AFL-CIO, CLC
Pathmark Bankruptcy Update Pages 4 & 5 | Local 1500 raises over $125,000 for Charity Page 6 | Labor Day Parade Page 7 | Shop Steward Seminar Pages 8 & 9 FR Happy OM LOCAL Holidays! 1500 2 The Register December 2015 The Register 3
THE PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE JUST FOR THE RECORD By Bruce W. Both By Anthony G. Speelman, Secretary-Treasurer @Aspeel1500 New York’sLocal Grocery Workers’1500 Union
STATE OF THE UNION OUR NEW UNION
2015 presented many challenges to us. The relied on its convenience and size for its popu- On-demand shopping habits through the digital As I mentioned in my September column, For the many workers at Pathmark stores heads about, what’s next? They immediately A&P bankruptcy obviously overshadows them all. larity. It’s been the place where you can find 10 age have molded our society’s workforce into on- 2015 year was an enormous test for our entire that were bought by other employers, you contacted our Union’s Organizing Department. The bankruptcy comes at a time where the tradi- different types of pasta or five different brands of demand workers. union. It feels like years ago that we negotiat- know that wasn’t the case for every transition Just as our department was there for the eight tional grocery store’s future is very much in doubt. peanut butter. Two-income families are prevalent across ed eight new excellent contracts in the early agreement. Some new store owners wouldn’t Mrs. Green’s workers when they were fired ille- Companies are now merging in order to com- You’ll find that peanut butter in the aisle, America, therefore there aren’t as many stay at months of 2015. The new contracts provide guarantee jobs, and when they did, most said gally and left out in the cold last year, they were pete in the enormously difficult business, which not because of its popularity, but because the home parents shopping during the day. This a better life for over half of the 22,500 hard they’d only hire at reduced rate! This is the for these new workers with no clear future. is dominated by competition from Walmart, CVS company usually has paid the supermarket to leads to busy families who are hurrying after work working men and women in our union. battle we have fought tirelessly over the last and drugstores, and specialty stores like Whole put it there. According to the Washington Post, to the store so they can easily throw together Which brings me to why it’s even more six months and will continue to fight in the Foods and Trader Joes. stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s work a meal. During the week, people don’t want to After negotiating the new contracts with important that our entire union knows this. future. Securing jobs, benefits, pensions and Earlier this year Ahold (Stop & Shop, Giant, on a different model: relentlessly present only wander through aisles of endless pantry items; eight different companies, A&P (the parent We need to organize new shops. Best Yet has better lives for all Local 1500 members is our Martin’s) announced a completed merger agree- what you think the customer wants. Trader Joe’s, they increasingly want prepared foods and other company of Pathmark) filed for bankruptcy purchased four of our Pathmark stores, and six number one goal. ment with Delhaize (Hannaford, Food Lion), a for instance, is especially brutal in its decisions quick options. and announced it would be closing its stores. other former A&P stores. Some of our former direct competitor. According to Supermarket about what to put on its shelf space. If the prod- The success of Uber is made off the backs of The A&P bankruptcy has affected tens of thou- We are working on getting new jobs for members are now working throughout the News, the merger, val- the thousands of on-de- sands of lives, displaced thousands of hard our Pathmark members at stores that were chain based on an agreement we fought for in working men and women, and now that the not bought. We initiated a Pathmark Bench, bankruptcy court, which required every store ued at $29 billion, would Will There Be Fewer Grocery Stores in 2018? mand workers across result in some 2,000 U.S. the world. We must last Pathmark store has closed, its changed a rolling detailed list of members affected by to hire at least 25% of former A&P employees. stores and 6,500 stores react before our industry the entire landscape of our union. In January the bankruptcy who are looking for a new job. This gives us an excellent opportunity to orga- worldwide, with sales of becomes ‘on-demand’ of 2015, 27% of our members worked at Stop I’m pleased to say we placed over 100 of our nize a union at these stores. more than $44 billion and loses the benefits, & Shop. As it sits today after Pathmark stores members in new jobs. In a few cases we were Every hard-working person has earned the and 375,000 employees. rights and securities were sold off in the bankruptcy, over 40% of able to help people get new jobs at stores that right to better wages, better benefits, and a Last year, Safeway we’ve earned. our union will now bargain under the Stop & were not Union. That may turn some faces of better life. We need to bring this message to and supermarket chain Start-ups like Shop contract. readers out there, but let me make myself clear: all the men and women working at Best Yet. I Albertsons merged cre- Instacart and compa- Our union members are our partners and our believe we can. ating a network of 2,230 nies like AmazonFresh “In January of 2015, 27% of our family. We will help one another in any way With your support and partnership, we have stores, 27 distribution are revolutionizing the members worked at Stop & Shop. possible during times of need. helped thousands of men and women who facilities and 19 man- way grocery shopping is As it sits today after Pathmark In contrast, I encourage you to read the would be without a job and benefits keep their ufacturing plants with done. Customer habits stores were sold off in the