UFCW

Official Publication of Local 1167, United Food and Commercial Workers Union September 2009

President ’s r ePort Truth is a casualty in the health care debate n politics as in war, truth is the first casualty. This is especially true in the current national debate over I health care reform. A wave of disinformation, much of it deliberate and politically motivated, has threatened to overwhelm the dis - cussion. At a time when Americans should be talking about the substance of reform proposals being considered Member Jesus Torres, right, holds his back-pay check from as he is congratulated by by Cong ress, everyone seems to be UFCW Local 1167 Union Representative Gil Ramirez. talking about crazy conspiracy theo - ries. This is apparent at the town hall Union fights long and hard battle forums that are being conducted by sen - By Bill Lathrop ators and representatives during Cong ress’ summer recess. Many peo - to win full-time status for member ple are showing up at these events in a state of utter confusion and alarm. There are reports of shoving and people using words like “Nazi” n November 2007, Jesus even though he had met the con - and “Socialist” and “death panels.” Torres, a food clerk working tractual requirement to become a Most of our members are too well-informed to believe this stuff, but in produce at Ralphs 609 in full-time employee. if you know people who have been affected, here are some of the facts Riverside, contacted Union Under the Master Food collec - I they should consider: Representative Gil Ramirez to tell tive bargaining agreement covering There will be no “death panels” designed to “pull the plug on him he wasn’t working full-time, (Please see page 6) grandma.” (Please see page 3)

Quarterly Membership Meetings: Sept. 23, Dec. 23

All meetings at 7 p.m. in the UFCW Local 1167 Auditorium, 855 W. San Bernardino Ave., Bloomington

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U Members at Stater Bros. 46 in Hemet are the subject of this issue’s

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N “Members at Work” feature. See pages 4 and 5. : o t s y a d 5 n i n r u t e R PAGE 2 DESERT EDGE SEPTEmbER 2009

