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On April 22 to 26, the UFCW hosted the first “Strike School” conference in Chicago. Over 300 members and staff from UFCW locals across the U.S. and Canada attended the conference, which was designed to help locals better prepare their members for strikes during the negotiation process.

The conference included workshops about strike logistics and support; super servicing in preparation for bargaining; and how to communicate effectively while on strike. In addition, workshops also addressed on the ground coordination; strike safety; legal considerations related to unfair labor practice (ULP) and recognition strikes; research preparations and tactics related to different types of strikes; an in depth look at strikes pertaining to health care, ULPs, lockouts and other issues; and how to best engage with community and political allies during a strike. 

“The UFCW International’s Strike School was a key informational opportunity,” said Erika Steiner, who is a member of UFCW Local 919. “Not just for my local and me, but for all my brothers and sisters. After sharing my own personal experience on strike, I felt as though my voice was heard. The tools given in this short week will help for years of bargaining to come.”

“What a great learning opportunity, not only for myself but for all those in attendance,” said Dale Driskell, who is a member of UFCW Local 23D. “The information and instruction were top tier. Being able to break bread and discuss all the many topics and tactics with my fellow union brothers and sisters was an experience I will not soon forget. I look forward to more learning and growth opportunities to help strengthen and unify the UFCW to its highest potential.”

The UFCW is planning to host smaller regional Strike School conferences in the future. For more information about Strike School opportunities, contact your Region Director.

On April 26, cafeteria workers in the Dolton, Ill., school district joined UFCW Local 1546 for a better life. The 30 workers are employed by Organic Life, a hospitality and food service management company.

The workers, who are employed as servers, monitors, cooks, and chefs, work at five school cafeterias (Dirksen Middle School, Caroline Sibley Elementary School, New Beginnings Learning Academy, Carol Mosely-Braun School, Diekman Elementary School, and Berger Vandenberg School). They joined our union family to gain higher wages, better benefits, and respect in the workplace, and won the right to bargain a first union contract following a successful six-month organizing campaign.

“Our organizers worked very closely with these workers to address many of their workplace concerns, including the desire to earn more than the minimum wage and the ability to gain much needed paid sick leave,” said International Vice President and UFCW Local 1546 President Robert O’Toole. “We will now work extra hard to secure a first union contract that will help to raise the industry standards for these and many other school cafeteria workers in the Chicagoland area.”