Monthly Archives: January 2019

The UFCW International’s Information Technology Department recently released a promotional video for the Sidekick app, which can help locals connect with current and potential members face-to-face and maintain accurate membership data more efficiently from any mobile device.

The sidekick app is part of the UFCW’s Local Union Membership Management (LUMM) system, which is a free membership tracking software and widely used throughout all regions. The new cloud-based Sidekick app offers many features needed to join and service our members, including use of multimedia, digital membership application, reporting, surveys, grievance, document and file repository, texting, email and others.

“We’ve been using the Sidekick app for about a year, and it’s been invaluable in terms of one-on-one face time with members,” said Sam Marvin, who is the director of communications and an organizer at UFCW Local 328. “In addition to maintaining membership information, this app has helped our local highlight the value of belonging to our union family with our members and showcase the UFCW Free College Benefit, contract wins and pension information. I encourage other locals to take advantage of this app.”

You can view the promotional video for the Sidekick app here. To learn more about the Sidekick app or to arrange for a training session, contact Laurie Kolish at the UFCW International’s Information Technology Department at lkolish@ufcw.org.

On Jan. 20, members of UFCW Local 770 who work at Overhill Farms in Vernon, California, ratified a new contract that raises wages and improves benefits. This ratification comes after 18 months of contract negotiations, three strike votes, and various actions demanding respect, dignity, and a voice on the job.

Effective from September 2018 to September 2021, the new contract benefits around 400 employees in the bargaining unit. It includes wage increases of up to $2.00 per hour during the contract term, according to seniority (a base salary greater than the minimum wage will rule). The employees will also receive retroactive back pay to Sept. 1, 2018, and a sizeable bonus paid within 30 days of ratification.

Regarding health insurance, the company will establish a fund to reimburse deductibles to employees who are currently enrolled in the company’s health care plan – up to $900 per year for employees with single coverage and up to $1,200 per year for employees with dependent coverage. Grandfathered employees (including covered family members) will receive reimbursements of some copays (up to a total of $50,000). The contract also guarantees no annual increase to weekly medical premiums for the life of the contract.

UFCW 770 members won a guarantee that the company cannot unilaterally change the health care plan, as it had done in the past. Overhill Farms committed to paying up to a 12 percent increase per year and maintaining the same health benefits. If the increase exceeds that amount, then the union can offer another, more cost-effective plan, which the company must accept or pay the entire increase itself.

During contract negotiations, the bargaining committee and rank-and-file members stood strong fighting for better living wages, affordable health benefits, seniority protections, a safe workplace, and dignity and respect. Community, labor, and faith leaders joined the workers in solidarity at all the mobilizations in front of the company’s main plant.

Overhill Farms employees are mostly immigrant workers who produce frozen food items such as plated meals, soups, pastas, sauces and other specialties. Overhill Farms is owned by CPF, a Thailand based conglomerate.