7 lbs. 13 oz and 18 inches long. ... Jaime Garcia , , has twin girls. Kaitlyn and Katie were born on May 8 at 3.13 lbs and 4.08 lbs. ... Jennifer Torres , Food 4 MAP Less, welcomed Michael Jauregui on June 4. MembershipAssistanceProgram YOUR UNION Michael weighed 8.5 lbs. ... Monica Martinez Vargas , Stater Bros., welcomed Eligible active or retired Food and Meat Marissa Raquel into the world on June 18. Marissa weighed 9 lbs. 2 oz. and her happy participants can call the toll-free MAP What’ s mom calls her “my second little blessing for number at the Health Management Happening which I thank the Good Lord.” ... Sandra Center at any time, Hernandez , Stater Bros., and Jeremy Torres proudly announce the birth of Mia Fe Torres DAY OR NIGHT, 24 HOURS A DAY, by Maureen McCabe on June 25. Mia weighed 6 lbs. and her SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. delighted parents write: “We finally got our baby girl.” ... Anuradha Ramdas and Tarun Food Division, call Wadhwa , both of Pharmacy, have a new son. Arav Wadhwa was born on June (800) 461-9179 26 at 6.2 lbs. ... david Wesley Almy , Stater Drug Division, call Bros., welcomed david James on June 26. David James weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz. and his (866) 268-2510 happy dad tells us he is a “beautiful, healthy JUST ReTiRed: The month of August brought couple honeymooned on a Mediterranean baby boy.” ... Mark Bevan , Stater Bros., is (All calls are confidential) us several new retirees. Mark Chambers cruise. Matthew Gray, Food 4 Less, took worked in the industry as a meat cutter for 27 Elizabeth Garcia to be his bride on May 16. the proud new dad of Mia Wesley , who was years with Vons, Lucky and Alpha Beta. The wedding was at the Desert Princess born on June 27 at 8 lbs. 1 oz. ... Mario Karen davis worked for Ralphs and Alpha Country Club in Cathedral City. Stephanie Garcia , Stater Bros., and his wife Malin Beta for 34 years. Catherine Howard worked Howard, Stater Bros., married Jarrod Lujan proudly announce the arrival of Adriana You are interesting! for 39 years with Ralphs and Alpha Beta. on June 13 in Temecula. The newlyweds Leanne , who was born on July 2 at 8 lbs. ... Tellusaboutyourself. Shahnaz Khan retired after 14 years with honeymooned in Las Vegas. Minh The doan, Kelly Barney , Rite Aid, gave birth to Chael Rite-Aid. david Knapp worked in the industry , married Tracy Le, Sav-On, on Castro on July 12 at 8 lbs. 5 oz. ... ivan You are the most interesting thing for 36 years with Ralphs, Alpha Beta and June 20. The wedding was in Orange Ocejo , Ralphs, has a new son. Benjamin Joel was b about our union! If there’s Beaches Markets. Scott Martin worked for County and the happy couple honeymooned orn on July 17 at 7 lbs. 14 oz. His happy father tells us something unusual or newsworthy Food 4 Less and Lucky for 28 years. in Vietnam. Vickie emerson, Ralphs, said “I he is “a very healthy boy” and “he and mother Olesya are doing about your life, hobbies, abilities or Johnathan Morgan worked for Albertsons do” to Glenn Cordromp on June 27. The for 37 years. Barbara Wellard worked for wedding was in Lake Elsinore and the new- great.” ... daniel Pina, Ralphs, is proud to talents, call us at the office and tell Rite Aid for 32 years. lyweds honeymooned at Lake Tahoe. Steven announce the arrival of Nehemiah daniel on July 21 at 8 lbs. 11 o us about it so that we may consid - Congratulations to all of our new retirees! Moreno, Stater Bros., exchanged vows with z. His proud dad er doing a feature about you in the We wish you many healthy, happy years Jessi on June 27 in Murrieta. The newlyweds writes: “We thank God for such a handsome baby boy. He is a blessing.” ... ismael Desert Edge. Just ask for Kathleen ahead to enjoy your retirements. stayed in San Luis Obispo for their honey- moon. Lydia Zamarripa, Rite-Aid, married Galindo , Ralphs, has a new son. Max was Franks or your Union Rep. JUST MARRied: Filemon Martinez, James Wear at the Little White Wedding born on July 23 at 7 lbs. 6.9 oz. ... Melissa Albertsons, married Bianca on March 28 in PresidentBillLathrop Chapel in Las Vegas. Colunga, Stater Bros., gave birth to Audrina Palm Desert. Lesa dodson, Albertsons, mar- Congratulations to all of our newlyweds! Marie Rincon on Aug. 5. Audrina weighed 8 ried Dave Harder on May 9 after 17 years lbs ½ oz. together. The wedding was held at the Rose JUST BORN: Keith Le Blanc , Stater Bros., has Congratulations to all of our new moms Garden of Fairmount Park and the happy a n e w son. Jaiden was born on March 24 at and dads!

