Blog

Mark Ramos, president of UFCW Local 1428, visited UFCW members who work the third shift to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

On May 10, the UFCW celebrated National Third Shift Workers Day in honor of the more than 25 percent of American workers who labor overnight and into the early morning hours.

To celebrate the hard work and sacrifice made by those who work overnight to keep our communities running smoothly, UFCW International President Marc Perrone and UFCW Local 2008 President Steve Gelios surprised several UFCW Local 2008 members at a Kroger store in Little Rock, Ark., with a late night visit in honor of National Third Shift Workers Day. He also issued the following statement:

“Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of third shift workers, millions of American families are able to enjoy a better life. Whether it’s working through the night to prepare fresh food for the morning, restocking store shelves, or taking care of our loved ones in the hospital, the hard-working men and women of the UFCW who work the third shift provide an incredible value that too often goes unnoticed or taken for granted. So to our members, and everyone who works through the night so that we can all enjoy the day – we thank you. Thank you for making our communities better. Thank you for making a real difference in so many lives all across this nation.”

Mark Ramos, president of UFCW Local 1428 in Claremont, Calif., also visited UFCW members overnight to personally thank the hard-working men and women of the third shift for all they do.

“I was on third shift for 14 years when I worked in the stores,” said Ramos. “When I first started working nights, it took a few months to get used to it. You know, you never really get eight hours of sleep. I’d take two naps instead. You learn to make it work.”

Ramos preferred to work the third shift because the predictable schedule and hours let him take care of his kids and spend more time with his family during the day. The same applies for many of the members he spoke with during his visits.

“They are amazing folks. Most of them have families, and they work and then go home and do other things. The working moms who work that shift are some of the most incredible, courageous workers I know.”

National Third Shift Workers Day is annually observed on the second Wednesday in May. For more information about the UFCW’s tribute to workers on this day, visit http://www.ufcw.org/blog/.