2008 General Election News

UFCW Local 5 members led the way in changing the face of American politics by electing pro-worker candidates from local boards and commissions all the way to the White House on November 4. Local 5 members were key players in the complete transformation of the way business will be conducted in the political arena for decades to come. Workers will no longer be an afterthought when decisions are made about the way the country is run, they will be direct participants in those discussions.

The victory that took place on election day could not have happened without the thousands of conversations that took place at work about the need for change.  Local 5 members stood up, spoke with co-workers, walked precincts, worked at phone banks, posted and delivered yard signs and literature and took on a host of other assignments crucial to securing the most positive change for workers in decades. Local 5 members should be proud of their role in making this a better country for everyone.

In addition to political action at the local level, the union  dispatched rank and file members and staff to the battle ground states of Michigan and Ohio. The effort was worth it. Both states went for Obama, ensuring his overwhelming election to the highest office in the land. The Local congratulates and thanks the members and staff, who volunteered to go back east and be away from their families for extended periods, to make this historic election possible.

Local 5 members Tamara Perrine (l) and Sylvia Pino (r) are presented with Alameda Labor Council jackets by Council Secretary-Treasurer Sharon Cornu (Center) for their get out the vote efforts in the 2008 election season.

Historic change is on the ballot November 4 and Local 5 is pulling out all the stops to guarantee that change wins after the last vote is cast. The union is mobilizing members and their families, stewards and allies to make phone calls, walk precincts and otherwise educate voting members about the importance of this election.

The union has sent members and staff back to battle ground states to make sure the vote is on the level and that the 2000 Florida and 2004 Ohio debacles are not repeated.

This election will have ramifications for generations to come. Become part of history! Volunteer to help out in the last days of the campaign. Do something you can be proud of. Familiarize yourself with the union's endorsements and visit the Politics section of the site for get out the vote opportunities.

2008 Stewards Conference a Huge Success

Members of Local 5's Nail and Hair Care Division were active participants at the stewards meeting.

UFCW 5's second annual shop stewards conference was a huge success due to the participation of rank and file leaders and a well prepared agenda.

A large part of the program was dedicated to political issues since so much is riding on the election that will effect shop floor matters. Stewards discussed the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and how to get it passed. EFCA will usher in a new era in union organizing and is key to the survival of the labor movement and the wages, health and welfare and justice it provides.

If you are interested in becoming a shop steward contact your union representative. Benefits include representing your co-workers and the use of a dedicated stewards page on this site.

 

Local 5 Wins Big in Tracy Organizing Drive

Local 5's Organizing Department has achieved its largest organizing victory since its inception in January 2007. Workers at Triple E Produce in Tracy voted overwhelmingly on Friday October 11 to become members of Local 5 by a 140-40 vote.

Triple E processes tomatoes for commercial and institutional uses.

the union looks forward to negotiating a contract with the employer to better the conditions at the company and welcomes our new sisters and brothers!

City of Alameda Passes Big Box

Ordinance

In the small hours of September 17th the Alameda City Council unanimously passed an ordinance banning supercenters from doing business on the island. After much testimony and debate the Council voted 5-0 to implement the ban.

The Alameda ordinance will ban stores of 90,000 square feet or more with over 10% grocery from opening. With Alameda in the process of redeveloping some of the only large tracts of land left in northern Alameda County this is a significant victory and will protect union jobs well into the future.

Alameda Mayor Beverly Johnson and Council Members DeHaan, Mataresse, Tam and Gilmore deserve the thanks of the union for standing up against significant opposition to do the right thing.

Stewards Conference Set for
October 7

Local 5 stewards will gather on October 7 in San Jose to set course for 2009.

If you are interested in learning more about the steward's program please contact your area coordinator.

Wal Mart Attempts to Coerce Employees from Voting for Obama

Just when you thought Wal Mart could not possibly do anything to make itself look worse it does. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), not exactly a proponent of worker's rights, reports that the company has been training its district managers to instruct store managers and store employees to vote against Barack Obama and other supporters of workers in the November election.

Company management has been advised to tell workers that they should vote against Obama and other Democrats on the ballot because they do not care about them or their issues. Wal Mart is actually concerned that a Democratic majority in the congress and Obama in the White House will force the company to do the right thing in terms of health benefits, pensions and unionization. Hopefully, Wal Mart workers will see through this charade and vote their own interests come November.

