Creating job security in “right-to-work” states
Without a union contract, workers can be fired for almost any reason — or no reason at all. This is known as “at-will” employment, which is standard in the United States.
Having a union means that your company cannot discharge or discipline you without a very good reason, and gives you the right to challenge the decisions your company makes about discharge and discipline.
Unions are required by law to represent members and nonmembers alike, but so-called “right-to-work” laws make it harder to ensure that everyone who benefits from union representation pays their fair share. Ultimately, these laws are designed to make it harder for working people to form unions and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. On average, workers in right-to-work states are paid 3.2 percent less than workers in states without such laws, resulting in $1,670 less per year for a full-time worker. A strong union with real resources is the only way to ensure you’re treated fairly at work. (EPI, 2024)
Regulating cashless stores
Some retailers, such as Apple and Sweetgreen, and event spaces like arenas and sports complexes have experimented with no longer accepting cash. This eliminates jobs and excludes millions of people who can’t shop or attend events without a credit card. To protect retail jobs and customers from discrimination, we encourage policymakers to pass laws or regulations requiring stores and venues to accept cash.
Protecting grocery workers during ownership transitions
Grocery worker retention legislation — also known as “displaced worker protection” laws — provides job protection for workers during a transition period following a change in a grocery store’s ownership. These laws provide economic security for workers, stability for employers, and cost savings for the government.
Creating good jobs in the food industry
As the union that puts food on America’s tables, the UFCW knows that a safe and abundant food supply is good for our workers and for the nation. About 900,000 UFCW members are employed in the food processing and retail food industries. Food safety, nutrition access, and agricultural policy matter to all Americans, but especially to UFCW members.
Research shows that 80 percent of SNAP dollars are spent at traditional grocery stores, supermarkets, and superstores. SNAP keeps business flowing into the stores and plants where UFCW members work.
SNAP is an effective anti-hunger program that strengthens communities by reducing poverty, improving health and learning, boosting productivity, and creating jobs. All businesses involved in SNAP, including contractors and delivery services, should be required to maintain a safe workforce and safe food. SNAP online purchases should only be made at authorized retailers that provide good jobs and benefits to workers throughout the food chain — from cashiers to delivery drivers. SNAP guardrails would ensure that online and delivery services support good jobs.
Backing pre-packaged retail meat label regulations
Unionized meat cutters enjoy good wages and family-sustaining jobs with great benefits. Unfortunately, our meat cutters are losing hours and jobs as grocery stores shift toward pre-packaged meat. The UFCW supports legislation requiring meat that has not been cut by retail meatcutters to be prominently labeled “PRE-PACKAGED MEAT” by grocery retailers. To protect consumers and the hard-working packers, farmers, ranchers, and workers in the American meat processing industry, we also support country-of-origin labeling laws requiring retailers to disclose where the meat and poultry come from.
