Jeff's Desk

THE BIG 3

Although most grocery industry employees are familiar with the fact that they work for successful corporations, most don’t realize exactly how successful they all are. The three national grocery chains, currently negotiating with Local 555, rank in the top 50 richest companies in the country, according to Fortune Magazine, the publication that made its “Fortune 500 a household name.

Last year alone, the three majors raked in astronomical profits:

In a recent settlement Stater Bros. an independent in California stepped up and decided to reward their employees by offering a contract that righted the wrong that happened in the last California grocery settlement. It’s nice to say that Stater Bros. negotiated a new contract that respects and rewards its employees for their role in the company’s success. Stater Bros. members accepted and ratified the agreement on January 17, 2007 because the offer was fair and equitable to the employees. What is disturbing is that during the entire process none of the three national chains stepped up to the plate acknowledging what was happening around them in their own industry with regard to their workers and the contracts they work under.

Corporate profits have been at double digits over the last several years. Annalists expect them to continue to perform well in 2007.  What excuses will they use this time? You work hard to make Billions for these corporations, you deserve increases and improvements. Together along with all our union brothers and sisters around the nation and with our family and friends we will demand that you to are rewarded. No longer can they just keep paying the few. It is time they reward everyone who has built these company’s to where they are today. In the days, weeks or months ahead stay focused and together. It truly will make the difference in assuring a fair and peaceful settlement in your contract.

Please call our hotline for negotiations updates at 1-800-452-UFCW ext. 361 or log on at www.groceryworkersunited555.org. 

In Unionism,

Jeff McDonald
Secretary-Treasurer
UFCW Local 555