, who gathered and spoke to her coworkers about voting at Fairway in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Fairway Market is truly like no other market, the staff is like an extended family. At the vote in Red Hook, workers who were not on schedule to work came to vote with their children and family. The mood and feel at any Fairway screams solidarity. Which was crucial during the last four months, this was the first contract negotiation with new Fairway's new CEO that took office in September of 2014.

“Our team was dedicated from the start to not only protect our contract, but to set a tone for future negotiations,” said lead union negotiator Rob Newell, “Because of their solidarity and passion, many positive changes were made in the contract. It was a real honor and privilege to work alongside of the committee, their drive and emotion earned all Fairway workers an excellent contract.”

Throughout the four months of negotiations, Fairway members wore solidarity buttons while at work demanding the company negotiate the “Fair Way”. The buttons truly made an impact and helped show support to the negotiating committee.

The contract also includes a number of quality of life issues such as increasing the number of minimum workweek hours for everyone. All members, regardless of class or tenure, are guaranteed to be scheduled a minimum 21 hour workweek.

“The deal gives stability to our families. Especially the medical, pension and legal service benefits, which were all unchanged,” said John Graham, a union negotiating committee member who works at Paramus Fairway.


The term of the Agreement is March 30, 2015 through April 1, 2018. Fairway workers will receive six raises throughout the term, including a retroactive wage increase from March 30th 2015. A minor, but very popular change was switching when vacation time was paid. Vacations are now paid prior to taking vacation, as opposed to receiving the pay the week of vacation. The agreement also includes a successors clause and increases contributions to the Union scholarship fund. Additionally it protects all members of UFCW Local 1500 from any discrimination because of: race, color religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, genetic information or gender identity or expression.

As the vote was closing Jeannette Taylor, who has worked at Fairway for over eight years, walked up to the poll, placed her ballot in the box, and proudly bragged, “I’ve got my union button…I don’t leave home without it.”

Fairway Members Demand Company to Negotiate the Fair Way

UFCW Local 1500 members at Fairway are gearing up for their first labor negotiations under Fairway Market’s new CEO, Jack Murphy.

“We’ve had a long history of excellent labor relations with Fairway,” said Assistant to the President Rob Newell, “In the past, Fairway has always respected its workers during the negotiation process, and together we’ve raised the bar to create a contract seen by many as an industry standard,” Newell concluded.

Murphy took office in September of 2014 and has pledged new marketing campaigns, more 'robust growth' and vowed to ‘put the swagger back’ in Fairway's 15 stores.

At February’s Contract Proposal Meetings, Fairway members packed rooms in Long Island and Manhattan with one message, a fair contract. “It’s important for all Fairway members to stay extremely aware and active in these contract negotiations. We will set the tone for what future collective bargaining agreements look like for a growing company,” Newell explained, “We’re hopeful that we’ll reach another excellent agreement that will benefit both sides,” Newell explained, “We’re just making it known to management that our members working at Fairway are like no other members,” Newell concluded.

The 80-year-old company was founded by the Glickberg family, which was the largest shareholder until 2007, when Sterling Investment Partners took a controlling stake. The private-equity firm made a $150 million investment. Howard Glickberg, a grandson of the founder, is vice chairman of development.

UFCW Local 1500 members have been wearing buttons telling the company to negotiate their contract "the right way...the Fair Way".  "Members have been loving the buttons and eager to show their strength and solidarity," said NYC Fairway Union Representative Teresa Aponte, who has been distributing the buttons this week.  "It's important to show the company we want a fair contract, and Fairway members want it done the fair way."

Murphy has big plans for Fairway, he believes over the next three to five years Fairway can open 15 to 20 stores in the New York tri-state area, including more suburban locations.  With roots in Boston, he told Supermarket News, "before we even think about other parts of the country, the greater Boston area could offer growth opportunities at some point."

