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

Wild By Nature Contract Update: Agreement Reached

—WILD BY NATURE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE —

 

 

We are pleased to report your Union negotiating committee has reached a tentative agreement with Wild by Nature. Thanks to your support, the negotiating committee has worked hard to come to an agreement you can be proud of.  The next step is reviewing and voting on the agreement.

 

Voting will take place on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016 at five different locations (you may vote at any location) from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM & 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM.

 

Voting Locations

• Wild by Nature 201: 198 Main St. East - Setauket, NY
• Wild by Nature 202: 369 West Main St. - Huntington, NY
• WIld by Nature 203: 260 West Montauk Highway - Hampton Bays, NY
• Wild by Nature 204: 2709 W. Long Beach Rd. - Oceanside, NY
• Wild by Nature 205: 478 Union Blvd. - West Islip, NY

 

 

At the vote you will receive a tentative agreement which you will be able to review. Your Union Representative and negotiating committee members will be present at each voting location to answer your questions. The Union negotiation committee unanimously reached this agreement and unanimously recommends to accept the new contract.

 

It is very important that you participate in the voting so that you may ACCEPT or REJECT the company’s last proposal for the new contract. Please encourage your coworkers to read the tentative agreement and vote on Sept. 8th!

 

Contact your Union Representative by phone or email if you have any questions.
 

 

In Solidarity,

 

Wild by Nature Union Negotiating Team

UFCW Local 1500

 

 

Are you a UFCW Local 1500 member?

We want to hear what you think.
Please take a 30 second survey on what you think of your union:

http://www.ufcw1500.org/Survey16

 

Contract Extension Signed with Wild by Nature

Local 1500 has signed a contract extension with Wild by Nature. The contract was set to expire on May 7, 2016.

"There are many open issues still on the table," UFCW Local 1500 Secretary-Treasurer Tony Speelman said, "One of the biggest hurdles has been New York State's minimum wage increase."

The next contract negotiation session is scheduled for Monday, May 16, 2016.

Contracts with Wild by Nature, Dan's & Pick Quick Key Food, Ratified

Yesterday contracts with Dan's Key Food, Pick Quick Key Food and Wild by Nature were voted on by UFCW Local 1500 membership and all ratified.

Wild by Nature's contract is a 24 month agreement, through May 7, 2016.  The contract includes wage increases, new Full-Time starting rates, premium pay and guaranteed hours for Part-Time workers.

Both Key Food contracts are 27 month agreements.  They increase travel pay for all employees, have wage increases, increase hours for Part-Time workers, and recognize same-sex marriages.  “We’re proud of this deal, we focused on fixing problems at the Part-Time level and accomplished it,” said Debbie Gernand, from Pick Quick Key Food, "There's more work to be done and we won't stop fighting!"

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

Friday's News After Noon: RWDSU Takes Mott's Picket Line to Manufacturing Plant...

Some of the previous stories we posted have been removed, we apologize for the inconvenience. 

National Fruit Now Co-Packing Mott's Struck Product

Winchester, VA.-- RWDSU Local 220 is taking their picket line to National Fruit manufacturing plant to protest Mott's outsourcing and co-packing of applesauce due to slowed production in the Mott's Williamson, NY plant. Strikers and union members will be leafleting National Fruit production workers about the ongoing labor dispute at Mott's.

Walmart "Supporters" Paid Untraceable $100

A story in today's Chicago Reader reveals that at least one hundred pro-Walmart "supporters" in Chicago were paid $100 to come and protest on behalf of the retail giant building in their neighborhood in front of Chicago's City Council on Thursday, June 24.

Traffic Tops Concerns at Former Plitt Ford

Wainscott, NY-- Residents showed up in strong numbers to discuss plans for the former Plitt Ford property on Montauk Highway to possibly develop into a specialty supermarket such as a Whole Foods, Trader Joe's or Wild by Nature. 

