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For Members

Welcome to the family!

Thank you for being a part of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. If you just started a new job or just started with us, congratulations and welcome to the family. 

The strength of our union is our members, and the UFCW is committed to improving their lives every single day. Whether it is through the benefits negotiated in your union contract or through exclusive opportunities and discounts available only to UFCW members, we want to make sure you know the value of your UFCW membership.


Your Contract

A union contract is an agreement between the employer and the union, and has been voted on and accepted by the majority of the union membership covered by the contract. Contracts can help ease possible tensions between you and your managers by making it really clear what the agreed upon rules are, as well as what to do when they are violated.

So what goes into a contract?

Anything the union members feel is important and that can be successfully negotiated with the company is fair game. This usually covers the basics like wages, raises, processes for discipline and termination, safeguards against favoritism, scheduling, retirement benefits and health care, and more.

Your Representation

Union Representatives

Each worksite has a Union Representative (sometimes called a “Business Agent”)— union staff who regularly visit your worksite to inform you about what’s happening around the union, and help make sure everyone’s rights are protected.

Stewards

Union stewards are fellow coworkers and union members who have been trained to represent their coworkers on management issues, contract violations and at disciplinary meetings. Stewards also make sure their coworkers know what the benefits and policies the UFCW has worked out with the company are and welcome new members.

It is important to know who the stewards are at your workplace so you know who to turn to if you have any questions or concerns. If you aren’t sure, you can call your local union office and they will help you find out who to talk to.

Local Unions

There are over 1,000 UFCW local unions in the U.S. and Canada. These local unions bargain contracts, help non-union workers organize, and in general handle most of the day-to-day issues that directly affect members.

If you are looking for specific information about your contract or news in your area, it is best to reach out to your local union office.

Regions and Councils

The local offices make up eight geographic regions- seven dividing up the United States and another region for Canada. Each region is headed by a regional director who oversees staff that provides assistance to the local unions within its geographical jurisdiction.

UFCW Councils

Council efforts build stronger communities, safer workplaces and a brighter future for workers and their families across North America.

International Chemical Workers Union Council (ICWUC)

Council efforts build stronger communities, safer workplaces and a brighter future for workers and their families across North America.

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union District Council (RWDSU)

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union District Council serves members in the retail food and food processing, retail and department stores, service, manufacturing and warehousing industries.

UFCW International

UFCW regions and locals are all a part of the greater UFCW International Union. The UFCW International Union is organized by departments and divisions to effectively serve the interests of UFCW members.

Organize and unionize your workplace

Are you and your coworkers ready to negotiate together for bigger paychecks, stronger benefits and better lives? If you are, the steps to joining the UFCW are simple.

How to Start a Union
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