To sign a petition calling for an investigation into Wal Mart's outrageous behavior click here.

Nob Hill Contract Ratified by Large Margin

On June 11 ballots were counted at headquarters in San Jose to determine whether the membership at Nob Hill was in favor of the agreement negotiated by the union with the company for a new contract. The result of the vote count was a resounding 88% in favor to ratify. The new agreement raises wages (which will be paid retroactively), improves benefits in all job categories and will move the company toward a one clerk model slowly phasing out food clerks and GMC's and replacing them with "all-purpose clerks."

UFCW Local 5 President Ron Lind commented after the vote "This contract took months to negotiate due to the complicated nature of the issues involved. It is a tribute to the patience of the members at Nob Hill and their support that we were able to get to an agreement that protects the wages, benefits and working conditions of existing members and establishes a fair system for future hires to flourish by. We are proud of this agreement and that is reflected in the vote by the membership"

2008 Convention Delegates Elected

After a two month process of nominations and elections delegates to the 2008 UFCW convention in Montreal have been selected. Your delegates to the UFCW's policy setting forum are: Ron Lind, Rich Benson, Tony Alexander, Terry Gonzales, Esai Alday, Della Garcia, Carl Nakano, Barbara Jennings, Jack Landes, Pete Maturino, Laurie Mesa, Mike Henneberry, Gerardo Dominguez, Tim Hamann, Pete Derenale, John Nunes, John May, Lenny Ortega, George Landers, Dan Collins, John Rowe, Jay Kline, Todd Tamone, Bob Siirilla and Gregg Davidson. Due to the retirement of Gregg Davidson next highest vote getter Rick Gomez will attend in his place.

A UFCW convention is held every five years and is responsible for setting policy for the union.

Tentative Agreement Reached With Nob Hill

Union negotiators announced recently that a tentative agreement for a new contract has been reached with Nob Hill.

This agreement comes after months of negotiations with the grocery store operator. Material will be mailed with details of the pact and informational meetings will be held as follows: Salinas Thursday May 29, 9AM and 7PM, Santa Cruz Friday May 30, 9AM and 7PM, Hayward Tuesday June 3, 9AM and 7PM, Vallejo Wednesday June 4, 9AM and 6PM and Martinez Thursday June 5, 8.30AM and 7PM.

Local 5 President Ron Lind noted "In this case negotiations went on for what seemed like forever and the talks presented what looked like insurmountable obstacles. Due to the fortitude shown by the members at Nob Hill we were able to reach an agreement which we are confident the membership will embrace."

If you have questions please contact your union representative.

Second Annual Local 5 Scholarship Applications Available

As graduating seniors and returning students make plans for Fall of '08 Local has announced that its second annual scholarship program is accepting applications.

Applications are due in the San Jose office by the close of business on July 1, 2008. Please click here to download the form or see the May-June newsletter for more information.

Legal and Worker's Comp Advice for Local 5 Members

Members needing advice on legal matters or issues involving worker's comp may consult with seasoned attorneys at Local 5's San Jose office

Worker's comp advice is available on the first Wednesday of the month and legal advice is available on the fourth Tuesday of the month. In order to schedule an appointment please contact Debra Herrera at the San Jose office.

Amusement Park Tickets Have Arrived

All work and no play makes for a dull existence. Liven things up by taking advantage of Local 5's discount tickets to various theme parks throughout California. Click here for a list of venues and prices

New Steward's Page Added to Website

A new page has been added to the Local 5 website for the use of shop stewards. In order to access this page for updates and other timely news items simply click on "Stewards" in the left hand column.

Upcoming Events

Spring has started off to be a very busy season. Upcoming events include Cinco De Mayo events in San Jose and Tulare on May 4, the A's vs. the Giants at ATT Park on June 13 and retirement seminars in San Jose and Martinez on June 23 and 24. For information on any of these events contact the San Jose office.

Independent Food Stores Ratify New Agreements

Local 5 members working in independent food stores from Napa to King City have voted on and approved new four year collective bargaining agreements. The contracts, based on the Safeway settlement, have been overwhelmingly ratified at over ninety five percent of the independents represented by the union.

Independent stores operate in formats across the spectrum, from single-person grocery stores and warehouse operations to full sized gourmet-style stores. 