Costco's New Location Does Urban Right

Costco just opened a Queens warehouse club that demonstrates the potential of urban retailing done right.

Stop & Shop Objects to ShopRite Hearings

Wyckoff, N.J.-- Hearings on Inserra Supermarkets Inc.;s proposal to build a ShopRite at the site of the old A&P on Greenwood Avenue began Wednesday night over the objection of an attorney representing Stop & Shop. 

Wyoming Tribe's Beef Deal with Whole Foods Ends

DENVER-- A deal for the Northern Arapaho Tribe in Wyoming to sell organic, grass-fed beef to Whole Foods Market Inc. has fallen through.

Wild by Nature Spreads Holiday Cheer

Local 1500 Representative Bob Funck recently joined Wild by Nature Local 1500 members in their annual spread of Holiday cheer this month.  Great job by everyone at Wild by Nature!  If you took any photos at any store this Holiday season be sure to send them in!

 

Tuesday Morning Read: Wal-Mart's Marketplace, A New CFO for Fairway,

Image via Wikipedia

"It's time the city - led by the Bronx delegation in the City Council - draws a line in the sand and tells Related it needs to accept that make-or-break [living-wage] provision in a community benefits agreement.."

-Bob Kappstatter, on the need to pay living wages in the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory, in today's Daily News. (From the WFP)

King Kullen and Wild By Nature are among six grocers receiving the 'Green Chill Award' from the EPA.

Wal-Mart's future:
Wal-Mart adds a full grocery store without adding much square footage, without titling it a 'SuperCenter'

Wal-Mart Marketplace: Walmart has partnered with several retailers, enabling the merchants to sell their products at Walmart.com. The program is called Walmart Marketplace. The initial group of retailers selling via Walmart.com includes CSN Stores, eBags and Pro Team.
Read More [WSJ]

Preservationists need help in the fight with Wal-Mart and a Civil War battlefield.

Penn Traffic Co. here said yesterday that Tod A. Nestor, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will leave the company effective Sept. 18 to become the CFO of Fairway Market, the New York-based specialty grocery chain that has been expanding into the suburbs.


Elsewhere, NYC & Politics

Working Families Party: Tell the NYC Council to pass the paid sick days bill 

NY Times Swine Flu editorial.

31,000 legal immigrants' health care will be cut in Massachusetts.

NYC Health Dept Ad campaign targets soda's and sugary sport drinks.

Representative Peter King won't run against Gillibrand, would have run against Kennedy.

Is Spitzer eying a comeback?

New York City OTB, an entity controlled by the state, will file for bankruptcy.

Friday's One Liners...

Image via Wikipedia

Wild by Nature was recognized for entire approach of sustainability and energy efficiency.

Forbes.com looks at the innovation of Michael Cullen in 1930 in the supermarket industry.

The Nation looks at labor, and all the hats it wears.

Pathmark hosts a saving promotion.

Workers for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer, came to the Capitol in Washington today to urge passage of legislation that would make it easier for them to form a union.

Check out more about yesterday's events here.

A Wal-Mart in Minnesota takes steps toward organizing.

Bruno's gets an extension on Final Sale hearing.

And merchants in the city-owned mall beneath the Manhattan Bridge, at 88 East Broadway, have alleged that they are being extorted by the mall's managers, who they say have demanded cash in exchange for leases and lease extensions.

Colorado Updates

King Soopers Inc. and Safeway Inc. will begin advertising Friday to hire replacement workers should unionized workers go on strike after their contract expires May 9.

Safeway Meat workers OK'd a strike.

The CBS affiliate looks at possibilities of a strike.

The Denver Post makes it clear that the companies are ready for temp-job applications.

Business Journal has more on strike preparations.

POLITICO

NY Times sums up the Mayoral Endorsements.

Andrew Lanza is putting finishing touches on a bill to secede Staten Island from New York City.

What does the Specter switch mean for Employee Free Choice?

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