Spring 2009

Members at Acme Markets Join in Negotiating Effort

I recently attended the first meeting of the Acme Markets Negotiating Committee, the group of activist members who will perform a vital role in securing a fair contract for themselves and their co-workers.

We emerged from this roundtable discussion with renewed determination to achieve a contract that sets new industry standards for 2009 and beyond.

We have the strength, unity and resolve that we require in order to win real wage and benefit improvements, including the guarantee of a secure retirement.

Negotiating a new contract is always a challenge - especially this year, when the nation is suffering an economic downturn. The unemployment rate is at its highest level in nearly 16 years. The economy lost 2.6 million jobs in 2008, the largest one-year decline since 1945.

As we enter into negotiations with Acme, it is important to remember our history with the company. The current, soon-to-expire contract was negotiated in 2004 under the previous administration of Local 56. Built into that agreement was a serious funding deficiency for the Health and Welfare Fund. This shortfall was one of the major reasons the Fund fell into dire straits at the time.

When we merged and reorganized under the banner of Local 152, we immediately took steps to repair the Fund. We met with all of our employers to put together a plan to increase their contributions. Many balked at the idea. Acme Health & Welfare trustees were the first to step forward and agree to an increase of more than $2 million above and beyond their contractual obligation, as well as raising their MOB caps from 7% to 10%.

Now, the Fund has a surplus of nearly $15 million, which wouldn't have been possible without Acme's help. We continue to be grateful for Acme's commitment to fixing the fund and working to provide a secure future for its employees.

Protecting Our Future

Nevertheless, we confront a whole new set of challenges in the current negotiations. The first and foremost priority of the negotiating committee is ensuring that the pension fund will be safe. Like many funds in the wake of the nationwide economic downturn, the pension fund is under-funded and it is our responsibility, both the unions' and the employers', to do whatever it takes to protect our members' pensions and maintain the adjustable benefits.

The committee members are also concerned about Acme's plans to remain competitive within an increasingly crowded industry and its recent cost-cutting measures, which resulted in reduced hours for many of our members and heavier workloads for others.

I am inspired by the energy of our Acme members. Their participation will be invaluable as we sit down at the bargaining table to reach an agreement that makes us all proud.

Sincerely,

Brian String
President