Posts Tagged: UFCW Local 888

UFCW members from all across New York descended upon the State Capitol in Albany last week to talk with legislators about passing laws that will make life better for working families.

Members pushed for paid family leave, the New York DREAM Act, and a minimum wage increase.

“I’m here because legislators need to hear from regular people who are having regular problems like affording rent and raising our families,” said Georgette Wilson, a Local 1500 member who works at Stop N Shop in Hempstead. “It’s not right that people in New York who make minimum wage need multiple jobs and endless hours to survive.”

With members from 10 different local unions attending, the Statehouse was painted UFCW gold.

“Being here with so many of my brothers and sisters makes me feel strong,” said Christopher Holt, a Local 2013 member who works at Grand Manor Nursing Home in the Bronx. “When we unite together we can accomplish so much more than we can alone.”

David Isaacson, a UFCW Local 1500 member who works at Pathmark, spoke about the importance of being involved.

“Meeting with legislators is great,” he said. “It’s important that we’re here to support our union and the issues we care about. I would encourage everyone to attend lobby day so that they can see their legislators and share what’s on their mind.”

Arlette Legree, a UFCW Local 888 member who works at St. Dominic’s Home, wants her legislators to do more.

“I came to lobby day to voice my opinion and let legislators know that we expect them to do better,” she said. “It isn’t fair that too many people are making too little. I want to see increased wages and we can’t do that without the support of the people in this building. People need to put food on the table. Being here makes a difference. It’s a wonderful experience and I hope more and more people get involved politically.”

As the day came to a close, a vast majority of attendees were already looking forward to next year’s lobby day.

John Kubinski, a UFCW Local 1500 member who works at Shop Rite in Staten Island, spoke passionately about how he hoped next year’s lobby day would be even bigger and better.

“It is imperative that our elected officials hear from us,” he said. “They hear enough from big business and corporate lobbyists. They need to hear more about the problems that regular people are having. It’s not THE government – it’s OUR government. It won’t get better unless we band together and take an active role in how it functions. The decisions of our legislators affect all of us.”

Three UFCW members have been awarded with Region 1 Member Awards for supporting their coworkers, taking action to better their workplaces, and spreading the message about the benefits of having a union voice.

Towanda Carter, UFCW Local 888, Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens Chief Shop Steward

Towanda played a key role in helping her coworkers join the UFCW so they could have a union voice on the job. Since the beginning of the campaign at Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens, Towanda took on a leadership role in getting the truth out about the benefits of being part of a union and workers’ rights. She is also always eager to assist and volunteer at union events.

Workers at the non-profit waged a campaign to be a part of the UFCW. Today, they continue to stand together and fight for their rights. She is currently the Chief Shop Steward and represents her coworkers on the Bargaining Committee and the Labor Management Committee. Towanda’s contributions to numerous grievances, mediations, and arbitrations help hold the employer accountable to the collective bargaining agreement and keep morale strong amongst her coworkers.

Jerry Knapp, UFCW Local 1500, ShopRite Supermarket Primary Shop Steward

Jerry has been a member of UFCW Local 1500 since the 1960s. Jerry has been the Primary Shop Steward since September 1994. Over the years Jerry has always been an active member. Whether it’s attending area meetings, participating in negotiations, or advising members of their rights on the job, Jerry is always there. He is also always eager to assist in fundraising and political efforts.

Throughout the years Jerry has earned the respect of not only his peers, but management as well. He has been an advocate for union workers throughout his career and has done a great job representing UFCW Local 1500.

Carl Wong, UFCW Local 2013, FreshDirect Member Activist

Carl is a UFCW Local 2013 FreshDirect worker and was a key person in spreading the message of the benefits of having a union voice to his coworkers. He volunteered his time on several occasions to visit with New York City politicians, faith leaders, and coworkers in support of efforts to get FreshDirect to sit with workers at the bargaining table for a fair contract. Carl was also a member of the Contract Action Committee.

Carl’s face-to-face interactions with politicians helped them see the human side of why they needed to pressure FreshDirect to do the right thing for workers and work towards a fair contract. While this was just the first step in making change at FreshDirect, it’s members like Carl who help pave the way for future FreshDirect workers and contracts.

Towanda played a key role in helping her coworkers join the UFCW. Towanda took on a leadership role in getting the truth out about the benefits of being part of a union and workers’ rights.

Jerry has been a member of UFCW Local 1500 since the 1960s and the Primary Shop Steward at ShopRite since 1994. Over the years Jerry has always been an active member.

Carl is a UFCW Local 2013 FreshDirect worker and was a key person in spreading the message of the benefits of having a union voice to his coworkers.