The agreement between UFCW Local 1500 and Fairway Market covering over 2,400 men and women expires on March 29, 2015.  Stay updated on negotiations, actions and events by signing up here.
 

Labor Day...Every Day

By: Tony Speelman, Secretary Treasurer, UFCW Local 1500

In 1894, during a time of severe economic depression and social unrest, President Grover Cleveland established Labor Day as a national holiday in an effort to appease organized labor. President Cleveland’s decision to honor America’s workers came days after he ordered federal troops to crush workers at the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago who were striking for better wages and workplace conditions. One hundred and twenty years after the Pullman Strike, our country is still grappling with economic and social unrest as income inequality persists and the rights of workers to stick together for better workplace conditions continues to be challenged.

Too often, workers are harassed, intimidated and sometimes fired for sticking together to bargain for better wages and benefits. While discriminating against workers who want to organize is against the law, too many employers would rather pay fines under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) than allow for a process that lets workers choose a union freely and fairly. For many employers, these minimal penalties are not a deterrent, but rather the cost of doing business.

We all saw this first hand at Mrs. Green’s Natural Market in Mt. Kisco, where workers were unlawfully fired for their interest in joining a union. After six months on a picket line, the workers finally returned to work after the company caved to community and political support. Make no mistake, if it wasn’t for community support this would not have happened. We need to continue to hold employers accountable, and I thank you for supporting these brave workers at Mrs. Green’s Natural Market.

 That’s why UFCW Local 1500 supports the Employee Empowerment Act (H.R. 5280), new legislation recently introduced by Representatives Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and John Lewis (D-Ga.), which would amend the NLRA to give victims of labor discrimination the same protections available under the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Currently, back pay is the only remedy available to these workers. Passage of this legislation would give victims the right to sue for compensatory and punitive damages in federal court, ensuring e
mployers are held appropriately accountable for illegal retaliation and truly discouraging anti-union activity.

English: The Fairway supermarket in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Category:Buildings in Brooklyn Category:Fairway Category:Red Hook, Brooklyn (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When Hurricane Sandy hit New York, we were all devastated. Our 300 union members from New York City working at Fairway Market in Red Hook, Brooklyn were all displaced for months with nowhere to work after the supermarket was flooded with over five feet of water. The store closed for six months, leaving 300 men and women wondering where their next pay check would come from. The difference between a union employer and a non-union employer could not have been displayed more during those trying months. Fairway Market retained all employees and shuttled them to one of Fairway’s other 12 locations throughout the metropolitan area. The difference a union voice on the job has made the quality of life our members and our communities significantly improve. The key to economic prosperity for working people is power in numbers. More union jobs means more workers rights, better benefits and better communities. We all win.

Here in New York too many hard working men and women are struggling to stay afloat in a fragile economy.  New York flaunts itself as a progressive capital, yet our laws protecting workers and wages don’t compete with states like Vermont, Washington and Rhode Island.  All will have higher minimum wages than ours (New York’s) by January 1, 2015.  This is unacceptable. We all know first hand how expensive it is to make ends meet living in New York.

Movements like the “Fight for 15” and “Fast Food Strikes” have brought workers wages and conditions to national discussion.  McDonald’s was just at the center of a very important National Labor Relations Board (NRLB) ruling, where they argued they weren’t responsible for their 14,000 franchises treatment of workers.  The Labor Board disagreed, and found McDonald’s liable for the treatment of their workers across their franchises in America.  This was sadly an unsurprising move from today’s corporation, trying to pass the buck, make an excuse and not take responsibility for its treatment of workers.

What’s disappointing is an enormous corporation like McDonald’s, has tried to hide behind its franchisers and not do the ethical and right thing for people.   Movements like these are integral to our respect and progress in organized labor.  The national opinion on these issues is in our favor.  America wants better treatment of workers, better jobs and higher wages.  Why can’t we get it?