Nob Hill Negotiations Progress

Local 5 and Nob Hill stores continue to meet and confer over a new collective bargaining agreement. Discussions have been ongoing since the beginning of the year, and while progress is slow it is being made. President Ron Lind had this to say about the talks: "We are confident that we will have an agreement to present to the membership soon. The solidarity being shown in the stores continues to give us the strength at the table to fight for an exceptional contract."

For further details on the talks please contact your union representative.

 

Kirk Kearn Hangs up His Knives

Kirk Kearn wrapped up thirty-six years in the grocery industry on February 29, 2008. Kirk planned on being a meat cutter for “a couple of years” but ended up working in and managing meat departments, primarily at Lucky stores, for thirty years. For the balance of his career he worked as a union rep and Secretary-Treasurer at UFCW 120 and then as a rep at Local 5. By everyone’s account Kirk did an excellent job in the meat department and in safeguarding the interests of the UFCW members he represented.

Kirk will be missed by all the members he served and by the people he worked with. Local 5 wishes Kirk well upon his retirement.  Kirk will continue to live in Fremont with his wife Linda.

SPUR Training-Orientation Set for March 11 and 12

Location and Time to be Determined

Members who wish to be considered as candidates to serve as SPURS must attend a SPUR orientation-training meeting on March 11 or 12. Meetings will be held both days to accommodate as many applicants as possible. SPURs are rank and file members who agree to take time off the job to perform various union related tasks. At the end of the assignment members return to their jobs with full seniority intact.  SPUR is an acronym for Special Project Union Representative.

If you have any questions regarding the SPUR program please click  here or contact

Kelly Martinez Research:
UFCW 5 240 S. Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
408-998-0428

Tony Alexander, Political Director UFCW 5
240 S. Market St
San Jose California 95113
408 998-0428 Ext 214

UFCW ENDORSES OBAMA

Statement by Joe Hansen

President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

Washington — For the 1.3 million members of the United Food and Commericial Workers Union (UFCW), the 2008 Presidential election is about restoring the American dream for America’s workers. UFCW members are energized to seize this opportunity to change America and restore the American Dream for workers and their families.

The UFCW has a powerful presence and a strong organization in key primary states such as Wisconsin, Hawaii, Texas and Ohio. We are the largest union of young workers with more than forty percent of our members under the age of thirty. Senator Obama’s message of changing hope into reality has inspired our members, particularly our young members, across the country.

We have the utmost respect for Senator Clinton and her tireless efforts on behalf of working people. And while both Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have a vision to change America, we believe that Senator Obama is the best candidate to build a movement to unite our country that will deliver the type of change that is needed – for good jobs, affordable health care, retirement security and worker safety.

Our country requires a change—change that restores America to a place of opportunity and security, where hard work is respected and those who do it are protected.

Our country requires change that brings the security working people require to improve their lives and the lives of their children and grandchildren.

Senator Obama understands the needs of working people. As a community organizer, he understands that America must restore the balance between working America and corporate America. He will fight to level the playing field on behalf of workers across our country. He will fight to regain the rights and protections workers have lost after too many years of the Bush Administration.

UFCW will be mobilizing, organizing and energizing our members, their friends and families to make Senator Obama not just the Democratic nominee, but the next President of the United States.

We are talking about the dreams of meatpackers and food processors working long hours to ensure that the dreams of their sons and daughters for college and a better life become a reality. We are talking about giving life to the dreams of cashiers and clerks in retail and grocery stores. That is what this election is about. It is about the dreams of hard working people across this country. Men and women who deserve to have their elected officials work as hard as they do.

It is Senator Obama who is best positioned, and who has the best policies, to make these dreams a reality. Senator Obama is the candidate of the American dream.

###

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) represents more than 1.3 million workers, primarily in the retail and meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries. The UFCW protects the rights of workers and strengthens America’s middle class by fighting for health care reform, living wages, retirement security, safe working conditions and the right to unionize so that working men and women and their families can realize the American Dream. For more information about the UFCW’s effort to protect workers’ rights and strengthen America’s middle class, visit www.ufcw.org.

UFCW News Service www.ufcw.org

Tragedy Strikes Napa Lucky Member

UFCW 5 member Maria Avina was the victim of an unforeseen family tragedy early on February 4. That morning a fire swept through her mother’s house killing her mother, her boyfriend of sixteen years and her two nephews. Sister Avina is now responsible for laying her family to rest.

