Pages 8-9 Unions: Fighting for Our Values, Rights, and Jobs

UFCW

WINTER 2017 R E C O R D Vol. 65, No. 1

UFCW

WINTER 2017 R E C O R D Vol. 65, No. 1

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, UFCW 370 Seventh Avenue, Suite 501New York, NY 10001

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDKelly Press Inc

Hundreds ofworkers – like thisAutoneum group inSouth Carolina –have won anRWDSU voice.Page 3 & 5

RWDSU members work in a varietyof industries – but our diverse

membership is united in continuingto make progress for working people.

Unions: Fightingfor Our Values,

Rights, and Jobs

Pages 8-9

www.rwdsu.orgPrinted in the USA

What matters is thatwe continue to use ourcollective power tobuild strength at work.

The President may havechanged but our values havenot, and they never will.

Workers Winning

a Union Voice ...

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Around Our Union

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Workers Winning

a Union Voice ...

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NY Elected Offici

als Meet With RW

DSU ...6

Around our Union

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Unions: Fighting

for Workers and J

obs....8-9

UFCW News.......

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RWDSU Scholar

ship Winners......

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Contract News...

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Around Our Union

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Union Plus Benefi

ts ........................

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Health and Safety

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INSIDE THE RECORD

2 VOL. 65 NO. 1 I WINTER 2017

Published by theRETAIL, WHOLESALE & DEPT. STORE UNION, UFCW

370 Seventh Avenue, Suite 501New York, N.Y. 10001212-684-5300

Stuart AppelbaumPresident

Jack Wurm Jr.Sec.-Treasurer

RWDSU RECORDOfficial Publication of the Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union, UFCW

Produced by RWDSUCommunications DepartmentEditor, Levi NaymanCommunications Director, Chelsea Connor

Lenore MillerPresident Emeritus

The objectives of the Retail, Wholesale and DepartmentStore Union are to unite into this organization all workersemployed in its jurisdiction in order to advance and safeguard their economic and social welfare…The Retail,Wholesale and Department Store Union will strive to preserve democratic processes, protect civil liberties, aid inthe adoption of legislation which will promote the economicand social welfare of its members and that of labor in general and to improve the educational, social and culturalstandards of society as a whole. Through unity of purposeand action, through collective bargaining and legislation,the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union isdedicated to the ideal of making the jobs of its membersthe best jobs that can be devised from the point of viewof wages, hours of work, physical conditions and humanrelations. Preamble RWDSU Constitution.

The RWDSU RECORD (ISSN 00337916) is published bythe Retail, Wholesale & Dept. Store Union, UFCW, 370Seventh Avenue, Suite 501, New York, NY 10001. Subscription price: $3.00. Postmaster: Send addresschanges to RWDSU RECORD at 370 Seventh Avenue,Suite 501, New York, NY 10001.

Change of AddressNew Address (Please print)

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Please enclose old address label from this issueof the Record. Please send this form at least twoweeks before moving to:

RWDSU RECORD370 Seventh Avenue, Sute 501

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MESSAGE FROMYOUR OFFICERS

PresidentStuart Appelbaum

Secretary-TreasurerJack Wurm Jr.

Building Strength for All Workers

After a long, divisive election thatfocused on the different opinionsAmericans have on how the coun-try should be run, we have a new

president who is bringing in a new cabinetand implementing a new agenda. As RWDSUmembers – regardless of how we voted – wehave an important thing in common: we areall working people who want the best jobs toprovide for ourselves and our families.

It doesn’t matter whether we supportedClinton, Trump, Sanders, or any of the othercandidates. What matters is that we continueto have a strong voice that rises above the dinof pundits and partisan debate. What mattersis that we continue to use our collective powerto build strength at work, and not allow thatpower to be weakened by those who don’thave our best interests at heart.

That’s why we will continue to stand upfor working people. It’s why we will fightagainst Right-to-Work laws that serve no otherpurpose than to lower our pay and benefits.It’s why we will fight for a strong OSHA toensure that we return home safely after goingto work. And, it’s why we will continue tospeak out against policies that hurt us by try-ing to silence the voices of working people.

The President may have changed but ourvalues have not, and they never will. Allworking women and men, regardless of wherethey come from, or what kind of work theydo, deserve to be treated with dignity, justiceand respect. And we will fight any attempts todeny them. We must bring working peopletogether across their differences and fight forour common interests. And we must standready to fight and organize as a unifiedtwenty-first century labor movement.Because working people desperately needstrong unions. It’s what brings us all together,and it’s much more important than those dif-ferences that some people want to exploit totear us apart.

Our ultimate goal must be an economythat serves all of us instead of just the wealthyfew. We’ll never stop fighting, and we will getthere together. �

What matters is that we continue tobuild our union into a strong advocate forworking people. Union members have higherwages, better benefits, and more job security,and that’s why there’s nothing more importantthan protecting our union voice and buildingon the strength we’ve already acquired.

What happens over the next severalyears will directly affect us; our paychecks,our benefits, our safety at work, our retire-ments, our health care – our very livelihoodscan be hurt or protected depending on whathappens in the political arena.

VOL. 65 NO. 1 I WINTER 2017 3

More than 150 Autoneum work-ers in Aiken, South Carolina,officially became RWDSUSoutheast Council Members

in October after winning their election. Itwas a huge victory for working people inthe South, where it is often a struggle towin union recognition. In fact, this was thethird time workers at the plant – which pro-duces parts for automobile interiors – hadvoted in a union election. And the thirdtime was the charm as they finally securedtheir victory.

