Kroger Members Ratify New Three-Year Contract

December 20, 2011 - Kroger members turned out in large numbers to overwhelmingly ratify the proposed contract by a vote of 84 percent "Yes" to
16 percent "No."

The ratification follows members November rejection of Kroger's earlier contract offer.

The new contract preserves members' health benefits and pension while providing a top rate bonus in 2011 and top rate increases in 2012 and 2013.

"I want to thank the bargaining committee for all their hard work," Marv Russow, UFCW 951's president, said. "They did a great job when we met with the company and in educating their coworkers about the tentative agreement and importance of voting. We are also pleased that the timetable for the vote will allow members to receive their bonuses prior to Christmas."

Learn More About the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

November 29, 2011 - If you or a member of your household has served on active duty in the United States military during the last four years, the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides you and your family with specific protections pertaining to your home mortgage, credit cards, and installment contracts on personal property.  As the economy has struggled, foreclosures and repossessions have increased and these rights have become increasingly important.

If you or your family members have taken out a home loan (including equity lines) or executed installment contracts on personal property (including lease agreements) prior to being called to active duty, you may possess the following rights pertaining to those loans or contracts.

• A maximum interest rate of 6 percent on home mortgages, credit cards, and/or installment contracts while on active duty.
• Protection from home foreclosure while on active duty and up to nine months thereafter.
• Protection from repossession of personal property secured by an installment contract or lease while on active duty.
  
  Within the last year, several high profile lawsuits have revealed some banks have violated the rights of active duty members of the military and their families.  Congressional hearings have revealed that military attorneys are often poorly equipped or unable to defend these rights in civilian courts.
  
  To protect the rights of UFCW 951 military families, the union has arranged for members who have served on active duty in the U.S. military in the last four years, or have a family member who has done so, to receive a free legal consultation from the union’s attorney, Jonathan Karmel. It is important for you to understand your rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.  If you feel that your rights may have been violated – or if you would like further information about your rights – I encourage you to contact Jonathan Karmel at (312) 641-2910 for your free consultation. Print and copy complete letter here.

Members Impacted by Blue Cross Blue Shield Error

November 1, 2011- A recent Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) computer error made it appear members working at Fry Krisp, Harding's, Kroger and Plumb's no longer have coverage through BCBSM.

BCBSM sincerely apologizes for the error and is diligently working to correct the situation. Until the problem is resolved, stewards should tell members to instruct providers to use BCBSM's automated telephone system. CAREN, to verify their eligibility. They cannot use webDENNIS.

CAREN has different numbers for facilities (1.800.249.8525). Members who have an emergency or encounter a provider who refuses to use CAREN should contact the Health and Welfare Fund Office immediately at 1.800.322.8190 for help resolving their issue.

West Michigan Workers Elect Union Representation

October 20, 2011 - Yesterday, workers at the JBS slaughterhouse and production facility, located just south of the city of Plainwell, voted for representation with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union in an effort to improve working conditions at the plant. The vote ends the workers' 2 ½ month union organizing campaign during which they received assistance from UFCW Michigan Statewide Community Development.

“There has been tremendous support for the union among the JBS workers,” John Cakmakci, UFCW 951 Secretary/Treasurer, said.  “They view the union as their best option to improve their working conditions and bring a sense of fairness to the workplace.”

Among the workers’ complaints were unjust terminations, unsafe working conditions and an unfair compensation system where new employees earn more than workers with upwards of 15 years of seniority.

“Our efforts will now turn to negotiating a first contract with JBS that addresses the workers’ concerns,” Cakmakci said. “We are confident the union and the company can work together to achieve an agreement that is fair and balanced, and are looking forward to establishing a productive, long-term relationship with JBS.”

By electing representation, the approximately 1,000 workers at the West Michigan JBS plant will join with 28,000 other JBS workers and 250,000 meat packing and poultry workers across the country who already enjoy the benefits of UFCW union representation.

   UFCW Statewide Community Development is a joint project of UFCW Locals 951 and 876 devoted to community activism, including union organizing. Approximately 48,000 workers belong to the UFCW in Michigan, working for a variety of retailers including Meijer, Kroger, and Rite Aid, along with numerous other companies in a variety of industries including food processing, automotive supply, and health care.

Valley City Linen Workers File Charges
Workers Need Your Help

September 30, 2011- Valley City Linen workers persevered through their employer's fierce union-busting campaign to elect UFCW 951 representation earlier this year. Unfortunately, the employer is continuing its union-busting tactics, stalling and delaying contract negotiations.

"From their approach to contract negotiations, it's clear that Valley City Linen is intent on denying its workers the union representation they elected," John Cakmakci, UFCW 951's secretary / treasurer and organizing director, said.

"We are filing charges where appropriate, but also plan to educate the public and Valley City Linen's customers about this employer's anti-worker, and potentially illegal, practices."

The Grand Rapids-based company has customers across the state, including numerous restaurants, hotels, hospitals and resorts, where UFCW 951 will conduct informational leafleting.

Members interested in assisting in the leafleting should call the union office at 1.800.999.0951.