Maria has been a member of the union for seventeen years and works at Luckys in Napa. The union extends its heartfelt condolences to her and asks members who are able to do so to lend a hand.

Members wishing to assist Sister Avina with this tragic loss can contact the Redwood Credit Union (1705 First street, Napa, CA 94559) and inquire about the Castanon Memorial Fund.

The 2008 UFCW Scholarship application is now available!

Your union is about more than your paycheck and benefits. The UFCW is about workers coming together to build better lives for ourselves. It's about creating opportunity.

That's why each year the UFCW awards several scholarships of up to $8,000 each to UFCW members or their unmarried dependents.

The scholarship application will be available January 15 - March 15, 2008.

Click here to learn more and apply today!

UFCW News Service January 29, 2008

With the 2008 elections gearing up, the UFCW is proud to announce the launch of www.VoteUFCW.org , a new political site dedicated to the 2008 Presidential Election and the issues that matter to working Americans.

On www.VoteUFCW.org , you can find: Information on the candidates and where they stand on the issues

Videos, pictures, and quotes from UFCW members and candidates talking about issues matter to them

 

Election results and primary dates

Voter registration information

More ways to get involved

No doubt many of you are already mobilizing members and taking action. Please consider the VoteUFCW website as another tool to help educate, involve and mobilize members in these important elections this fall.

Our voice. Our vote. Let's make it count! www.VoteUFCW.org.

STEWARDS JANUARY QUARTERLY MEETINGS

SAN JOSE AREA
SAN JOSE OFFICE
JANUARY 16, 2008
9 AM & 6:30 PM

HAYWARD AREA
HAYWARD OFFICE
JANUARY 15, 2008
9:30 AM & 6:30 PM

MARTINEZ AREA
MARTINEZ OFFICE
JANUARY 15, 2008
9 AM & 7 PM

MONTEREY AREA
JANUARY 15, 2008
11 AM

SALINAS AREA
JANUARY 16, 2008
11 AM

SANTA CRUZ AREA
JANUARY 23, 2008
11 AM

VALLEJO AREA
JANUARY 16, 2007
5 PM

Local 5 Safeway Members Ratify New Contract

Local 5 members ratified the latest Safeway contract at a vote tallied in Martinez on December 27. By a margin of 93% Safeway workers indicated their support for the pact.

The ratification of the Safeway deal caps over five months of food industry negotiations in Northern California and sets right some of the changes made. to the agreement after the 2003-2004 LA strike. The new contract provides for wage increases in all classifications and apprentice steps, improvements in the health and welfare package and protection of the pension.

Ron Lind, President of Local 5, had the following to say about the vote: "This result confirms what we have seen in the stores and at membership meetings since the inking of the tentative agreement with the company, the membership is deeply satisfied with the agreement. It is due solely to the solidarity exhibited by every member that this contract was achieved. We look forward to using this as a template for unionization where there currently is none."

Local 5 Negotiations Make San Francisco Chronicle

Contract negotiations with Save Mart-Lucky Stores, Raley’s and Safeway made the San Francisco Chronicle recently. If you would like to review these articles click here Union Safeway Reach Tentative Agreement, Avoid Strike - Dec 3 and New Contracts Cheer Union Grocery Workers - Jan 2.

Safeway Contract Voting Period Extended

Due to the crush of mail the Postal Service is experiencing due to the holiday season the voting period for the Safeway agreement has been extended. You now have until December 26 to return your ballot. It is imperative that you allow enough time for your ballot to arrive by the 26th in time for counting on the 27th. It is STRONGLY recommended that you drop your ballot off in person at any Local 5 office instead of dropping it in the mail.

Please make every effort to review the materials distributed and return your ballot in a timely manner. Your vote is important! For it to count it must be received on time.

Local Signs Independents to Contract Extensions

Local 5 union representatives have completed signing independent grocers to contract extensions. Independent contracts, like those of the major chains, expired December 1. By having these extensions in place members who work in independent stores are assured that their wages, working conditions and benefits will be in place pending negotiations for a new contract. If you work in an independent and want an update on the status of your agreement please contact your union representative

Safeway Negotiations Update 12-2-07

Tentative Agreement Reached with Company

Strike Meetings Canceled

Early Sunday morning union negotiators reached a tentative contract agreement with Safeway stores. As a consequence strike authorization meetings set for December 2 have been canceled.