It’s never easy organizing in theRight-To-Work South, but workers atAutoneum never gave up in their fight towin the dignity and respect of union mem-bership. For years, they had suffered fromissues at the workplace including lack ofjob security and favoritism that made it dif-ficult to move forward and build a career.

Over 150 in South CarolinaDemand Change and Win

Workers at Autoneumin Aiken, SouthCarolina, celebratefinally winning theirRWDSU voice.

Babeland Workers Win First RWDSU Contract

Last summer, the employees at three New York City Babelandlocations made history as the first adult toy store to win a unionvoice. Now, they’ve made history again as the first workers atan adult toy store to ratify a union contract. Under the new con-

tract, workers will receive general wage increases and adjustments, aswell as signing bonuses and post-probationary wage increases. Mostsignificantly, it’s the first union contract that includes added safety andsecurity trainings and protocols to protect Babeland’s predominatelyLGBTQ and women workforce in this highly emotionally intimateindustry.

“In organizing with the RWDSU, we were able to do togetherwhat we never could have done alone,” said, Phoenix Casino, Receiverat the Babeland Mercer location. “Not only do we have a greater senseof solidarity on the sales floor, but we now also have health benefitsthrough the union, a service that many of us have a dire need for. Wewere able to improve the quality of our lives both in and out of theshop, an accomplishment that we only could have reached with collec-tive action.”

The three-year contract brings annual raises. In addition, moreworkers will be offered 30+ hours a week, and workers will receivecompany-sponsored, union-provided health benefits, that will extendto more employees. Minimum staffing requirements have been imple-mented, and through a newly established Labor-Management Commit-tee there will be more involvement for employees in hiring newmanagers.

“Working for a company that recognizes the particular needs ofthe LGBTQ workforce in this industry is empowering. The history ofunions is inherently tied into the rights of those most marginalized,”said Octavia Wheeler, Sex Educator/Sales Associate at the BabelandRivington location. �

RWDSUWORKERS WINNING A UNION VOICE

“In organizing with theRWDSU, we were able to dotogether what we nevercould have done alone.”

“The company now has to negotiatewith the employees, and that will help themaddress a number of important issues,” saidRWDSU Southeast Council PresidentEdgar Fields.

According to Fields, the employeesreached out to the union because it repre-sents the workers at two Autoneum plantsin Ohio. He said the workers wanted avoice and felt as though they had no input.

He said inconsistent schedulingmade workers’ lives hectic, and theywanted more control over their lives andtheir hours.

“It is a good-paying job, but theywanted a voice in hours and operations,”Fields said. “This win shows these workerscoming together in the plant, to make it abetter place to work for everyone.” �

Babeland workers made history bybecoming the first adult toy store workersto join a union and win a contract.


The holidays are a special time for families toget together and celebrate. But RWDSUmembers know that for some, it can also be atime of hardship. That’s why every holiday

season, RWDSU members give back to help make theholiday season better for needy families in our commu-nities. In addition to food bank efforts throughout thecountry, RWDSU members prepared meals and pro-vided turkeys to help spread the holiday spirit.

Local 338 members donated 250 turkeys to feedfamilies throughout the New York City area. The turkeyswere distributed to food pantries at Suffolk CommunityCollege, Our Lady of Grace in Howard Beach, Queens,The INN in Hempstead, and Project Hospitality on StatenIsland – organizations that go to great lengths to ensurethat families in their communities have a warm holidaymeal.

In New Jersey, Local 108 partnered with RWDSUsupermarkets Extra Supermarket and Food Bazaar to cookmeals to feed thousands of families in Newark and othercities in Essex County. Meals were prepared and served at Clinton Memorial Churchin Newark, along with the bulk of meals which were delivered to area homes, seniorcenters, community centers, and public parks. In addition, Local 108, for the 12th yearin a row, partnered with the Newark Firehouse Program for Children. Local 108helped prepare and serve a home-cooked holiday meal for children in Newark. �

Local 338 members helped provide 250 turkeysfor needy families throughout New York.

Members Come Togetherat Six-State Conference

At the Six-State Conference inCincinnati, Ohio, RWDSU mem-bers from Indiana, Michigan,New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania,

and West Virginia joined together for uniontraining and to focus on political action andorganizing. Shop stewards training sessionsand a health and safety workshop helpedattendees hone their skills so they can bet-ter serve fellow members and help createsafer workplaces. There was also an inter-nal organizing workshop to help bolster thestrength of the union in Right-to-Workstates, and a workshop on the legal respon-sibilities that come with being a union rep-resentative and shop steward. Organizing,both external and internal, was also empha-sized and discussed.

The RWDSU Six-State Conference is held every fall, and brings union members together.

There were a large number of first-time attendees at the conference – a goodsign for the growth and activism of theunion.

“It’s great that we see so many newpeople here,” said RWDSU RegionalDirector Randy Belliel. “When membersstep up and get more involved in theunion, we are all stronger.”

RWDSU President Stuart Appel-baum had a message for those in atten-dance – that union members can fight foreach other better when they stand together.

“We need to stay strong andunited, and most importantly, we need tostay involved. The future for all of us –and working families everywhere –depends on it,” Appelbaum said. �

RWDSUA R O U N D O U R U N I O N

RWDSU Members Give Back

Local 108memberspreparemeals forkids at theNewarkFirehouseProgram forChildren.


