State of Your Union

This union looks forward to another year of challenges and opportunities as we enter 2005. 

In the labor movement there are no “down years” or even “down months.” We are constantly battling greedy corporations and anti-worker legislation. This coming year will be no different.

One of the many things we are proud of at Local 1428 is that your union is financially sound as it moves into 2005. Ours is the one UFCW union in Southern California that wasn’t forced to mortgage its building because of the strike and lockout. We will continue to build our resources and prepare for another battle in 2007, should one become necessary.

We have a multitude of contracts that will expire this year, starting with Gigante Grocery Stores in the middle of February and Rite Aid in July, as well as many independent operations. We don’t anticipate any strikes, but the key to success is to be prepared, and that is what we will be.

Also coming up this year will be our annual Stewards Conference, where we will provide up-to-date information on our contracts and state and federal legislation, and explain how to protect members’ rights in the workplace. Later in the year, we will present a pre-retirement seminar for all members 45 and older.

Promoting Education

Promoting education is always important, so UFCW Locals 1167 and 1428 will host the Third Annual Joe F. Barragan Golf Tournament to raise money for scholarships to our members and their children. Additionally, half of the proceeds will go to leukemia research.  UFCW is the number one contributor for leukemia research that has more than doubled the survival rate of this terrible disease.

Among my many duties will be chairing the UFCW International Union’s Committee on the Future, which is assigned to find solutions to the labor movement’s most pressing problems. And as president of the California Labor Federation, I will continue to work toward passage of important legislation, from raising the minimum wage to insuring that good jobs stay in California.

Wal-Mart remains a top priority. We have a shot at stopping the invasion of Supercenters into cities like Ontario, Covina and Norco. Members who recently spoke before the city council in Chino realized that it wasn’t as hard as they had feared. We will be enlisting the help of more members like them in the near future.

Organizing continues to be at the top of the list. The campaign to organize 99 Cents Only Stores is in full swing as we visit workers at their stores and at their homes to explain how joining our union can improve their lives. These future members want dignity and respect on the job, and UFCW will help them achieve that. Adding members to our ranks will strengthen our union as well.

It remains a constant battle to make headway for workers in California, but we are up to the challenge. Your dedicated union staff will continue to fight for your rights in the workplace, day in and day out.