DESERT EDGE In MEMoRIaM Yourduesare Bill Lathrop Editor Terri Brom, a general merchandise clerk formerly employed by Stater Bros. Markets, died nowpayable! Official monthly publication of Local Nov. 27, 2008, at the age of 59. She had been a member since August 1996. If you are one of the few members of the 1167, United Food and Commercial Eugene Dixon, a retired food clerk formerly employed by Inc. and Albertsons, local who are not yet signed up for dues Workers International Union, checkoff: SEPTEMBER DUES ARE NOW San Bernardino, Riverside and died July 3, 2009, at the age of 62. He had been a continuous member since December 1975. Imperial Counties, California. Leroy Forrest, a retired meat cutter formerly employed by Walkers Packing House, Don DUE AND PAYABLE. IF NOT PAID ON OR BEFORE NOV. 1, 2009, YOU WILL 855 West San Bernardino Ave. Tyler Meats, Pantry and Alpha Beta, died July 24, 2009, at the age of 86. He had been a AUTOMATICALLY SUSPEND YOUR- Bloomington, California member since July 1947. (Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.) SELF. Howard Hildebrand, a retired food clerk formerly employed by Stater Bros. Markets and (Closed Sat., Sun. and holidays) With dues checkoff, all future dues can be P.O. Box 1167 , died July 9, 2009, at the age of 74. He had been a member since March 1959. deducted automatically from your pay Bloomington, CA 92316 Jean Marshall, a retired meat wrapper formerly employed by ThriftyMart, Vons and Safeway, check. If you do not have an authorization Telephone Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. died July 13, 2009, at the age of 89. She had been a member since September 1956. form, call the local and one will be sent to Business Telephone: Ewing McDaniel, an affiliated member employed by Vons Pharmacy, died July 15, 2009, at you immediately. (909) 877-5000 the age of 66. He had been a continuous member since July 2008. Non-payment or payment of the incorrect Toll-Free Telephone: Mary Medina, a retiree formerly employed by California Luggage and Local 213 office amount will automatically suspend you — a (800) 698-UFCW staff, died March 4, 2005, at the age of 91. She had been a member since May 1955. costly and inconvenient mistake. Although Food and Meat Division Insurance: Joyce Muchmore, a retired nurse’s aide formerly employed by not required, the local as a courtesy normal - (909) 877-1110 Country Villa Hacienda Health - care Center, died July 4, 2009, at the age of 71. She had been a member since February 2002. ly sends billing notices by first-class mail to Drug & General Sales Division those not on dues checkoff. It is the mem - James Quinn, a retired meat cutter formerly employed by Fisher’s Market and Dodson’s, Insurance: ber’s obligation to pay dues in a timely man - (909) 877-2331 died Aug. 14, 2009, at the age of 96. He had been a member since December 1937. ner. Not receiving a notice is not an excuse John Sanchez, a retired meat cutter formerly employed by Stater Bros. Markets, died Aug. for failure to pay dues on time. Publisher 1, 2009 at the age of 66. He had been a member since February 1968. Avoid suspension. Authorize dues checkoff today! Our condolences to the families of these deceased members. SEPTEmbER 2009 DESERT EDGE PAGE 3

UniOn R ePReSentative ’S R ePORt President ’s r ePort Truth is a casualty in 13 ways the health care debate to keep (Continued from front page) Some politicians and commentators, including Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and former Alaska your job ByrickBruer Gov. Sarah Palin, have asserted that the health care proposals would coerce “unproductive” people like the elderly to end their lives. oo often, members get into difficulties at work because they fail to This is a lie. The proposals — now shelved because of the follow some important common sense procedures. Avoiding trou - unwanted controversy they have drawn — would have provided for ble on the job is often as simple as following some basic rules. seniors to consult with a doctor every five years for “advanced care T Here are 13 ways to protect your job and avoid problems at work: planning consultations.” 1. Do not consume or use any product before purchasing it or while In these voluntary consultations, they would state in advance standing in a checkout line. Always have your receipt attached to anything their preferences for care should they become unable to speak for purchased in the store! themselves. Nothing is said about euthanasia or assisted suicide. 2. Do not checkout your own purchase! No employee is authorized to In fact, this measure was strongly supported by the AARP and was conduct his or her own transaction. designed to foster important discussions so that patients are fully 3. Always check ID when selling alcohol or tobacco products! NO informed. EXCEPTIONS! The government will not be paying for abortions. 4. Do not be insubordinate to management! Always comply with man - Just mentioning the word “abortion” is sure to cause disruption. agement’s request then contact your union representative if you have a That is the purpose of the health care bill’s opponents. Neither the problem. Your union can file a grievance if a contract violation has House nor Senate versions of the health care bill say anything about occurred. government-funded abortions. 5. Do not take anything outside of the store without a supervisor’s per - Our tax dollars will not provide free health care to illegal mission. aliens. 6. Do not falsify company paperwork (i.e. time cards, grind or temper - Both versions of the bill say specifically that people who are “not ature logs, codes, maintenance forms, inventory reports, sweep sheets lawfully present in the United States” will receive no federal aid for and/or punches). health care. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the dying and severe - 7. Do not get involved in shouting matches or any kind of violent situ - ly injured will be barred from emergency rooms if they don’t have ations with management, coworkers or customers. the right papers on them. They will be admitted just as they are now. 8. Do not use your Club/Rewards card for anyone but yourself. The government won’t ration our health care like in Soviet 9. Do not discount/markdown any items without management’s ap pro- Russia. val. Never discount/markdown anything for yourself, a relative or a Currently, the U.S. is the only industrialized country that lacks a friend. comprehensive program to provide health care to those who need it. 10. Always work your posted schedule! Management must approve any Our current system denies health care to millions because of “preex - changes. isting conditions” or the whims of insurance company bureaucrats. 11. Always be on time for your scheduled shift. Seniors who have Medicare are far happier with their health care 12. Always follow your employer’s procedure when calling in sick. than other Americans who must cope with private insurance compa - 13. Always provide your employer with a valid and current doctor’s nies. note when on a leave of absence. The reforms that are being discussed will forbid any company to deny coverage for someone with a preexisting condition. They would also give millions of people who currently can’t afford health care an affordable means to obtain it. This doesn’t sound like rationing health care to me. It sounds like making it available to more people. Passage of meaningful reform is necessary for the health and Local 1167’s 2009 prosperity of our nation. How we should do that should be the sub - ject of debate. But that debate should be based on the facts, not hys - scholarship winners terical delusions. BiLL S AurioL A wArd dominicruggiero , Food 4 Less