RWDSUWORKERS WINNING A UNION VOICE

Workers at Colonnade work hard and have manyissues at their workplace they want to address.

Workers at the Oak Hill health care facility,near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have joinedthe RWDSU. The 65 new members alsoratified their first RWDSU contract,

addressing a number of issues that prompted them tojoin the union, and giving them a voice in the workplacefor the first time.

The three-year contract brings wage and benefitincreases to workers, many of whom had never seenany kind of raises. The contract also greatly improvesmedical benefits and reduces the cost for members.

“The new members stuck together and provedthat workers in this industry can win big improve-ments with a union,” said RWDSU Director of Collec-tive Bargaining Allen Mayne. “In addition to the benefit improvements and havinggrievance procedures in writing, workers are guaranteed wage increases of nine percentover the life of the contract.” �

It’s “Union Yes!” for NJ Maintenance Workers

The ColonnadeApartmentsbuilding in Newark,New Jersey.

The maintenance workers employed at the Colonnade Apartmentsin Newark, New Jersey, have voted unanimously to be repre-sented by RWDSU Local 108. It’s a courageous move for work-ers who have been dealing with a number of issues for years.Workers faced low pay and health and safety issues, and received

no retirement benefits. Many workers reported they were not always paidfor all of the hours they worked.

“I’m happy we won and Local 108 will represent us. We need tobe able to fight for our rights,” said Pedro Parada, a Porter at Colonnade.“The company had been doing whatever they wanted to us and it made ita difficult place to work.”

A typical day for these workers could include building cleanup,painting, plumbing, electrical, AC and refrigeration maintenance. It’s alot of responsibility and a lot of work, and according to Local 108 Presi-dent Charles N. Hall, Jr., they deserve better pay, benefits and workingconditions.

“These workers weren’t being treated with any respect, and theywanted to change that,” Hall said.

Local 108 Representative Patricia Gonzalez said that workers areoften exhausted at the end of their shifts, and deserve better treatment.

“I’m glad they voted and won, and I’m glad they are part of theLocal 108 family and can improve their jobs and their lives,” Gonzalezsaid.

Elva Rodriguez, a janitor at Colonnade, is looking forward tonegotiating a fair contract and changing the environment at her job.

“I feel happy that we now have a union. I am thankful they arehere for us,” Rodriguez said. �

New RWDSU members at A.T. Wallcelebrate joining the union.

www.rwdsu.org

Find us on Facebook — Retail Wholesale and

Department Store Union(RWDSU)

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/rwdsu

New Members Join at A.T. Wall in Rhode Island

In late October, the RWDSU Executive Board met at the RWDSU’sheadquarters in midtown Manhattan, a short walk from whereRWDSU members work at stores including Macy’s, Modell’s, H&M,Zara and Duane Reade, as well as office buildings and supermarkets.

In a city with a vibrant labor movement and thousands of RWDSUmembers, and with political action high on the agenda, it was fitting thatthe two U.S. Senators from New York Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gilli-brand and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio came to speak with theRWDSU Executive Board.

Senator Schumer spoke about his upbringing in Brooklyn and thetradition of union membership and activism in his family. He also said hehas been proud to work with the RWDSU during his entire politicalcareer, going back decades. And, he spoke of the importance of buildinga stronger middle class and creating higher wages for workers.

“We need to get middle-class incomes growing again, raise theminimum wage, and make college more affordable,” Schumer said.

Senator Gillibrand focused on the high cost that a lack of paidfamily leave has on workers and the economy in New York. She said thatPaid Family Leave in New York would be an economic boon for the state,bringing millions of dollars back into the economy that are lost becausepeople can’t earn moneywhile caring for familymembers.

New York CityMayor Bill de Blasio dis-cussed some of the pro-gressive legislation he hassigned into law, includingthe Car Wash Accountabil-ity Act and the GroceryWorker Retention Act, not-ing that the RWDSU ledthe charge for these pro-worker laws. He also dis-cussed his executive orderthat calls for labor har-mony at city-subsidizedNew York City develop-ments

“A strong labormovement is in the public’sinterest, and so are thingslike paid family leave,affordable housing, and ahigher minimum wage,” deBlasio said. �


(l to r)RWDSURecorderJosephDorismond,U.S. SenatorChuckSchumer,and RWDSUPres. StuartAppelbaum.

New York CityMayor Bill deBlasio (right)speaks withRWDSU Mid-SouthCouncil Secretary-Treasurer JamesShackelford (left)and President JohnWhitaker at theExecutive BoardMeeting inOctober.

RWDSU EndorsesMayor Bill de Blasiofor Re-Election

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has pur-sued a progressive agenda during his term,and has signed historic, RWDSU-supportedlegislation that will help car wash and super-

market workers and promote union jobs in city-subsi-dized developments. That’s why in November, theRWDSU announced that it is endorsing New YorkCity Mayor Bill de Blasio for re-election in 2017.

“Mayor Bill de Blasio has earned our respectand our support as an effective leader who has madeprogressive government succeed. His guiding princi-ple is that the city belongs to all of us, not just to thewealthy and powerful,” said RWDSU President StuartAppelbaum.

“De Blasio’s record at City Hall shows realprogressivism in action, and we know he will continueto deliver the leadership our city needs in the monthsand years ahead,” Appelbaum added. �

U.S. Senators, NYC Mayor Meet withRWDSU Executive Board

Hi-Tek car wash workers demanded and won health and safety improvements.