Details of the agreement are being held back pending distribution to the membership but Local 5 President Ron Lind noted “Our goal in negotiations was to achieve substantial wage increases, improvements in health and welfare and protection of our pensions, we have achieved this and more. Full credit goes to UFCW members at Safeway for keeping the pressure on the company to push through this settlement."

It is anticipated that information packets along with ballots will be mailed to Safeway members within seven to ten days. For more information click here.

December 1 Safeway negotiations update

UFCW negotiators continued to meet with Safeway until 3 AM on Saturday. After a short break, meetings resumed on Saturday morning.

Local 5 president Ron Lind reported significant progress in the talks which he credits to the strong stance of the members at the stores.

We are still apart on critical issues including wages and benefits. Strike authorization votes began this morning in Salinas and will continue through Monday unless a settlement is reached. It is imperative that you continue to let management know that you are willing to fight for the contract that you deserve.

Local 5 Members to Take Strike Vote at Safeway

As a result of Safeway’s refusal to negotiate a contract that meets the needs of Local 5 members employed by the company, the union will be holding strike authorization meetings on December 1 and 2. Meetings will be held throughout the jurisdiction of the union and at various times to allow all members the opportunity to attend. The following is a listing of the times and locations of the meetings:

San Jose- Headquarters Office
Sunday December 2
9AM, Noon, 3PM and 6PM
IBEW Meeting Hall
2125 Canoas Garden Avenue, Suite 100
San Jose, CA

Hayward Office- Alameda County
Sunday December 2
9AM, Noon, 3PM and 6PM
UFCW Local 5
28870 Mission Blvd.
Hayward, CA

Martinez Office- Contra Costa County
Sunday December 2
9AM, Noon, 3PM and 6PM
UFCW Local 5
4121 Alhambra Avenue
Martinez, CA

Salinas Office- Tri County Area
Salinas Meeting
Saturday December 1
9AM, Noon, 3PM and 7PM
Salinas Community Center
940 North Main Street
Santa Cruz Meeting
Sunday December 2
9AM, Noon, 3PM and 7PM
Sea Cliff Inn
7500 Old Dominion Court
Aptos, CA

Vallejo Office
Sunday December 2
9AM-11AM(on the hour)
2PM to 7PM (on the hour)
Note: Office closed between Noon and 2PM
UFCW Local 5
410 Nebraska Avenue
Vallejo, CA

In areas with shared jurisdictions (Hayward, Martinez and Vallejo) Local 8 members are welcome to attend meetings at Local 5. Locals 101 and 648 will also be conducting strike authorization votes in their areas.

Please make every effort to attend one of these important meetings.

Save Mart, Lucky and Raley’s Members Vote Yes on New Contract by Large Margin

Capping a week of informational meetings at offices throughout Local 5’s jurisdiction, members at Save Mart, Raley’s and Lucky stores voted overwhelmingly to authorize a new four-year agreement with their employers. Ballots were counted on Saturday November 17, 2007 in Walnut Creek and reflected yes vote of 92% by Save Mart and Lucky workers and 89% by Raley’s employees.

The new contract brings to a close several months of negotiations between UFCW Locals, representing all of Northern California, and Save Mart, Lucky and Raley’s. The pact includes wages increases in all classifications and apprentice steps, improvements in health and welfare benefits, modification of work assignments and guarantees a uniform contract expiration date for all local unions. UFCW Local 5 President Ron Lind noted “we are pleased with the enthusiasm shown in the vote on the new agreement and will now redouble our efforts to reach a positive contract settlement at Safeway.”

Locals involved in the talks were UFCW Local 5 (San Jose), UFCW Local 8 (Roseville), UFCW 101 (South San Francisco) and UFCW Local 648 (San Francisco). The same locals are currently engaged in discussions with Safeway regarding modifications to the contract there. Safeway talks are not complete and the membership will be advised of any developments.