Second A wArdS AliLanewala , son of Farzana Lanewala, Rite Aid it PaYS tO Be UniOn! BrenetteAlamillo , daughter of Hector Alamillo, Food 4 Less Javiercastro , son of Joaquina DeCastro, Windsor Quality Foods August 2009 YeAr to d Ate Third A wArdS Back pay and benefits $17,266.10 $59,621.51 MonicaGardner , daughter of Patricia Pompa, Rialto Family Dental restored to members Kayleeriddle , daughter of Trista L. Shriver, Ralphs Members reinstated 28 148 Patriciawilliams , Stater Bros. grievances settled 150 646 PAGE 4 DESERT EDGE SEPTEmbER 2009

MEMBERS aT W oRk Stater Bros. 46 Hemet Photos taken July 1, 2009 SEPTEmbER 2009 DESERT EDGE PAGE 5

MEMBERS aT W oRk Stater Bros. 46 Hemet Photos taken July 1, 2009 PAGE 6 DESERT EDGE SEPTEmbER 2009

Union fights long and hard battle to win full-time status for member

(Continued from front page) always worked on early-morning make Torres full-time. not even respond to Graham’s letter. Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons, an shifts that required other specific Graham then requested that the The case was heard before arbitra - employee who works 16 consecutive duties. company provide the schedules and tor Carl Chernoff on March 5, 2009. weeks of five eight-hour days qualifies Torres said that the records would time records of all employees Renee Sanchez acted as Local 1167’s for (and must be classified as) a full- show him working night shifts prior involved. The company responded that attorney to present the issue before the time employee. A grievance was then to, during and after the other employ - the records were at the store for arbitrator. filed against Ralphs. ee’s leave of absence. He also said review. Both Graham and Ramirez took the Bill Edwards, Ralphs’ labor rela - that other employees were scheduled Ramirez and Graham went to the stand to testify about their findings. tions representative, responded to the to work the early-morning shifts to store and poured over all of the sched - They were able to present to the arbi - grievance, saying Torres had worked cover for the absent employee. ules and time records of every trator the detailed records of what they 16 weeks but, because he was filling employee who was scheduled to work had found when they visited the store. in for another employee who was out in produce. Torres also took the stand and testi - on a medical leave of absence, his After hours of research, the two fied about the duties he performed and claim for full-time status was denied. s is often the case, determined that what Torres had stated the schedules he worked. After that Edwards referred to contract lan - A was absolutely true. He had worked testimony and the presentation of sev - guage that states: “A specific individ - the company presented only on night closing shifts for the eral documents, Sanchez rested the ual’s assignments to temporary vacan - entire period while the other employee local’s case, subject to rebuttal. The cies caused by vacations, illness, several positions that had worked only on early morning company then presented its case to the injury, or leave of absence shall nei - had never been opening shifts. arbitrator. ther count toward nor interrupt the Several other employees were then As is often the case, the company aforesaid accumulation of the 16 con - submitted to Graham. scheduled to work on the early morn - presented several positions that had secutive weeks.” ing shifts while this employee was never been submitted to Graham. After receiving the company’s let - absent. Local 1167 had come to the arbitration ter, Grievance Coordinator Bill Graham contacted Edwards and Torres had not earned his full-time with the belief that the company had Graham contacted Torres about his gave him this information. Soon after - status by filling in for another absent only one position: that Torres was not case. Torres informed Graham that ward, Graham received a letter from employee. He was therefore entitled to entitled to a full-time position because during the weeks he worked 40 hours, Edwards disagreeing with the infor - a full-time position. he had filled in for another employee he was scheduled nighttime shifts mation provided by Torres. Graham immediately notified the on a leave of absence. But in an effort requiring specific duties. The employ - He said the company would not company of his findings. The compa - to win at any cost, the company raised ee who was out on a leave of absence change its position and would not ny chose to ignore the records and did (Please see page 7)