Senator Gillibrand spoke with the Executive Boardabout the importance of paid family leave, whichshe is focusing on in New York.

Car Wash Workers WinSafety Improvements

RWDSU members at Hi-Tek Car Wash in Queens, New York, delivered a letterto their boss demanding health and safety improvements at the workplace,and they got results. They were joined by more than 50 allies from the labormovement and community groups. That included RWDSU Local 1102 and

Local 338, as well as members of Make the Road and New York Communities forChange.

The workers demanded that Hi-Tek provide gloves, goggles and regular train-ings on how to handle dangerous chemicals at the facility. The boss agreed to allow theunion to conduct health and safety classes for the workers, and acknowledged theworkers had a right to equipment to protect their skin and eyes. The demonstration wasa success, displaying the unity of the Hi-Tek workers and the strength of their commu-nity support. �


In September, Local 1102 conducted a Shop Stewardand Union Activist Conference in Long Island, NewYork, to help shop stewards hone their skills and rep-resent Local 1102 members effectively. “Shop Stewards are the day-to-day leaders of

Local 1102,” said Local 1102 President Gemma de Leon.“They provide the representation members need in theworkplace. That’s why it’s important that our shop stew-ards are prepared for whatever comes up at work. We areproud of Local 1102 shop stewards and the services theyprovide.”

Local 1102 stewards came together to learn ways toimprove their grievance investigation, contract interpreta-tion, dispute resolution, and more. Local 1102 officersand union attorneys were on hand to answer questions.

Alfredo Maldonado, Jr. of Tower Owners Inc., said“I am more confident about representing my co-workerson a day-to-day basis after what I learned today.” �

In January, back to back storms killeddozens of people in Georgia andcaused hundreds of millions of dol-lars in damage that has yet to be fully

calculated. Among those displaced andaffected were almost 100 RWDSU fami-lies in Albany, Georgia, where the South-east Council represents workers at theEquity poultry plant.

On Sunday, January 29, theRWDSU Southeast Council sponsored aBBQ to feed affected members, as well asresponders who are helping to rebuild thecommunity.

“RWDSU families have been

Georgia RWDSU BBQ Aids Families After Storms

Local 1102 Stewards Hone Their Skills

Increased Wages for Local 1102Members at Modell’s

Local 1102 Modell’s members have successfully negotiated and ratified a newcontract at the nation’s oldest, family-owned and operated retailer of sportinggoods and apparel. Workers won guaranteed wage increases and maintainedaffordable health insurance plans and pension benefits. Together, members

won a contract in which all advances on scheduling rights, job security, and work-ing conditions were protected.

The three-year contract covers Local 1102 members who work at Modell’sstores in the New York metropolitan area. �

The RWDSU Southeast Council held aBBQ to feed families and first respondersrebuilding after the Georgia storms.


Local 1102 Shop Stewards work in a variety of industries.

without power for basically the whole yearso far, and some have even lost their homesand are living in civic centers, churches, orhotels temporarily,” said Southeast CouncilPresident Edgar Fields. “We wanted toshow the community and RWDSU mem-bers that we are all in this together.”

Southeast Council members volun-teered to cook at the BBQ, and deliveredmeals to affected members. The meals –including ribs and chicken – consisted ofgenuine home-cooked and grilled food.

“We like real food down here, andwe wanted to do what we could to help,”Fields said. �

RWDSU members at Modell’s won a strong new contract.


Unions: Fighting for Ou

We have a new President anda new administration, andit’s their job to work for allof us, regardless of who we

individually voted for. Our union, the RWDSU, is repre-

sentative of America. RWDSU memberscome from diverse backgrounds, have dif-ferent political views, and supported andvoted for many different candidates lastyear. But we all agree that working peopleneed to be respected, and that our rightsneed to be protected. We all agree that wewant better jobs, more security, and aneconomy that works for all of us and sup-ports our families.

That’s what unions are all about.And that’s why we need to continue tomake our voices heard.

President Trump made a lot ofpromises – promises of fighting for work-ing people, creating better jobs, and help-ing put more money in the pockets ofworking families. It’s our job to hold himand other elected officials accountable, andsupport policies that help us while criticiz-ing policies that will hurt us as we try tomove forward and create better lives forourselves and our families. More than ever,we need to make sure that our voice – andthe voices of all working people – areheard by those who are setting our nation’spolicies and writing our nation’s laws.

Important Issues in2017 and BeyondWith President Trump and a majorityRepublican Congress, there are manyimportant issues in play that have thepotential to drastically affect working peo-ple and union members. Here’s what weare paying attention to as the TrumpAdministration and Republicans begin toimplement an agenda that could changethe course of our working lives for manyyears to come.

So-Called “Right-to-Work” Threatens Your Paycheck and BenefitsIt didn’t take long. In early February, theRepublican House introduced a nationalRight-to-Work (RTW) bill that wouldinstitute the law across the country, a mas-sive expansion from a law that currentlygoverns 27 states. RTW laws hurt unionsand silence the voice of workers by mak-ing it more difficult for unions to organizeand maintain strength, and by forcingunions to represent non-union members.

Why should you be worried aboutpotential passage of national Right-to-Work legislation? It’s simple: RTW laws –which are falsely promoted by manage-ment and big business as “pro-worker”laws – do nothing more than drive down

Health and SafetyAlmost 5,000 workers were killed on thejob in 2015, and there were millions ofworkplace injuries and illnesses. As terri-ble as this may sound, the situation is stillmuch improved in the four decades sincethe Occupational Health and SafetyAdministration (OSHA) was created inthe early 1970s, helping to reduce dailyworkplace deaths from 38 to 13. We’vemade incredible progress since the darkdays before OSHA.