Northern California UFCW Locals Reach Tentative Agreement with Raley's and Save Mart for New Contract

On Friday October 26 four Northern California UFCW locals announced they had reached tentative agreement for a new contract with Raley's and Save Mart. The old contract was set to expire December 1. Locals involved in the talks were Local 5, 8, 101 and 648. Stores in Local 5's area covered by the proposed settlement are Raley's, Save Mart and Lucky Stores. Ron Lind, President of Local 5, said that bargaining priorities were to achieve substantial wage increases, improve medical coverage with no employee paid premiums, protection of pension benefits and no concessions. "We have accomplished our bargaining goals and more" he stated. Details of the agreement were not released pending notification of the members and distribution of the tentative pact. It is anticipated that informational packets, with ballots, will be mailed the week of October 28. Talks with Safeway, where the contract also expires December 1, are continuing.

UFCW Supports State Labor Federation's Position on Health Care Reform in California

The most important issue facing most working Californians is acquiring and maintaining health benefits for themselves and their families. The UFCW and the State Federation of Labor do not feel that the recent reforms introduced by the Governor's office adequetely adress the medical crisis which exists in the State. Click here to view a copy of the Federation's statement on the battle for reform in the capitol.

Local Announces Cooling off Period in Farmer Joe’s Dispute- Area Politicians Attempt to Bring Sides Together

Local 5 has called a cooling off period in the lengthy dispute at Farmer Joe’s Market in Oakland. The union, responding to a letter written by Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Assemblyman Sandre Swanson and council woman Jean Quan, agreed to engage in dialogue with the company. While talks are being set up the union has agreed to suspend leafleting and boycott activities.

The Farmer Joe’s dispute began after the company disrupted an organizing drive at the company’s two stores in Oakland by hiring a union-busting consultant to spread disinformation about the union and intimidate employees. The organizing campaign began in August of 2006 with a strong internal organizing committee and to date has included leafleting, rallies a march and the company’s placement on the State Labor Federation’s boycott list. The workers and unions request since the beginning of the drive has been for management to acknowledge their employee’s demand for a neutrality agreement. Neutrality agreements have worked many times to settle issues like this, most recently at Nob Hll in Alameda in February.

Local 5 President Ron Lind stated “the union is prepared to meet any time and any place to resolve the issues that effect Farmer Joe’s Worker’s and the community. We have taken the action of suspending leafleting and boycott activities as a sign of good faith. Should this sign of good faith be rebuffed we will revisit our options and take appropriate action at that time.”

Northern California Bargaining Starts

Negotiations for a new contract in Northern California have begun with the major grocery chains. Local 5 is entering theses talks with objectives based on surveys submitted by the membership. If you have not sent one in, the form is available on the homepage of the website.

Local 5 has met with Raley's-Nob Hill and Save Mart (Lucky) along with representatives from Locals 8, 101 and 648. According to Local 5 President Ron Lind " talks have been fairly productive with Raley's and Save Mart but less so with Safeway. We will continue talks where progress can be made for a better contract for Local 5 members."

Stay involved in these negotiations. Wear your union button at work and continue to monitor the website for developments. Click here to download a negotiations update flyer.

Flu Shots Available at Hayward Office November 13

Flu shots will be available on November 13 from 9.30 to 10.30 AM at the Hayward office. These shots will save you the trouble of bout of the flu later on this year. Professionals are predicting a bad flu season so a little discomfort now will pay dividends for you and your family in the future. The cost of this procedure is $20

Call 1-800-500-2400 for more information.

Bid Period for Full-Time Open Under Grocery Contract

Members wanting to bid for full-time positions have until August 18 to do so. If you would like a form please download one on the forms page or contact the union. The bid must be submitted to store management by the 18th of August. Please make sure to save a copy for yourself and the union.

Local 5 Night at the Ball Park

On Wednesday August 15 the A's will take on the Chicago White Sox.  The 15th is Dollar Dog Night and Local 5 has great seats available for only $16.

Here are the details:  Local 5 night at the Ball Park, A's vs. Chicago White Sox, August 15, 2007 at 7:05PM at the Oakland Coliseum, Cost is $16 per ticket.

Please contact Melodie Lum-Sasada or Pat Gordillo at the Hayward Office for Tickets or more information, toll free, 1-877-655-FIVE(3483).

Grocery Negotiations Survey Available Online

This year's grocery negotiations survey is now available online. Please click here or on the red button on the homepage to fill out the survey. Surveys will be used to set bargaining priorities for upcoming negotiations with the food employers. Just fill out the survey and send it in via the internet. This survey will only take a few moments of your time but will make a big difference for contract talks.

