Monthly Archives: September 2024

UFCW Local 1-D recently won an arbitration that resulted in over $83,000 in back pay and benefits for a member who is employed at Empire Merchants, a wine and liquor wholesaler in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The company violated the unit’s contract when the UFCW Local 1-D member, Jorge L. Pena-Lantigua, was terminated without just cause in June of 2023 for refusing to take a drug test that wasn’t warranted.  

In March of 2024, the case was brought to arbitration, and in June 2024, the arbitrator ruled that the member receive 11 months of back pay and benefits and return to work immediately.

“This ruling underscores the importance of being represented by a union and being covered by a union contract, which puts the interests of our members first,” said UFCW Local 1-D President Donald Rutan. “The power of the CBA allows this union and Local 1-D to prevail for the justice of our members.”

The UFCW’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Office has guidelines to help locals protect our members in cold work environments.

As winter approaches, it is crucial that we take cold work environments just as seriously as we do hot environments. The effects of cold stress pose a serious challenge to our members, whether they work in grocery stores, warehouses, or food processing plants.

Last year, we focused on the various cold weather injuries and illnesses, including trench foot, frostbite, hypothermia, and chilblains. This year, we’re focusing on the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), and how to dress warmly while still being able to do the demanding work that we know our members do every day.

Cold workplaces can be challenging to our members, as temperatures can vary depending on the workplace. Cold environments are correlated with cold stress illnesses, decreased productivity, and increased risk of injuries. While setting up regular breaks and creating warm-up areas is helpful, these do not prevent or relieve our members from experiencing extreme temperatures while they do their jobs. Meanwhile, PPE can be both effective and efficient at supporting a healthy body temperature while working.

The following are the ways we can maximize the potential of PPE:

Layering for Warmth

When you think of layering, you assume that its purpose is to have the ability to remove and add clothing as your environment’s temperature fluctuates. While this is a benefit to layering, it is not the purpose. The primary functions of layering include:

–           Sheild against wind

–           Protect from moisture

–           Insulate warmth

–           Secure the extremities

The most efficient way to conduct these four tasks is by considering three types of layers:

–           Insulated Outerwear: Durable jackets and coats will protect you from the wind and moisture

–           Thermal Underlayer: Base layers should remove moisture from the skin while trapping your warmth inside

–           Accessories: Hats, gloves, and neck gaiters protect your most vulnerable body parts from the cold

Proper Fit and Comfort

One of the biggest complaints about winter weather gear is that it is bulky and always getting in the way. Whether it be large jackets, or gloves that do not allow the use of your fingers, there is a better way to protect yourself from the cold while keeping productivity high. We should prioritize PPE that is both customizable and flexible to accommodate our workers as they complete their tasks.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Simply put, PPE cannot do its job if it is damaged. We must ensure that our workers wear PPE that lives up to the specifications of its design. By reviewing, reporting damage, and taking part in training, we can wear PPE that continuously minimizes the risk of frigid conditions by using it properly and keeping it in good condition.

For more information about cold workplace protections, contact OSH Office Director Roy McAllister at rmcallister@ufcw.org.