Safe workplaces are a basic humanright; nobody should be injured or killedby simply going to work to provide forthemselves and their families. But already,we see some troubling indications that

workers’ standards of living. These lawsbenefit bosses and businesses and hurtworkers, which is why bosses and busi-nesses support them.

Wages in RTW states are 3.2 per-cent lower than states without these laws.In fact, a worker in a non-RTW statemakes $1,500 more annually than aworker in a RTW state. Workers enjoyemployer-sponsored pensions five percentless in RTW states, and are 2.6 percentless likely to have employer-sponsoredhealthcare.

It’s not exactly a mystery whybosses and allies of the super-rich supportRTW laws. These laws help make the richricher and contribute to the decliningwealth of America’s working families. Wemust do whatever we can to fight thenational RTW law Republicans have intro-duced, and protect workers’ right to union-ize and make their jobs better.

Right to Work doesnothing more thandrive down workers’pay and benefits.


r Our Values, ur Rights, Our Jobs

Across the U.S., the RWDSU and its members will continuefighting for better jobs and a strong voice for working people.

after years of incremental progress, OSHAwill not be an effective advocate for healthand safety for workers under the newadministration. President Trump hasfrozen implementation of all new regula-tions, delaying a new beryllium rule withthe potential to protect 62,000 Americanworkers from risks linked to workplaceexposure to beryllium, a material that cancause lung disease. And while Trump hasyet to nominate a new head of OSHA, hispick for various positions so far haveshown a disregard for workers in favor ofbig business and profits. And beforebecoming President, Trump was finednumerous times for health and safety vio-lations by his own company and the con-tractors he hires.

An NLRB That Doesits Job for WorkersThe National Labor Relations Board wascreated in the 1930s to protect workers’rights to organize, and to ensure that laborlaw is being followed both by unions andmanagement. The NLRB is responsible forinvestigating and identifying violations oflabor law, and making sure union electionsare fair and valid. Unfortunately, duringRepublican presidential administrations,the NLRB tends to slant the playing fieldunfairly in the direction of management,making it more difficult for workers to wina union voice, and making it more difficultto hold employers accountable for violat-ing workers’ rights and breaking labor law.A fair and effective NLRB is important inensuring that union elections are con-ducted fairly and on a level playing field,and we need to demand that it continues toserve the purpose it was created for.

Continuing to Makeour Voices HeardPresidents may change, but as workingpeople in a union, our values never will.We must remain committed to fighting forour rights, our families, our jobs, and ourlives. We need to continue to fight forsafer workplaces, and to defend the gainswe have made which have saved countlesslives of workers. We need to continue ourfight against Right-to-Work laws that havebeen crafted by those who want us to getpaid less, have worse benefits, and want todestroy unions so that workers have novoice on the job and no way to push backagainst unfair treatment. We need to standup to efforts to diminish the gains that we

Presidents may change,but as working peoplein a union, our values

never will.

– and those before us – have made overdecades so that we can build better livesfor ourselves and create strong familiesand a middle-class that ensures workingpeople can live the life of decency anddignity we all deserve.

It’s not about political party, per-sonal beliefs, or who we vote for. It’s muchbigger than that. We don’t want workers tofall behind, and we want an economy thatserves all of us. And regardless of who ispresident or which political party is in themajority, we are going to hold our leadersaccountable and never back down in thefight for workers’ rights. �


Cannabis Workers in Pasadena Join UFCW

Workers at two cannabis dispensaries inPasadena, Calif., joined Local 770 inDecember. The workers are employed at

UFD Apothecary and Golden State Collective.UFCW Local 770 is already the largest union of

dispensary employees in Southern California, andthe addition of the two Pasadena shops marks thelocal union’s first successful organizing of dispen-saries located beyond the city of Los Angeles.

The new union members are excited to enjoythe advantages of a union job. Bernice Caro, anemployee at UFD Apothecary, said: “I voted to joinLocal 770 to ensure my rights on the job are pro-tected, and to win better wages and benefits formy future.”

“Having a union will allow us to have our voicesheard,” said Nalleli Santiago, an employee at Golden StateCollective. “By negotiating a contract, we will have securityin our workplace while being a part of a bigger teamdevoted to caring for patients.”

The United Food and Commercial Workers International www.ufcw.org

Pinnacle Foods Workers Ratify New Contract

In October, members of UFCW Local 617 ratified a new five-year agreementwith Pinnacle Foods in Fort Madison, Iowa. UFCW Local 617 representsover 400 hourly employees at the Pinnacle Foods Fort Madison Armour Star

facility.The new contract provides significant wage increases for all employees

over the life of the contract, including a much faster progression for new hires.The contract also protects pensions for current and future employees, and con-tinues to provide quality, affordable healthcare with no increase in deductibles,copays or out of pocket maximums for the life of the agreement. Otherimprovements include increased medical leave, and faster 401(k) eligibility withauto enrollment and company match.

Golden State Collectiveworkers are excited to wintheir union voice.

Tyson Fresh Meats Workers Ratify New Contract

On Nov. 20, 2,400 workers at the Tyson Fresh Meats porkprocessing plant in Waterloo, Iowa, ratified a new contract.The workers are members of UFCW Local 431.