Local 5 and UC Berkeley Announce Safety Survey

All of you who work so hard on a daily basis to try and get your job finished know there is always the risk of getting injured on the job.  You have probably seen a Safety Auditor in your own store, or perhaps you have been written up for a Safety violation.  UFCW Local 5 and the Labor Occupational Health Program at UC Berkeley are working together to obtain a better overview of the health and safety hazards that YOU are concerned about.  Form more information, please contact Megan Templin or Celeste Wong at: ufcwproject@gmail.com

Tentative Agreement Announced in LA Grocery Negotiations

On July 18, the San Francisco Chronicle (click here for their story ) reported that a tentative agreement had been reached late on the 17th in the LA grocery contract talks. Details of the pact are being withheld pending ratification by the Southern California membership on Sunday the 22nd.

This agreement, if ratified, avoids a situation that appeared to heading toward a strike. When the Southern California locals struck and were locked out in 2003-2004 the dispute lasted four and a half months. Please visit the links regarding Southern California negotiations on this page for more information.

Agricultural Division Wrests Historic Settlement from Hess Collection Winery

On June 16 the General Counsel of the state Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) met with UFCW 5 members to distribute checks in a union victory over the Hess Collection Winery. The victory involved thirty-six charges against the winery for failure to pay correct wages, failure to pay overtime, forcing employees to work through lunch and a host of other violations of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). These violations took place after the union organized the winery and had seriously hampered efforts to get a first contract with the company. According to Agricultural Division Director Pete Maturino, the settlement for $252,265.50, got the company’s attention and has changed their attitude in bargaining. The single largest check went to Antonio Elena for over $50,000. A contract settlement is expected soon.

Fight for Dignity and Respect Continues at Farmer Joe's

Workers at Farmer Joe's, members of Local 5, Labor Council affiliates and members of the community continue to leaflet Farmer Joe's at Fruitvale and 580 in Oakland to fight for a union there.

After working to form a union for several months the company hired an anti-union consultant and began firing pro-union workers, In fact lead organizer Nydia Williams was suspended pending on Christmas Eve and subsequently terminated.

"Farmer" Joe Tam is a 19 year former UFCW 870 member who apparently believes the American dream, which he achieved by working under a UFCW contract, is OK for him but not the people he now employs.

Come help spread the word at Farmer Joe's every Friday night between 5.30 and 6.30 PM. The market is located at Fruitvale and 580 in Oakland.

Target Scraps Plans for Store at Site of old Safeway in Alameda

Officials in the City of Alameda announced Target no longer intends to build a store at the site of the old Safeway #582 at the South Shore shopping Center.  Company representatives said that although they would not be pursuing plans to build at South Shore, they may attempt to locate elsewhere on the island.  The decision to pullout was attributed to resident and Planning Commission concerns about the effects the store would have on traffic congestion.

Local 5 has been monitoring reports that Target may be contemplating building a super center with full grocery component in the near future.  The local will continue to monitor these developments and resist the entry of super centers to the Bay Area Market.   For more info on this story click here.

Press Conference Held 6-27-07 Denouncing Farmer Joe's Sale of Stale Products to Public

On Wednesday June 27, 2007 a press conference was held in front of the Alameda County Environmental Health building to publicize the fact that Farmer Joe's Market in Oakland has been offering stale dated products for sale to the public. The gathering was also held to announce that a formal complaint against the company would be lodged with the Department which has oversight for insuring that only healthful products are available to the public. Members of the Instituto Laboral dela Raza, the Healthy Commumities Network (HCN), the California League of United Latino Citizens (LULAC) (sponsors of the press conference) and individuals from the neighborhood near the store discussed their revulsion at finding long expired products on the shelves, some exhibiting obvious mold. The products also included items specifically for children such as baby yogurt. In some cases food more than seventy-five days past its expiration date was found on the shelves.

Maritime Unions Request Help in Alcatraz Fight

When visitors come from out of town have them keep away from visits to Alcatraz. Recently the Bush Administration contracted out the work for transporting tourists to Alcatraz to a non-union firm and the captains, mates, engineers, deckhands and sailors that all worked on that route have been let go. Support the Masters, Mates and Pilots Union (MM&P) and the Inland Boatman’s Union (IBU) by looking at Alcatraz from a safe distance. For more information contact the IBU at (415) 896-1224.