story on page 11 about Mrs. Green’s Natural jobs or transition to a new one. That’s especially Market, which suddenly closed its Hartsdale over 250,000 employees have changed, and bankruptcy, over 40% of our important during this time of year. I thank you across 34 states and the shopping through store. You can clearly see the difference for your support, and as always encourage you District of Columbia. your smartphone or union will now bargain under between having a union as your partner and to contact me for anything you need (message Earlier in November, computer is hard to say the Stop & Shop contract.” being alone. The company gave no warning to or tweet me on twitter @aspeel1500 or call me another major merger was announced between uct doesn’t sell well enough, it’s rotated out for for me, but a norm. its employees, in fact some employees heard 516-214-1305). Roundy’s and Kroger. Together Kroger and something else. Technology is creating an at-will contracted The bankruptcy has displaced many men about the closing through an email. The work- Have a wonderful holiday season, Roundy’s will operate 2,774 supermarkets and This competitive model has contributed to a workforce. The problem when everyone is an and women, however it has also created many ers at the store had no information and no one employ over 422,000 associates across 35 states major loss in market share. Over the past decade, independent contractor is there is no unity, no new opportunities for our members who to turn to. Hundreds of questions arose in their and god bless you all! and the District of Columbia. Following closing, supermarkets have lost about 15 percent of partnership. It’s impossible to attain any benefits, worked for the unreliable, greedy, A&P corpo- Roundy’s will continue to operate its stores as a their market share to other retailers, according security, steadiness in pay and most of all sched- ration. Because of the work of our entire union, subsidiary of The Kroger Co. and will continue to Phil Lempert, an editor at Supermarket News. uling. How can we expect to support our families over 2,000 of our members have continued to be led by key members of Roundy’s senior Drug stores like CVS & Rite-Aid pop up on every in this Uberfication of the grocery industry? their careers, kept their benefits, and continued management team. The company announced block throughout our neighborhoods. Walmart We can’t. That’s why we can never stop their pension contributions with Stop & Shop, there are no plans to close stores, and promised & Target have opened stores with fresh produce fighting for the better life that all Americans have Key Food, ShopRite and Food Town. In addition “associates will have employment opportunities and dry goods, while CVS has stocked its aisles earned with their hard work. we also gained more than 700 new members with both companies”. with eggs and ice cream. The continued expan- The greatness of America is evident when through Key Food, ShopRite and King Kullen That’s three new “super” chains, employing sion of Wal-Mart, which has more than one-third hard work is rewarded, and every family has the purchases of former A&P stores. That’s the defi- over 1 million people. This is the first reality of the national grocery market, continues to opportunity to succeed and earn a better life. No nition of what it means to be union. We stick of our industry. Mergers between traditional threaten traditional supermarkets. Shopping one who works hard should live in poverty, or together through good times and bad, find supermarkets create more buying power and habits have changed the playing field, and it’s struggle to pay the bills, or worry about the future. solutions for problems, and we don’t abandon more ability to compete against the Whole Foods time we wake up to this. We all know this, the We must make sure that companies are not our brothers and sisters. and Walmarts of the world. However, mergers stores we grew up in, must evolve. taking advantage of their employees, because This wasn’t done overnight. Stop & Shop, focus more on stock prices rather than the effect The competition is fierce and we haven’t without their employees, they are nothing. like every company we work with, runs a busi- they will have on the men and women who make even felt the worst of it. The second reality is We look forward to facing these challenges ness. Management’s number one concern is these companies successful. Consolidation of technology. Companies like Fresh Direct, and together in 2016. saving money. When it was announced that costs follows mergers, which leads to cutting AmazonFresh, and startups like, Blue Apron, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Stop & Shop would be purchasing a number of labor and closing unnecessary stores, which ulti- or InstaCart are now revolutionizing our entire A&P stores, we immediately began negotiating mately leads to the loss of jobs. industry. I know many of you reading this right Year to you and your loved ones. with them to insure all union-members would The supermarket, which rose up in the 1930s now either know someone who has worked keep their jobs, their pay-rates and benefits. I had its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s, has long or is working for one of these companies. would like to thank Stop & Shop for reaching an agreement that did just that. 4 The Register December 2015 The Register 5 PATHMARK THROUGH THE YEARS A&P/Pathmark Bankruptcy Update By: Rob Newell — Assistant to the President
