Monthly Archives: March 2014

The UFCW hosted an IUF meeting in Pittsburgh, Penn., bringing together union representatives and members that represent Heinz workers from around the world, including those from UFCW International, UFCW Canada, UFCW locals 17a, 75, and 431, and the RWDSU. The delegation joined together to make plans to work in solidarity on a global effort to protect all union Heinz workers and their jobs as Heinz seeks to reduce costs and increase profits at the expense of workers through wage cuts, layoffs, and plant closures.

Despite earning profits, Heinz has decreased their workforce by almost 25 percent in the past ten years, mostly through plant closures and layoffs. The corporate trend of reducing operational costs at the expense of workers continued when 3G Capital and Berkshire Hathaway purchased Heinz last year. Heinz recently closed the plant in Leamington, Canada, leaving nearly 800 full-time employees and members of UFCW Local 459 out of work.

The delegation will continue to work together and campaign to protect workers and their jobs at Heinz.

UFCW Local 1428 members traveled to Sacramento, Calif., to speak with legislators at the State Capitol about bills working families would like to see passed in their state.

On March 18th, UFCW Local 1428 members traveled to Sacramento, Calif., to speak with legislators at the State Capitol about bills working families would like to see passed in California.

They lobbied on AB 1792 and AB 1522.

AB 1792 would require the Department of Finance to prepare an annual report highlighting which large companies in California have workers on public assistance programs like food stamps and Medi-Cal.

These programs were designed to help workers through tough times, not as a permanent subsidy to low-wage employers. This report would be used to inspire legislative action against large corporations like Walmart that are failing to pay their workers a living wage and forcing them to turn to the government for help.

AB 1522 would guarantee paid sick leave for every worker in California. This bill would ensure workers who become sick are given the time they deserve to get better.

“I was amazed to find out all the work my local does in politics,” said Peggy Macias who works at Food 4 Less. “So much of the work they do to pass laws that benefit workers in California we just take for granted. This experience made me realize why it’s so important that everyone is signed up to contribute to ABC.”

“This was my first trip to the capitol. I have always wanted to be more involved with my union and this trip opened my eyes to what all my union does,” said Myishia Carter who works at Stater Bros. “The trip was educational, exciting, and made me feel like I was making a difference. The entire day inspired me to be more involved. I am a new union steward and can’t wait to go back to my store and tell everyone about my experience and how much I learned.”

UFCW Local 1428 members said they would continue to push their elected officials to support workers in California.