Narrowing the gap between the rich and poor is essential to rebuilding our economy, but that can’t happen if workers lack the power and protection to bargain for better wages and benefits. UFCW Local 1500 urges Congress to truly honor workers this Labor Day and pass the Employee Empowerment Act.

Tony Speelman is the Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Local 1500 representing over 23,000 grocery workers based out of Westbury, NY.

WIld by Nature Agreement Reached

Updates on Contract Negotiations with Wild by Nature-


The Negotiating Committee is pleased to announce they have reached a tentative agreement with Wild by Nature.

Contract review and voting will take place on Thursday, May 15th in all Wild by Nature stores from 9:30-11:30, and 3:30-5:30.

Thank you for the overwhelming support, communication and solidarity during the negotiation process.   And thank you to the negotiation committee for working tirelessly to provide the best contract possible.


Thank you again,


Bruce W. Both
President, Lead Negotiator, UFCW Local 1500





Like us on Facebook and join the discussion: www.facebook.com/ufcw1500
Follow us on Twitter: @ufcw1500

Target Chairman & CEO Gregg Steinhafel is OUT, Here's Why:

5 months after what could be the biggest credit and debit breach in United States history, 36 months after being federally charged and found guilty of violating federal labor laws that protect Target employees, 9 months after an internal memo leaked on "Multi-Cultural Training Tips" to manage Hispanic workers, 1 month after his company's second anti-union video surfaced, and just a few months after receiving another award for World's Most Ethical Retail Employer from Episphere, Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel has finally resigned.

Top 5 accomplishments under CEO Gregg Steinhafel:

1. Target Corp. Found Guilty of Violating Federal Labor Laws and Rights of Employees (their entire "Employee Manual" was also found to be unlawful, ordered to be changed)
2. Offensive Memo of "Multi-Cultural" Training Tips on Managing Hispanic Employees Leaked
3. Released two "Cheesy" and Illegal Anti-Union Videos, Forcing Employees to Watch Them (See for yourself, video 1 and video 2: the new 2012 version)
4. Gregg took a modest 83% raise in 2010, bringing his salary to $23.9 million
5. Massive Data Breach: When the final numbers are tallied, the data breach could be the largest in United States history.  via AP: To date, the data breach compromised 40 million credit and debit card accounts between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15. Then on Jan. 10, the company said hackers also stole personal information — including names, phone numbers as well as email and mailing addresses — from as many as 70 million customers.
    

Though his tenure inspired courageous workers throughout the country to stand up and demand change from the country's third largest employer, the resignation is long overdue.    We urge the future Target chairman and CEO to not only focus on consumer responsibility, but employee responsibility. Target workers are the force behind the bullseye, and they deserve respect, as well as voice at work.  The time for change is now, Target has a wonderful opportunity to show they're committed to respecting workers, now is the time to take the step in that direction.

Throwback handbill during the union campaign in 2011 at Valley Stream Target

Support Workers Fired for Exercising Basic Rights-

By: Tony Speelman
Secretary-Treasurer, UFCW Local 1500


David Ramirez and Martha Urgiles worked in the Mrs. Green’s Dairy Department for over ten years. Elivia Miguel worked at Mrs. Green’s for over 11 years. Yesica Mendez worked at Mrs. Green’s for four years. These are just four of the nine workers who were fired from Mrs. Green’s Natural Market in Mt. Kisco for “poor customer service.” Like you, the workers at Mrs. Green’s saw a lot of change at their store over the last year. After new management took over in December of 2012, a friendly, community favorite manager was fired.

This was the first of many changes employees were about to endure throughout the next year. Throughout the changes longtime employees stood up and began to demand better treatment from management. An overwhelming number of workers filed for a union election in May, losing by just three votes. Afterwards, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) charged Mrs. Green’s with violating federal labor law, performing illegal interrogation and intimidation of employees in the weeks leading up to the election.

