Your Contract
As an advocate for workers across Michigan, UFCW Local 951 continues to negotiate some of the top contracts in our nation, not only protecting members' wages and benefits, but creating job security which builds stronger communities.

ufcw contract

The Collective Bargaining Process & the UFCW Contract


Contract: The basic element the union provides you is your contract, also called a collective bargaining agreement or CBA. It is a legally binding, written agreement between your employer and its workers that sets forth the language that protects wages, schedules, paid time off, safety and benefits.

Contract Negotiations: A contract is the end result of contract negotiations, or discussions between workers, bargaining committee, union officers, and company officials. These groups meet to negotiate the terms of the contract, (e.g.. wages, time off, benefits, and seniority) including language changes, additions, eliminations and improvements.

Ratification or Rejection: When contract negotiations are complete, members are able to review the tentative agreement before voting to ratify or reject the contract. If the vote is to ratify, the contract is signed by both the union and the company. If the vote is to reject, all parties are requested to return to the bargaining table.

Union Representative: Local 951 hires union representatives to be the voice of the union in the workplace. They are assigned to be of assistance to the membership and have a specific territory with regular, scheduled member visits. During these visits, union representatives help union members with contract questions, ensure their contractual rights are protected, and maintain communication between the union and members.

Steward: A Steward is a member who has been elected by their coworkers to a three-year term to act as an on-site, union representative to answer questions, clarify contract language and maintain union communications. Stewards receive regular training from the union to improve their skills to become an effective liaison between members and union.

Grievance Procedure: The grievance procedure is a process available for members to seek restitution when their contractual rights are violated by management. The violations also know as grievances, (i.e. scheduling, vacations, wages, disciplinary issues and other working conditions) are investigated and processed by the union steward and union representative.
A union representative will investigate, and if warranted, process the grievance according to the contract language. Recognizing and acting on discrepancies keeps your contract and job protections strong.

Grievance Form: A grievance form is a document only union members have access to and is used to protect and enforce your work place rights. It is the most important tool in keeping your contract strong. This form is used to report and explain a contract violation made by management, and is then forwarded to your union representative. The union representative will determine if the grievance has merit and then work on behalf of the member to resolve the issue with management. Grievances are not always easy to resolve and may require further steps, up to arbitration.

 
 

weingarten rights union representations meeting with the boss

Weingarten Rights


Union members have the right to representation by a union steward or union representative during any conversations with management or security that may lead to discipline.

These discussions include if a union member is asked to defend his/her conduct, and includes discussions that may affect the member's working conditions or in disciplinary actions. Management is not obligated to provide you with union representation, or even inform you of this right. You must ask for representation. However, once you request union representation, the law requires the company to provide you with representation, or they must end the interview.

 

 

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Michigan UFCW Unions & Employers Health & Welfare Fund


Not all member's employers participate in the health and welfare fund. Your contract is a good source to find out if you are a participant. In the list above, employers participating in the Fund have an asterisk.

Phone: 1.800.322.8190
www.mufcwbenefits.com