BIGGER, BETTER, STRONGER!

BIGGER, BETTER, STRONGER! from The Voice of Action, a UFCW 8 Publication

The merger of UFCW 588 and 1288 last year to form UFCW 8-Golden State further strengthened an already strong Union.

“Our Union is growing and that means we have more clout at the bargaining table,” said UFCW 8 President Jacques Loveall.

Loveall noted that recent mergers have created large UFCW affiliates in New Jersey, Seattle and Chicago, among other places, implementing a longstanding pro-merger policy of the UFCW International Union.

“We believe in the power of unity and solidarity,” Loveall said. “Workers in the industries we represent should speak with one powerful voice. The merger of the former 588 and 1288 gave working men and women more power, and that’s what Unions are all about.”

Since the merger, the combined 30,000-member UFCW 8 has: l Negotiated and ratified dozens of contracts for UFCW 8 members.

• Worked closely with Southern California locals throughout their contract negotiations.
• Organized 1,300 workers at 17 Food Maxx stores from Visalia in the South to Redding in the North, significantly increasing the Union’s negotiating power with all employers in those areas.
• Received the UFCW International Union’s Growth and Organizing Award. UFCW 8 strongly believes that the key to revitalizing the labor movement in America is through intensive, innovative, ongoing organizing campaigns to bring the benefits of a Union contract to as many workers as possible.
• Contracted with MedExpert to help members and their families get the best health care possible at no extra cost to them by being able to speak with doctors whenever they have questions about their health or their health plan.
• Agreed to a solidarity pact with UFCW locals in the Bay Area. This increases the Union’s strength throughout Northern California and translates into more clout at the bargaining table that can lead to better wages and benefits for the members of all UFCW Unions.
• Supported community efforts in Elk Grove and Stockton that led to ordinances that limit “big box” stores.
• Participated in a lawsuit that prompted a judge to reverse an appeal by Atwater, Calif., city officials of plans to build a giant SuperTarget store.