 After charges were filed, employees from the store began to meet with local elected politicians, including Assembly Member Shelly Mayer, to discuss the difficulties they face every day at their job. Workers were thrilled to meet with and receive the support from their elected officials who took the time to speak to them about their lives. The federal charges were settled in November, and Mrs. Green’s agreed under federal order to post a notice in their store for 60-days. The notice notified Mt. Kisco employees of their basic rights that were protected under federal laws.

 During the 60-day posting, Mrs. Green’s abruptly fired nine pro-union workers for “poor customer service”. A majority of the fired workers had over seven years on the job; some had worked for the company for over a decade. The fired workers were not only leading supporters of the union in the election, but were the same workers who met with politicians in the Mt. Kisco area for help. We have since filed federal charges against Mrs. Green’s and called the firings illegal retaliation and are hopeful they will all be reinstated.


Many of you may have seen the workers in front of the store the last two weeks, notifying customers they have come to know over the last decade, they were fired for “poor customer service.” There has been an outpouring of support from former customers who have pledged not to shop at the store. Today, community members, community groups, and former customers will join the fired workers on their picket line, calling for a boycott of the store until the fired workers are reinstated. Local politicians will also be there to support the fired workers and the community. Please come by and show your support for the men and women who have helped sever you at Mrs. Green’s for the last decade and demand management reinstates the workers.

 For more info on any of these events please head to www.ufcw1500.org.

 Tony Speelman is Secretary-Treasurer of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 1500. UFCW Local 1500 is based out of Westbury, New York, represents over 23,000 grocery workers in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties. Members of Local 1500 are employed by Pathmark, Fairway, Stop and Shop, Gristedes, D’Agastino, Key Food, Shop Rite and King Kullen. Stay up to date with UFCW Local 1500 on twitter@ufcw1500, facebook.com/ufcw1500, www.ufcw1500.org. Contact UFCW Local 1500 at info@ufcw1500.org.

9 Longtime Mrs. Green's Natural Market Workers to Mt. Kisco Customers: "We're Fired."

Happy New Year from Mrs. Green's, you're fired.

Since nine workers were abruptly fired from Mrs. Green's Natural Market in Mt. Kisco for "poor customer service", they've taken their fight to the streets, notifying customers of the disrespect and malice Mrs. Green's Natural Market showed them, most who were employees of over 10 years.

"We want to tell the community how Mrs. Green's treated us," said David Rameriez, who until two weeks ago worked for Mrs. Green's for over eight years, "They pride themselves on good food and good health, and as a neighborhood store...But they've shown no commitment to us, they've disrespected us."

Mrs. Green's Natural Market fired nine workers two-weeks ago for "poor customer service".  All of the terminated workers supported the union in an election last year, and some recently met with politicians and the union on working conditions at the store.

 "We're not backing down, we're letting the community members know what we've served over the last decade.  Most of them know us and once they've heard how Mrs. Green's treated us, they told us they support us and will tell management they support us," Rameriez said.

Throughout the weekend, community members were outraged that the "Natural Market" would sink this low and fire long-time employees for "poor customer service".  Many went inside to tell management their feelings, some left immediately saying they would no longer support the store and some even took to Twitter (left), like Rita Tobin, a longtime customer who won't be shopping at the store anymore.

UFCW Local 1500 organizers and the nine fired workers have been working hand in hand in alerting the public and putting Mrs. Green's on notice.  UFCW Local 1500 has filed federal charges against Mrs. Green's for the firings, calling them "retaliation" for supporting the union.

Support the workers on their picket line at:

666 Lexington Ave #1, Mt Kisco, NY 10549

Call management and tell them you support the nine fired workers at: (914) 242-9292



United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, based out of Westbury, New York, represents 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'Agastino, Key Food, Shop Rite and King Kullen. Stay up to date with UFCW Local 1500 on twitter @ufcw1500, facebook.com/ufcw1500, www.ufcw1500.org email info@ufcw1500.org for more info or questions.