Winter 2009

Building a stronger union

We already have a lot to make us proud as we begin to meet the challenges that await us in 2009.

In the short history of Local 152, we rescued our health and welfare fund, strengthened our contracts and restored millions of dollars in back pay and benefits to members. We reinstated benefits that were lost and equalized those that were unfair. We cut dues for retail meat members and rebuilt the lines of communication between members and union leadership.

None of those accomplishments would have been possible if we weren't all working together to improve our union. That spirit of unity and cooperation will be important as we go forward because, as President Barack Obama tells us, there's a tough road ahead.

Our country's economy is in turmoil. In 2008 the country lost 2.6 million jobs, the largest one-year decline since 1945. The unemployment rate is at its highest level in nearly 16 years.

Almost every day brings us news of more layoffs and company closings. American companies slashed payrolls by more than half a million jobs in December alone.

Bleak market conditions have eroded our pension fund and we are forced to look to the government for help to protect members' pensions in the long term.

The battle for EFCA

But there is a bright ray of hope amid the gloom. The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which will be considered by Congress later this year, would make it easier for workers to join a union if they choose to do so.

Now that we have a larger pro-worker majority in Congress, as well as a pro-worker president who says he would sign the legislation, we have a historic opportunity to level the playing field between unions and employers.

Passage of the EFCA would mean a stronger labor movement, which means a stronger middle class and more prosperity for everyone.

The battle to pass the EFCA will be intense. Certain business and anti-union groups are raising millions of dollars that they intend to spend on anti-EFCA advertising and lobbying efforts.

We will do our part by educating our members and the public about the EFCA's importance. Our organizers will be out in force at the packinghouses, processing plants, supermarkets and health care facilities that we represent to let everyone know the positive effect this legislation will have on our country's future.

We will also work with union employers who would benefit greatly under the EFCA. When more employers are unionized, they will be less likely to be hurt by non-union competition and they will be under less pressure to resist better wages and benefits.

Solving the health care crisis

In addition, we must turn our attention to addressing the nation's health care crisis. The solution is universal health care, which will reduce overall medical costs, make medical care available to millions who don't have it, and relieve competitive pressures on union employers.

To this end, the UFCW and our brothers and sisters in other labor organizations like the AFL-CIO and SEIU fully support Health Care For America NOW! This grassroots organization supports the creation of a truly inclusive and accessible health care system.

The fight for a just health care system in America deserves all of the energy we can give it. We encourage all Local 152 members to visit healthcareforamericanow.org to get involved.

In the past we have proven that we can come together to make a change for the better. Now is the time to set new goals, use the tools and resources we have and build a stronger union for tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Brian String
President