August, 2003

Collective Bargaining, Economic Justice, Elections, Health Care, Packing and Processing, Politics, Press Releases, Retail Food, UFCW Industries, UFCW Values

WHOLE FOODS CAMPAIGN GROWS

Aug 04, 2003

Workers at the nation’s largest natural food supermarket chain are building a movement for a voice on the job with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Workers at the store in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia, filed for Labor Board election to join UFCW Local 400 on January 31, 2003. The election date has not been set.

Workers in Madison, Wisconsin kick-started the national movement by voting for UFCW Local 1444 representation on July 15, 2002. Despite Whole Foods’ stall tactics, the workers continue to bargain with them and are working toward reaching a first contract.

The Madison campaign leaders launched a website, www.wholeworkersunite.org where workers from the 142 Whole Foods stores can connect with each other and learn about taking action for a better workplace.

“”Whole Foods workers across the country saw the Madison workers stand up and realized that they could take action to make their workplace better, too. The movement is growing,”" said xxxxxx

The campaign is building momentum around the country, with Whole Foods workers connecting via the website and email to learn more about organizing for a real voice on the job.

“”Whole Foods promotes itself as a great place to work, yet management fights worker efforts to organize with a vengeance. Workers deserve to have real representation, protection and a say over workplace issues,”" said.

The UFCW represents 1.4 million members at the nation’s major supermarket, food processing and meatpacking companies. UFCW members also work in the health care, garment, chemical, distillery and retail industries.

Collective Bargaining, Economic Justice, Health Care, Packing and Processing, Press Releases, UFCW Industries, UFCW Values

Workers Strike Tyson Foods

Aug 04, 2003

Workers at the Tyson Foods plant in Jefferson, Wisc., set up picket lines after overwhelmingly rejecting a company offer that would cut wages and risk the loss of medical treatment for workers’ families.

For a company whose motto is:”"It’s What Your Family Deserves,”" no working family—and no community—deserves the attack on living standards the giant meat processor has launched against workers at its Jefferson plant.

“”Tyson’s proposal would devastate my family,”" said UFCW Local 538 member, John Hernandez, a 25-year plant employee. “”The company wants to cut our wages and increase the cost of our health care coverage. Our families can’t live on that.”"

The Jefferson plant is profitable. The facility is part of Tyson’s prepared foods division which posted a 4.2% profit for first quarter 2003.

The company’s contract offer seeks wholesale cuts in workers pay and benefits including:

A pay cut of 73 cents an hour, on average, as well as a wage freeze for four years.

An increase in health care coverage rates up to $40 a week, as well as higher deductibles and out of pocket expenses which could total $4600 a year for basic family coverage.

A freeze on pension benefits for current workers and elimination of pension benefits for new hires.

A 50% reduction in sick leave.

A two week cut in vacation benefits.

“”Tyson’s proposal comes out of greed, not need,”" says Kevin Williamson, UFCW International Vice President and Region 6 Director. “”The plant has operated 100 years without a strike, and now Tyson is attempting to repay a loyal and experienced workforce by destroying their living standards.”"

Contract negotiations have taken place over the last eight months. In January the Company gave the union a 30-day notice saying it would terminate the current extended contract at midnight on February 25.

UFCW Local 538 has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, charging the company with bargaining in bad faith.

Tyson’s Jefferson plant, employing 470 workers, produces pepperoni for Tombstone, DiGiorno, Domino”s and Jack’s pizzas, as well as hams, ring bologna, and hot dogs.

“”This company forced this strike on us,”" said Mike Rice, UFCW Local 538 Business Agent. “”We’re fighting for our families, our futures, and our community. We’re on the picket line today and we’ll be here for however long it takes to reach a fair settlement our members’ families deserve.”"

Economic Justice, Health Care, Organizing, Press Releases, Retail, UFCW Industries, UFCW Values, Walmart

Wal-Mart Snatches Domain Name to Block Union Talk

Aug 04, 2003

Wal-Mart claims its associates can speak for themselves.  Why then did the retail giant seize the internet domain name www.unionizewalmart.com?  Simple, to prevent workers from using the web address to build a movement for a voice on the job.

“”Wal-Mart’s actions show what the company is truly afraid of—an organized workforce.  Wal-Mart associates deserve the right to have a voice for fair treatment, living wages and decent family health benefits and the union is going to keep fighting to help them get there,”" said Mike Leonard, Executive Vice President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW).

Wal-Mart workers haven’t been discouraged.  Worker-run websites are building t a nationwide worker-to-worker network among Wal-Mart associates that is growing.  A community-wide Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club organizing campaign in Las Vegas, Nevada, sparked the worker website: www.walmartworkerslv.com that is run by the in-store organizing committee and has inspired other sites across the country.

Several others sites of note include:

www.walmartyrs.com and www.walmartwatch.com- both sponsored by the UFCW.

www.walmartswaronworkers.com – featuring former Wal-Mart managers describing illegal tactics they were taught to use against union organizing.

www.therighttochoose.com — run by a former Sam’s Club associate in Lansing, Michigan.

www.walmartworkerstexas.com – run by current and former Wal-Mart workers.

www.walmartdayofaction.com – central site for the People’s Campaign- Justice @ Wal-Mart