Posts Tagged: UFCW Local 27

UFCW International President Marc Perrone, released the following statement last week on behalf of UFCW Locals 27, 100R, 152, 342, 371, 400, 464-A, 1245, 1262, 1360, 1500, 1776 and RWDSU Locals 338 and 1034, after meeting with A&P executives to discuss the future of A&P and its proposed sale.

“For years, the hard-working men and women of A&P not only did their jobs, they personally and financially sacrificed to invest in A&P’s success. These sacrifices were made for the sake of their families, their co-workers, and the customers and communities that they deeply care about. Now, at this critical time, after repeated mismanagement and strategic mistakes made by company executives, A&P is asking for even more. Enough is enough!

“Instead of asking for more sacrifices to pay-off a select group of executives and corporate investors, A&P should be focusing on their workers and their families during this challenging time.

“We want to be very clear, our members and their families sacrificed. They invested financially and personally in the success of these stores and they remain committed to working hard to make these stores a success for any responsible buyers. But make no mistake, we will not take part in any effort that asks them to give up what they have earned and deserve.

“Looking ahead, we will work cooperatively and constructively with anyone, but we will fight back with everything we have if A&P or its financial backers attempt to further exploit our members. For A&P to ask our members to give up their rights and benefits is simply unacceptable. Moreover, it is an insult given that it is our hard-working members who have and will make these stores a success. In fact, what will make these stores a true financial success is new and responsible management, not more sacrifices by A&P’s hard-working men and women.

“If A&P, its executive team, or its investors want to play the blame game, they should all look in the mirror.

“Now is the time for A&P to do what is right and we fully expect that they will honor their responsibilities to its employees, our members, and their families.”

UFCW members and organizers from locals across Region 2, joined together with UFCW Local 1208 member organizers for a coordinated worker outreach to Mountaire Farms workers.

UFCW members and organizers from locals across Region 2— including UFCW Locals 23, 27, 400, and 1776— joined together with UFCW Local 1208 member organizers for a coordinated worker outreach to Mountaire Farms workers who are fighting for a voice on the job.

The week-long house visits and worker mobilization resulted in hundreds of worker contacts and culminated with a well-attended general worker meeting in Fayetteville, N.C., where many UFCW members from the Smithfield pork processing facility in neighboring Tar Heel, N.C., shared experiences with workers at Mountaire’s Lumber Bridge, N.C., chicken processing plant.

“I know many of you may be scared but nothing is going to change if you don’t speak up,” said Lydia Victoria, a Smithfield worker who witnessed the fight for a union voice at her plant. “I was also scared when we were trying to form our union but I found strength in my co-workers. Now, we are able to continuously improve our working conditions because when we face our managers and Smithfield we are not alone.”

In addition to Smithfield workers, the Mountaire workers also heard powerful testimonies from UFCW Local 27 Mountaire workers about having a union voice on the job.

“Things can be different for us at Mountaire if we stand up,” said Ricardo Rivera who has worked at Mountaire Farms for the past seven years and suffered three injuries on the job. “Safety is important to me because I want to be healthy so I can continue to provide for my four kids.”