Winter 2010

Good contracts are worth the effort

As union members, we rely on each other as we strive to create a better future for working people. We rely on our coworkers and on our fellow members at UFCW Local 152, and we also rely on our brothers and sisters in other unions.

When times are good we share in each other's successes, and when times are bad we rush to each other's aid.

That sense of unity is the source of our strength, and it is only possible only if all union members share the same goals.

At Local 152, we pride ourselves on negotiating some of the best contracts in the industries we represent. We demand the best for our members because we know they expect it. Our negotiating teams are absolutely committed to increasing wages, protecting pensions and supplemental pension benefits, and avoiding employee contributions for health and welfare.

These high standards are becoming harder and harder to maintain at the bargaining table, both because of the difficult economy and because of the ever-changing nature of our industries - especially the volatile supermarket industry.

Unfortunately, our bargaining challenges are further complicated when contracts ratified by other unions don't meet the industry standards we've set.

Every union president and every bargaining team has a different approach to contract negotiations, and union members at other local unions must make their own decisions about the quality of the contracts presented to them. But when contracts are ratified elsewhere that don't adhere to industry standards, it makes the bargaining environment harder for everyone, including ourselves.

Local 152's negotiators have fought furiously to avoid contracts that include pension reductions and "cost-sharing" - i.e. new premium fees that workers must pay for their health coverage. Concessions such as these are always off the table when we bargain. But when other unions have contracts with these takeaways included, the employers will be certain to press us to fall in line.

Last year in Phoenix, Ariz., UFCW members drew a line in the sand, stood together and refused to accept a contract that would have gutted their health benefits. As I write this, locked-out mine workers in Boron, Calif., are getting a helping hand from fellow union members because they won't settle for a company offer that destroys their wages and quality of life.

Yes, it's difficult to secure strong contracts in today's economic circumstances, but it's extremely important that all of our collective bargaining agreements line up with our values so we can build toward greater successes in future contracts.

If you know members of other unions, urge them to accept nothing less than industry standards for contracts negotiated in 2010 and beyond.

The strong contract you enjoy as a member of Local 152 didn't come without struggle, but it was worth the effort.

We need to rely on each other to stay strong, for our own sake and for the sake of future generations.

Sincerely,

Brian String
President