The new five-year contract includes $2.60 in wage increasesfor the five-year term of the contract, with $1.10 per hour uponratification; $.50 per hour wage increases in years two and three;and $.25 per hour wage increase in years four and five. The con-tract also includes an additional paid holiday, and increases vaca-tion leave to four weeks after ten years of employment.

Local 31 President Jerry Messer said the contract was “ateam effort between UFCW Local 431, our bargaining committee, our

members and UFCW International to help close the wage gap in the pork industry.”Pork processing workers at Tyson in Iowacelebrate their new contract.

From Around theNews

Local 1500 Serves up Union Voice at Hale & Hearty

Hale & Hearty serves up soup for lunch for thousands of people in New York Cityevery day. Now, 56 workers at a Hale & Hearty commissary in Brooklyn, New York,will be serving the chain’s trademark quality soups as UFCW Local 1500 members.

The workers there won their organizing drive in late October.Donald Torres, who has worked at Hale & Hearty for two

years said, “We all just felt that we deserved better. We wantto have a voice and to build a better life working here.”

Tony Speelman, president of UFCW Local 1500, said “Iwant to congratulate the hard-working men and women atHale & Hearty for joining us at Local 1500. Our entire unionis proud of them and admires their courage. We look for-ward to building a relationship with Hale & Hearty, and work-ing together to find ways to benefit workers and the company

together. By working together we will improve their lives and makeHale & Hearty into a better and more successful company.”

The cannabis industry in California is expandingthanks to recent legislation, and Local 770 isexpanding its organizing efforts.


RWDSU Scholarship WinnersKnow Union Difference

Alana Bennett is the daughter ofNikisha Houston, a Mid-SouthCouncil member who works atSterilite, Inc., in Alabama. She is afreshman at Alabama Agriculturaland Mechanical University and hermajor is Political Science.

“The RWDSU has fought alongsidegreat leaders including MartinLuther King, Jr., in its history. Theunion has ensured historic paidholidays for King’s birthday, andMuslim holiday Eid-Al-Fitr. The

union looks out for its members, like my mother, who gets fair pay and a safe work-place even among heavy machinery.”

Cassandra Buck is the daughter ofNick Buck, a Local 835 member atPerfection Bakeries in Indiana. Buckis a freshman at Indiana State Uni-versity where she is studying SpeechLanguage Pathology.

“Unions not only benefit union mem-bers, they benefit all workers becausethey have raised standards and wagesfor everyone. Because of unions,workers are able to live better lives.With his good union job, my fatherhas been able to create college funds

for myself and my younger sister, and also provide my family with a house and a car.”

Andrew Capriglione is the son ofRalph Capriglione, a Local 338member employed at DeCiccos.Andrew is a freshman at Bingham-ton University in upstate New York,and is a pre-med student majoring inBiology.

“Whether being a member of asports team or a club at school, thefeeling of belonging is unmatched.Having support means you canalways put your best foot forward,and especially now, having a sup-

port network brings value for working people. Unions provide job security, better payand benefits, and creates a relationship with the employer based upon respect.”

Shannon Murphy is the daughter ofKevin Murphy, a Local 513 memberat Pepsi in Canton, Massachusetts.Shannon is a freshman at the Univer-sity of Massachusetts Boston, andshe is studying Engineering Physics.

“During high school, I went toGuatemala on a Mission trip, and itopened my eyes to the poverty,exploitation, and poor working con-ditions of workers there. It was astark contrast to my father, who tellsme about the difference the union

makes with his job at Pepsi. The union has workers’ backs. He also has a strong pen-sion and doesn’t have to worry as much about retirement. My family is thankful formy father’s good job and union membership.”

Emily Perrin is the daughter ofDavid Perrin, a Local 110 memberwho works at Quaker Oats in CedarRapids, Iowa. Perrin is majoring inRadiation Sciences at the Universityof Iowa.

“Watching the news, you see con-stant exploitation of workers bycompanies like Walmart, with poorpay and benefits. These employeeshave no control over raises, health-care or pensions. Without unionrepresentation, what incentive

would a company have to treat workers better? Union representation protects workersfrom unfair treatment, and I hope when I enter the workforce I can become a unionmember like so many in my family.”

Tyler Skriba’s mother, Beth Steven-son, and stepfather, William Steven-son, are Local 86 members whowork at Michigan Milk ProducersAssociation. Tyler is a sophomore atCentral Michigan University and is aMechanical Engineering Technologymajor.

“The union has helped my familyrepeatedly, and the most importantbenefit has been job security. Theunion has ensured that my familyhas stable income, and that my par-

ents have been able to depend on their jobs. The union has ensured a steady incomeand food on our table, and we are grateful for that. When unions are there for work-ers, and when workers stand together, companies large and small have to respecttheir power.” �

Six young men and women – all children of RWDSU members– have won the annual RWDSUAlvin E. Heaps Scholarship. The scholarship, named after former RWDSU President Al Heaps(1919-1986), promotes higher education for RWDSU families and recognizes scholastic

performance and an understanding of the difference union membership has made in their lives, andhow unions can help all working families. The $1,000 award will help them further their education.


Cooper RiverLocal 108New Jersey

RWDSU Local 108 members at Cooper River Nursing Home in Pennsauken,New Jersey, love their jobs and the people they serve, but they had issues in theworkplace and were worried about the quality of care they could provide asworkloads increased. Now, these workers have won their first contract, improv-ing both their jobs and the level of service they can provide.

