Jeff's Desk

INTERNAL ORGANIZING MEETING TAKES PLACE

In May, the Executive Board established an Internal Organizing Committee (IOC) with the purpose of Identifying, Recruiting, and Developing workplace leaders. The goal of this committee is to find ways to help the membership understand what the Union is and to assist the Union Representatives create and execute a plan that develops a strong membership involved in protecting every employee’s rights in the workplace.

This committee is a cultural change in how we conduct business.  The Leadership of Local 555 understands that this is not something that will take place over night but we are dedicated to this goal and we understand that this may take many years before the full effects are noticed; but we need to start now. Over the last few years we have watched as our pensions, our Health and Welfare, and our respect in the workplace have come under attack all across our country.  These assaults should give us all concern that if we do nothing we will have nothing to protect.  All rank and file members, from any union, must stand up and take an active role in protecting benefits our predecessors fought long and hard for.

The Leadership and Staff of 555 are committed to constantly developing new rank and file leaders. We will be seeking key individuals to contact and develop in an effort to facilitate the goals of the committee.  We will encourage and train these individuals on how to be more active and to motivate the membership’s interests even further. It is imperative that we mobilize around issues and develop a new culture of members helping members. Do you think about such things as; Issues at your work location? Are you concerned about how you or your co-workers are treated? If you are, you may already be an activist that just needs a way to become active.  I urge you to consider being apart of Internal Organizing. I have asked all Union Representatives to make a commitment to spend time building up and educating an active membership. It can only be done if you take the time to help us by stepping forward to get involved. I encourage every member out there to contact your Union Representative to find out what you can do to get involved.

The following is a list of idea’s or interests submitted by membership at our first meeting.

·        Get more active in Politics

·        Add at CTW (Change to Win) and more links to Web Page.

·        Have afternoon training meetings.

·        Put together Events or Functions for members to participate in both social and work related.

·        Create and update a calendar of events for members to have.

·        Help in arranging car pooling to get to meetings and activities.

·        Fliers/Handouts both in English and Spanish.

·        All workers speaking to young workers about getting involved.

·        Small versions of workers rights in handbook style.

·        Use email more to get out information quickly.

As you can see many ideas were brought forward and we have taken the first step. If you have internet access go to www.ufcw555.com and click on the new IOC icon to get more information and submit your thoughts or ideas. If you do not have internet access please call me at 503 684-2822. As a member of UFCW 555 your ideas will make a difference, please take the time to let us know.

In Unionism,

Jeff McDonald
Secretary-Treasurer
UFCW Local 555