FILL OUT, CUT OUT AND MAIL TO: UFCW LOCAL 1167, P.O. BOx 1167, BLOOMINGTON, CA 92316 SEPTEmbER 2009 DESERT EDGE PAGE 7 Hot off the press UFCW International Union scholarship winner lives for layout

spread with sharp, four-color pic - scrapbooking and taking pictures, tures. particularly nature photography. In The headline would read: high school, she was a member of INGTON HIGH SCHOOL ‘i read over it and Key Club, National Honor Society STUDENT WINS $8,000 UFCW and she played softball. INTERNATIONAL SCHOLAR - tried not to skip Pamela, Desiree’s mother, works SHIP. at Food 4 Less in Colton. That award will help her pursue ahead, but my eyes “I was kind of clueless about the her dreams of journalism and graphic union for a long time,” Desiree said. design at Cal Poly Pomona this fall. hit ‘$8,000’ and I “But when the time came to write “We were really surprised that I thought, ‘that has to the essay for this scholarship, my won,” Holloway said. mom talked to me about the union “My mom and I were on our way be a mistake. and helped me get started. I know a out the door when the letter came. I ’ lot about it now.” read over it and tried not to skip Currently, Desiree lives at home ahead, but my eyes hit ‘$8,000’ and I She became interested in graphic with her mom and her dad, who is a thought, ‘that has to be a mistake.’ design when she was the editor of sergeant in the California Highway “My mom read it and she couldn’t the Bloomington High School year - Patrol. Her 21-year-old brother is a Desiree Holloway believe it either. We were in shock.” book during her sophomore year. computer engineering student at UC Holloway decided on attending “Ultimately I want to work in Riverside. esiree Holloway probably Cal Poly Pomona because of its advertising or print,” she said. “I Holloway said her life can be would prefer that her life “unique” curriculum. “There are not have a lot of experience with jour - summed up in three words: “Never story be read and not heard. a lot of regular schools that offer nalism from high school.” give up.” D And not just read, but print - graphic design programs anymore Aside from journalism, Holloway That, too, would make a good ed in bold on a two-page newspaper and Cal Poly is at the top of the list.” enjoys hanging out with friends, headline for Desiree Holloway.

Union fights long and hard battle

(Continued from page 6) on quite a case. Not only had they many issues that had never been dis - brought back Edwards, they had per - cussed between the parties. haps a half-dozen other people who The companies often do this to try presumably were to testify. to confuse the arbitrator. But in their While Sanchez, Graham, Ramirez efforts to do so, the company’s repre - and Torres developed their strategy for sentatives made themselves look fool - their next move, the company’s coun - ish. At one point in the proceeding, selor knocked on the door, proposing while testifying under oath, Edwards to make a deal to settle the issue. disagreed with his own position that After more than a year and a half, he had taken in a letter he sent to the company proposed to make Torres Graham. full-time from that date forward. When the company finished pre - While Torres would have been senting Edwards’ disjointed testimony, happy to accept the company’s offer, the company requested an additional Graham and Ramirez felt there was a day of arbitration to present the better deal. remainder of its case. This is another After several proposals back and tactic often used by the company’s forth, the union was able to negotiate representatives. They let the union a full-time position not only for present its case and then take the time Torres, but also for another employee between arbitration dates to develop who worked in the store. In addition their own case. to the full-time positions, the company Unfortunately, even after objections agreed to pay Torres $2,500 in back from the union, arbitrators, in an effort pay. to be fair, granted another day of arbi- Because Torres was strong enough For more information, please contact tration so that the company was given to come forward with his position and Jessica acosta at (310) 630-4572 ample opportunity to present its case. fight the long, hard battle with the The arbitration was reconvened on company, he was able to gain the full- [email protected] June 9 at Local 1167’s office. It time position that he had wanted for appeared as though the company’s so long, along with helping another Visit www.ufcw1167.org to purchase tickets! representatives were prepared to put employee achieve full-time status. PAGE 8 DESERT EDGE SEPTEmbER 2009

