Posts Categorized: Local Union Resources

This week in San Antonio, more than 100 attorneys who represent UFCW locals and staff will meet to discuss ways to strengthen legal protections for our members and workers across the country. The conference will address legal challenges relating to “Work for Less” laws, immigration, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and other issues.

The four-day conference, which convened on September 15, includes a three-part workshop on Work for Less laws, and challenges to dues check-off authorization forms and union security clauses.

The conference will also address recent NLRB decisions union density, competition in labor markets and non-compete agreements; and emerging technology in the retail food industry. In preparation for the 2020 election, the conference will also provide an update on state and federal election law issues important to our members.

“At this conference, UFCW attorneys learn about significant legal developments and novel approaches to difficult legal issues,” International General Counsel Peter Ford said. “Attorneys can use what they learn to better advise UFCW locals to more effectively organize and bargain for members.”

Conference papers pertaining to these and the other topics of the conference are available here. You must register before gaining access to the site. If you have any questions about the conference or want access to the conference papers, contact George Wiszynski in the Legal Department at gwiszynski@ufcw.org.

A new Gallup poll shows that 64 percent of Americans approve of labor unions–making this a great environment for organizing campaigns and reaching out to potential members. This is one of the highest approval ratings for unions that Gallop has recorded in the last 50 years.

According to the poll, approval for unions has only occasionally surpassed 60 percent since 1967, and the lowest union approval ratings for unions occurred from 2009 to 2012 during years of high unemployment following the Great Recession.

Higher public support for unions in recent years reflects the improved economic conditions and low unemployment rate. Support for unions is also strong across party lines with Democrats, Republicans and Independents all more likely to have a positive view of unions than they were ten years ago.

The poll found that union affiliation drives public approval of unions, and 86 percent of adults in the U.S. living in a household with a union member approved of unions, compared to 60 percent of adults in nonunion households.

UFCW locals are encouraged to use this information to strengthen organizing campaigns. You can view the Gallup poll here.