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Three UFCW members have been awarded with Region 1 Member Awards for supporting their coworkers, taking action to better their workplaces, and spreading the message about the benefits of having a union voice.

Towanda Carter, UFCW Local 888, Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens Chief Shop Steward

Towanda played a key role in helping her coworkers join the UFCW so they could have a union voice on the job. Since the beginning of the campaign at Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens, Towanda took on a leadership role in getting the truth out about the benefits of being part of a union and workers’ rights. She is also always eager to assist and volunteer at union events.

Workers at the non-profit waged a campaign to be a part of the UFCW. Today, they continue to stand together and fight for their rights. She is currently the Chief Shop Steward and represents her coworkers on the Bargaining Committee and the Labor Management Committee. Towanda’s contributions to numerous grievances, mediations, and arbitrations help hold the employer accountable to the collective bargaining agreement and keep morale strong amongst her coworkers.

Jerry Knapp, UFCW Local 1500, ShopRite Supermarket Primary Shop Steward

Jerry has been a member of UFCW Local 1500 since the 1960s. Jerry has been the Primary Shop Steward since September 1994. Over the years Jerry has always been an active member. Whether it’s attending area meetings, participating in negotiations, or advising members of their rights on the job, Jerry is always there. He is also always eager to assist in fundraising and political efforts.

Throughout the years Jerry has earned the respect of not only his peers, but management as well. He has been an advocate for union workers throughout his career and has done a great job representing UFCW Local 1500.

Carl Wong, UFCW Local 2013, FreshDirect Member Activist

Carl is a UFCW Local 2013 FreshDirect worker and was a key person in spreading the message of the benefits of having a union voice to his coworkers. He volunteered his time on several occasions to visit with New York City politicians, faith leaders, and coworkers in support of efforts to get FreshDirect to sit with workers at the bargaining table for a fair contract. Carl was also a member of the Contract Action Committee.

Carl’s face-to-face interactions with politicians helped them see the human side of why they needed to pressure FreshDirect to do the right thing for workers and work towards a fair contract. While this was just the first step in making change at FreshDirect, it’s members like Carl who help pave the way for future FreshDirect workers and contracts.

Towanda played a key role in helping her coworkers join the UFCW. Towanda took on a leadership role in getting the truth out about the benefits of being part of a union and workers’ rights.

Jerry has been a member of UFCW Local 1500 since the 1960s and the Primary Shop Steward at ShopRite since 1994. Over the years Jerry has always been an active member.

Carl is a UFCW Local 2013 FreshDirect worker and was a key person in spreading the message of the benefits of having a union voice to his coworkers.