Time to Prepare for

Contract Negotiations

Our current Master Food Contract will expire in March 2007. That means we must prepare now for the hard bargaining that will shape our next contracts.

Experience teaches us that we must adopt new strategies that will maximize our clout against the giant supermarket chains. That is why UFCW International President Joe Hansen, with the help of Local 1428 President and International Vice President

Connie M. Leyva, formed a National Bargaining Committee to devise a unified strategy that is appropriate for the changing structure of the supermarket industry.

In her editorial on the back page of this newspaper, President Leyva discusses the national aspects of this strategy.

The need for a unified bargaining strategy also applies at the regional and local levels.

Making a Difference

All seven Southern California UFCW local unions must cooperate fully to achieve success. We are well on our way toward doing that.

At Local 1428, every one of us can make a difference. You can start by preparing yourself mentally and financially for whatever lies ahead.

Managers carefully monitor their employees’ actions and attitudes to determine the depth of their support for their union and the negotiating process. It is therefore important that you act and speak in support of your union at every opportunity. Be positive! Wear your union stickers and buttons with pride. If a manager asks you where you stand, simply say, “I’m with my union 100 percent!”

If you have concerns about the union, please make sure that you don’t air it at work. It will be noticed and interpreted as lack of support. Also, be careful not to listen to or spread rumors. Your union representative is the best source for legitimate news about contract negotiations.

Finally, put aside a little money each week for your personal savings. Nobody wants or expects another labor dispute, but having a financially self-reliant membership is one of the best ways for a union to encourage an employer to come to terms. And if the negotiations go smoothly, you can use your saved-up money for a celebration!

The leadership of your union is committed to doing whatever it takes to get the best contract possible. It won’t be easy, but if we remain strong and united, we will prevail.