This year, the UFCW’s tribute to members who work the graveyard shift on National Third Shift Workers Day was a success, and photos of UFCW locals thanking third shift workers in creative ways for their hard work and sacrifice continue to pour in.
UFCW Local 2 gave out over 13,000 donuts last week to third shift workers, and UFCW Local 770 gave out “Night Shift Strong” cups to members who keep stores and facilities running through the night.
Here are a few images from UFCW Locals 2 and 770:
In April, members of UFCW Local 653, in partnership with the Northwest Suburbs Community and Labor Coalition, took part in a community canvassing event in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to talk about the need for living wages and affordable housing. Hennepin County is the most populous county in the state of Minnesota, and includes the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul and Bloomington. Other labor, community, and faith based groups also participated in the event.
According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Living Wage Calculator, a living wage for a family of two adults and two children in Hennepin County is $69,759 per year before taxes. However, many working families in the area earn less than the MIT living wage threshold, and are struggling with the rising cost of housing.
“People working 40 hours a week should be able to afford a decent place to live and food to feed their families without working multiple jobs. I believe livable wages and affordable housing should be basic rights,” said Alex Kunau, a member of UFCW Local 653 who works as a deli manager at Silver Lake Road Cub Foods.