Members won wage increases, secured medical coverage with no cost tomembers, and the company will establish a 401K plan for members. There willalso be an increase in starting pay for new hires.

During preparations for negotiations, RWDSU Representatives DanieTarrow and Ousman Ngokana played a major role in communicating withmembers and conducting research before heading into sessions. Ngokana alsospent a great deal of time at the facility surveying members to get a betterunderstanding of issues at Cooper River.

“I am very proud of the members here, and the work that Danie andOusman did beforehand. The members were strong and united throughout thenegotiations. We discussed many of the problems in the facility that affected thequality of life on the job,” said Local 108 President Charles N. Hall, Jr. “Thecommittee stood firm until they had a package on the table they felt was fair.” �

Quaker OatsLocal 110

Iowa

A $1,500 signing bonus and yearlywage increases are among theimprovements won by Local 110members in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.The Quaker Oats workers ratifieda new three-year agreement thatcalls for improvements to thevacation eligibilities, vacationbonus for members with over 25years of service, and implementsday-at-a-time vacation usage.

The contract also restrictsthe company from requiringovertime on weekends, andimproves the new hire progres-sion rates, where some employees will receive wageincreases from $1.91 an hour to $2.46 an hour depending on their time in theprogression.

Improvements were also made to the short-term disability benefits and tothe shoe and clothing allowances and a perfect attendance bonus was added.

Serving on the Local 110 Bargaining Committee were President ShaneForbes, Secretary-Treasurer Jason Sennett, Recorder Phil Ondler, 1st VP BobDixon, 2nd VP Kelly Bos, 3rd VP Mark Woldruff, Health and Safety DirectorKelly Cavalier, and RWDSU Rep. Roger Grobstich. �

Fresh MarkMid-South Council

Ohio

RWDSU Mid-South Council members at the Fresh Mark meatpacking plant inSalem, Ohio, ratified a new four-year contract that includes wage increaseswith no increase in medical insurance premiums. The RWDSU represents 830workers in production, maintenance and sanitation at the plant.

Members will also receive a $1,100 lump sum for base-rate pay employ-ees while employees out of the progression will be paid a $400 lump sum basedon adjustments and classifications. Workers with at least two years of servicewill receive an additional paid personal/sick day.

Fresh Mark produces bacon and spiral hams, and is a supplier to nationalfood chains. �

RWDSU C O N T R A C T N E W S

Workers were united and won big improvements at Cooper River.

Serving on the negotiatingcommittee were (l to r) RWDSUFresh Mark officers PresidentJeff Kidder, Sec-Treas. LindaAmmon, Recorder Sue Phillis,and VPs Scott Anderson andLarry Caliguire. They wereassisted by RWDSU CBADirector Allen Mayne, CollectiveBargaining Rep. Danie Tarrow,and RWDSU Rep. Fred Jimenez.


Aris HorticultureLocal 595

Florida

RWDSU Local 595 members in Fort Meyers, Florida, rati-fied a new three-year agreement with their employer, ArisHorticulture. The new contract improves wages and bene-fits for membership, which has been growing thanks tointernal organizing efforts at the local, which recently cele-brated its 50-year anniversary.

Workers at Aris produce high quality ornamentalplant products including Keepsake Azaleas, tropicalTradeWinds Hibiscus and Hydrangeas. �

Stony Brook UniversityLocal 1102

New York

Over 300 Local 1102 Stony BrookUniversity food service workershave won a hard-fought contractwith their new employer, Sodexo.The company tried to ramp upthe cost of healthcare for unionemployees while rolling backother benefits. Union membersstuck together throughout thecampaign and were aided bystudents on the Stony Brookcampus. Student activistsmounted their own protestsdisavowing the treatment of1102 members and demanding afair contract, and members from throughout the RWDSU came out insupport during the long contract negotiations. Now, workers at Stony Brook willbe able to maintain affordable healthcare and keep their benefits. �

Keepsake Azaleas are among the beautiful flowers grown by Aris members.

Stony Brook foodservice workersprotected their benefits.

Aris Horticultureworkers celebratetheir new contract.

CanteenLocal 513Massachusetts

Local 513 members at Canteen Refreshments won 5.5 percent in wage increases,improvements in their pension, and more paid sick days thanks to their new five-year contract. In addition, drivers and mechanics will all receive a phone allowance,and all employees will now receive one week of paid vacation after a year, animprovement over the old prorated system. And, workers at Canteen will now onlyneed to work two years before reaching the top pay rate instead of four.

“We stood together and we won a strong contract,” said Canteen employeeVictor Vera. �

RWDSU C O N T R A C T N E W S

Dean FoodsLocal 1808

Nebraska

RWDSU Local 1808 members in Lin-coln, Nebraska, ratified a new four-yearagreement with Dean Foods Transporta-tion, Inc. The new contract wasapproved overwhelmingly by its ware-house and logistics transportation mem-bers. The new agreement calls for a$2.10 hourly increase in pay over theterm and improvements were made inpension benefits and vacation schedul-ing and eligibility. A contract highlightis the move to the RWDSU Health andprescription, Dental and Vision Plans.The medical, dental and vision contri-butions were frozen for the first twoyears of the new agreement.