SteWaRd F eatURe Dennis Haugen: a union steward who does what it takes

ennis Haugen will do just about any - Haugen said. “So, if I have something to say to thing it takes to support his union. a manager, I never hesitate. I know my union “I had a bit of an altercation during representative is always ready to support me.” D the 2003-04 strike and lockout,” Haugen said he feels privileged to have Haugen recalled. worked with recently retired Union “As a picket captain I was confronted by a Representative Keith Wright. non-union truck driver who was trying to “Keith was the best of the best and a pleas - deliver goods to our store. We got into a shout - ure to work with,” he said. “He was know - ing match which led to shoving. He called the ledgeable and responsible, and he loved to police. They handcuffed me, put me in the educate everyone he came in contact with. I’ll back of a patrol car and cited me for disorderly sure miss him.” conduct. One thing Haugen does not miss is the “It was that important for me to stand up for opportunity to mentor younger workers. our union.” “It’s important they know what the union At the time, Haugen was working as a food does for us,” Haugen said. “The more people clerk at Lucky 6753 in Temecula. After the who understand what the union is all about, strike, he was transferred to Albertsons 6743 in the more support we have and the stronger we Murrieta. become.” “I never back down when it comes to Haugen has two teenage daughters: defending my union and my fellow members,” Amanda, 16 and Jessica 15. Dennis Haugen Haugen said. “Even before I formally became When he is not at work, he enjoys spending a steward, I was advising my coworkers about between the wages and benefits we have and time with his children and working on his coin their rights under the contract.” what workers at have,” he said. collection. Without a union, management would pay its Haugen said he doesn’t back down when “I started when I was about 8 years old,” he employees the lowest possible wages and offer he sees someone at his store being treated said. “I saw an ad in a newspaper and sent them little or no benefits, Haugen said. unfairly. away for some old Indian head pennies. It’s “All you have to do is look at the difference “I know I have the union to back me up,” grown quite a bit since then.”

Serving on E Board will be learning experience for Jerry Horton

ew Executive Board mem - izing efforts. ber Jerry Horton said his “The more market share we first “E Board” meeting have, the better our wages and ben - n was a learning experience. efits become,” Horton said. “I consider myself pretty well “Bringing more workers into our versed in the contract and in how union will make us stronger so we our union works,” Horton said. can negotiate better contracts in the “But I received a real education future.” about issues I was not aware of He said he looks forward to the before. I’m sure future meetings next round of food industry negoti - will be equally educational.” ations in 2011. Horton is a meat manager at “I want to see our pension bene - Stater Bros. 174 in Wildomar. He fits increased for new hires,” he has worked in the food industry for said. “We need to keep people in more than 40 years and has been at the business for the long haul. We the Wildomar store for the past five don’t want a revolving door sys - years. tem.” He said he joined the steward When he’s not working, Horton program when it was formed and his wife make frequent trips to because he wanted to educate new their vacation home on the hires about the importance of union Colorado River. membership. “We have a speed boat we ride “The union is the only reason we New Executive Board member Jerry Horton, right, takes the oath of office, for fun and a pontoon boat for fish - have the job protections we do,” he administered by UFCW Local 1167 President Bill Lathrop. ing,” Horton said. said. “Without a union contract, we “My wife [Debbie] and I have cially in this day and age when “I have no immediate plans to would be subject to unfair treatment three adult children,” Horton said. companies are cutting back or elim - retire, but when I do, we plan to with no recourse. Because we are in “Their births and all of the various inating them. I want them to appre - live there full time. a union, we have a grievance proce - medical issues they encountered in ciate that without a union to negoti - “I know we won’t have to worry dure and someone who will fight their lives were all taken care of ate them for us, those benefits about anything financially, because for us.” because of our health benefits. might not exist.” I’ve worked at a union job and will Horton said he particularly values “I try to tell our new hires how Horton said he hopes the union have a good pension waiting for his union-negotiated health benefits. important those benefits are, espe - will continue to intensify its organ - me.”