Posts Categorized: Organizing

Metro Market workers in Milwaukee recently joined UFCW Local 1473 to strengthen wages, scheduling and staffing, and address other issues they face on the job.

UFCW Local 1473 President John Eiden and Kroger, the parent company of Metro Market, agreed to a neutrality agreement that would allow UFCW Local 1473 staff to sign members up at the Metro Market on N. Van Buren Street.

UFCW Local 1473 Political Director Melanie Bartholf, Service Director Jake Bailey and Union Representatives Scott Spearo, Justin Benzschawel and Ian Marten first connected with workers on May 31. Staff members from other locals also assisted and within less than a week, a majority status was reached. Eiden contacted Kroger to conduct a card check and the recognition agreement was signed by both parties.

“Melanie and the team did a great job not only with signing employees, but also identifying leaders and potential stewards to be on the bargaining committee,” said Eiden. “This is the best example we could have if the company doesn’t interfere or intimidate workers who are willing to join a union.”

Workers at the store are excited to be joining our union family.

“I am looking forward to the positive change a union contract will bring to our store,” said Josephine D’Amato, a bakery clerk who has worked at the Metro Market Van Buren store for 13 years.

“The biggest thing a union does is give us unity in numbers,” said Terrence Honey, a produce clerk who has worked at the Metro Market Van Buren store for 16 years. “Strength in numbers helps level the playing field.”

With nearly 100 New York workers at Zara stores in Yonkers and West Nyack joining RWDSU/UFCW Local 1102 on May 30, our union now represents about 2,000 employees with the company.

The Zara workers at the Yonkers and West Nyack stores joined our union family because they were concerned about wages, scheduling and paid leave. They were eager to join their colleagues at two other stores in Brooklyn and Staten Island, N.Y., who joined RWDSU/UFCW Local 1102 earlier this year in April.

Our union began organizing Zara workers in 2015 and focused on a variety of issues, such as unfair scheduling practices, which inhibited workers’ ability to care for their elderly parents and children, go to school or take a needed second job. During that time, we worked with UNI Global Union to successfully secure a Global Framework Agreement with Zara. Under the agreement, Zara pledged to respect the right of workers to organize. Since then, RWDSU/UFCW Local 1102 has secured strong contracts for nearly 2,000 workers at Zara with benefits that include paid time off for sickness, and holidays and vacation for both part- and full-time employees.

“Zara understands what too many companies don’t, that when workers are treated with dignity and respect, stores thrive and the company will undoubtedly be successful,” said Alvin Ramnarain, president of RWDSU/UFCW Local 1102. “Our work has secured strong contracts with real paid time off, fair scheduling, and seniority rights for thousands of Zara workers in the New York metropolitan area. Today, we’re proud to welcome new members from Zara in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Yonkers and West Nyack.”