Members of the BargainingCommittee were Robert Laws, Presi-dent of Local 1808, Dennis Williams,Sr. Business Representative of the Cen-tral States Council and Roger Grob-stich, RWDSU Representative. �


The Local 338 members who work at CommunityResources on Staten Island, New York, are an incrediblyimportant resource in their community. These hardwork-ing men and women give all they can every day by caring

for developmentally disabled patients. However, despite their dedi-cation, Community Resources has refused to negotiate a fair con-tract which values their hard work and allows them to provide fortheir own families.

In November, Local 338 members were joined by union alliesand concerned members of the community at a rally to demand a faircontract that provides dignity and respect. Many of these men andwomen spoke to the crowd about their love for their jobs and the peo-ple who they care for, as well as the positive impact improved wageswould have on their families. Angela Tronolone, a Local 338 ShopSteward at Community Resources said, “My work is very important tome. Many of my coworkers have been here a long time, caring for themen and women who rely on Community Resources and we’ve earnedthe fair contract we demand.” �

NY Members Demand: Be Fair to Those who Care

Union activists and the community are rallyingbehind Community Resources workers.


RWDSU E L E C T I O N S

DCX-CHOL EnterprisesLocal 835

Indiana

On Wednesday, November 9, 2016, Local 835 members who work atSMI Division of DCX-CHOL Enterprises, Inc. in Fort Wayne, Indi-ana, held their officer elections. Elected to new two-year terms ofoffice were Dianna Black, Chairwoman; Delores Fitts, Vice-Chair-woman; and Cynthia Cooper-Echols, Chief Steward. There are 47workers in the division who manufacture wire harnesses that are usedin harsh environments such as war fighter equipment, off road vehi-cles, space vehicle lift equipment and communication satellites. �

left to right)Dianna Black,Delores Fitts,and CynthiaCooper-Echols.

Central States Council Officers

Iowa

Officers for theRWDSU CentralStates Council wereelected at a meetingrecently which alsohosted an advancedsteward trainingclass conducted bythe University ofIowa Labor Cen-ter’s Paul Iversen.

Elected at themeeting were (pictured, from left to right) Central StatesCouncil President Roger Grobstich, Trustee Zach Larson, Recorder SaMatha Robin-son, Trustee Ed Wright, Secretary-Treasurer Carla Smith, First Vice-President TravisGarton, and Trustee Chris Kerns. Central States Council Bookkeeper Cindy Chanswore in the new officers. �

Holsum BakeryLocal 835

Indiana

In January, Local 835 members whomake up the Production and Mainte-nance employees at Holsum Bakeryin Fort Wayne, Indiana, held theirUnit Officer Election. Elected totwo-year terms were Charles Even,Chairman; Kevin Degitz, Vice Chair-man; and James Goodpaster, ChiefSteward. Pictured left to right areJames Goodpaster, Charles Even,and Kevin Degitz. �


RWDSUH E A LT H A N D S A F E T Y G U I D E


We Remain Committed toKeeping Workers Safe

More Information

Contract language and the access to information available under the NLRB can be very valuable in addressing health and safety issues in our workplaces. For more information about this and other related issues

contact your Health and Safety Department at (212) 684-5300. �

New presidential administrations always bring changes,and there will be changes in the coming few yearsrelated to OSHA and its enforcement priorities. But thebasic points of how we improve health and safety in our

workplaces will not change. While OSHA can be useful inaddressing workplace hazards, actions we take with our coworkerscan bring quicker results and be more far reaching.

When your health and safety department responds to mem-bers’ health and safety concerns we first talk to the experts, thefolks doing the job every day. You have the knowledge of theworkplace and valuable insights on how to make your work safer.And once we identify the hazard, we can work together to reduceor eliminate it because injuries don’t happen if we are not exposedto hazards.

When workers discuss why they want to join a union,health and safety is always a big reason. And over the years,unions have consistently led the way to reduce exposure toasbestos, lead, silica, chemicals, bloodborne pathogens, and otherhazards. But even more importantly your union brothers and sis-ters have your back for write ups, harassment and speaking upabout safety. Sure, OSHA says retaliation for health and safetyactivity is illegal, but their protection is weaker and slower thanwhat we can do through grievances. And we can increase ourstrength by developing and winning effective contract provisions.

Workers must remainunited and continueto demand safeworkplaces.

Spread the Word, and Build Strength

Too often folks keep these issues to themselves. They think theyare the only one experiencing an exposure problem at work. But ifit is a problem for you there is a good chance others are affected aswell. Injuries should be reported and recorded, and we need to stayin touch and support our coworkers who are away from work withan injury.

Health and safety is a good issue to help build the strengthof our union, because it is a very important to us. None of us go towork to come home injured. As a union we have the knowledge,experience and power to make a difference, and this message canresonate with potential members who have seen health and safetyissues go unaddressed first-hand.

We are so fortunate to have the full support of the leaders ofthe RWDSU. We have had a full-time Health and Safety Directorand active department for over 30 years. Not all unions have donethis. RWDSU has because we have always been strongly commit-ted to our members’ safety and health at work. This is not chang-ing, and it never will.

An Honor and aPrivilege

After nearly 17 years headingthe RWDSU Health andSafety department, I amretiring in late March. It has

been such an honor and privilege towork with all of you and be a part ofthe RWDSU family. Together we haveaccomplished so much to be proud of.And that will continue. We are activelylooking for a new full-time director tocarry our mission forward.

Thank you again for your deepfriendship, support, and commitment.Best wishes to all of you!

In Solidarity,Steve Mooser

Documents

Pages 8-9 Unions: Fighting for Our Values, Rights, and Jobs