As someone who began his career in A few of our members have taken to chances in bankruptcy court. The Unions the supermarket industry 25 years ago email, Facebook and/or other social media took that idea even further than ever pushing carts part-time at the Pathmark outlets to lash out, express their frustration imagined when we lobbied the judge to in Bay Shore, it pains me to write this and even to point fingers and blame for compel any non-union buyers to guar- column. Our members working in the what has happened. Although it is under- antee our members jobs, even without a Pathmark stores have faced almost every- standable that people are angry, some Union contract. Although we had hoped thing a retail food worker could endure people’s expectations that the Union that all of your jobs would be protected, during their careers. Obviously the most had the power to keep this Company in the judge stated on the record that before difficult times were realized shortly after business are just unrealistic. Some have he would approve a sale to any non-union the A&P takeover of Pathmark in 2007. even accused the Union of impropriety, buyer, they would need to agree to offer As you went to work every day you were for making the necessary Pension modi- a minimum of 25% of the jobs in these forced to sit back and watch as the ever fications to keep everyone’s pension safe stores to former A&P employees. Local changing cast of A&P executives ran these after the stock market crash of 2008. We 1500’s attorneys also successfully exposed once profitable stores into the ground. knew then, as we do now, that any change an attempt to fraudulently circumvent the Over the last few months everyone has to the Pension rules would cause difficulty courts auction process for the Flatlands done whatever they could to avoid the for some members, but we also had an Avenue store and were instrumental in overwhelming feeling that you were just obligation to provide an opportunity for getting the bid awarded to Food Bazaar, a passing the days as you waited for the every member to collect his/her pension union operator. inevitable end to arrive. By the time this when they reach retirement age. As Pathmark’s final days as a major column runs the Pathmark banner will Change is never easy to accept but supermarket operator have now passed have closed its final location, marking the a failure to change would have led to a us by we wanted to take another oppor- end of a nearly 50-year old company. tunity to say thank you to all of Almost all of the remain- the Local 1500 members, both ing unsold Pathmark stores past and present, who worked closed their doors on or before for Pathmark. We want to thank 11/23/15. While the rest of the you for all your hard work, retail food industry was focused dedication & support for your on maximizing its profits during customers, the company and the biggest sales season of the your Union throughout your year your stores were being liq- Pathmark careers. Throughout uidated. Even at the very end the conclusion of the liquidation A&P’s decision makers failed process and well into the future miserably by missing one last your Union will continue to work business opportunity to finish with a few catastrophic series of events that would with you to help ease your transition in any weeks of strong sales. I know that many of have negatively impacted tens of thou- way that we can. Whether it be through you out there feel that it was yet another sands of our members. Throughout its hosting additional Resource Fairs, notify- intentional slight toward you and your history Local 1500 and its leadership have ing you of upcoming hiring fairs and job families. One final insult from the inept, to never represented anything less than the openings, or influencing our other Union have you all out of work before the holiday whole truth to the membership in every operators to hire from the Pathmark Bench season started. representational situation regardless of (the pool of displaced members, please At its high point the Pathmark the outcome or public opinion. To simply sign up on ufcw1500.org/pathmark). Company employed more than 7,000 post a few inflammatory points to incite We’re also trying to secure temporary sea- Local 1500 members in over 50 stores. The drama or make people feel worse, while sonal employment opportunities available company made forays into liquor stores, ignoring the truth and the entire story is through our current employers. drug stores, gas stations, trucking and not only shortsighted, it is useless. The uncertainty that the future holds warehousing, yet they are all gone today. Over the last few months Local 1500 for many of you is not something that There is no way to measure or to put in successfully negotiated acquisition agree- we take lightly. We anticipate that there words the amount of pain and suffering ments with Stop & Shop and King Kullen, will be many new battles for our current that has been left behind in the wake of and new contracts with Key Food for 16 of stores in 2016 and beyond and hope to this company’s demise. It was corporate our former Pathmark stores (as outlined staff all perspective actions and programs greed and mismanagement that brought by Secretary-Treasurer Tony Speelman on with our members. So please, make sure to the company where it is today, at the cost page 3). A number of other stores were fill out the displaced workers bench form of its rank and file workers. purchased by owners that have union on our website (ufcw1500.org/pathmark) When the final doors close there will contracts with other UFCW/RWDSU Local with your information. Having accurate be too many people left jobless, too many unions as well. More than 2,000 of our information readily available will give us families searching for a way to rebuild former Pathmark members are currently faster access to you as those needs arise. and far too many unanswered questions. working for Stop & Shop, King Kullen, Thank you again for your service, ded- Many of you dedicated your best working Foodtown, ShopRite and Key Food. ication and allowing us to serve you. As a years to Pathmark, and in the end you were From the beginning of this bankrupt- tribute to Pathmark members of the past left at the mercy of a bankruptcy judge. cy process Local 1500 focused on three and present, I’ve selected a few photos This controlled liquidation could easily be main goals 1. Keeping people working, 2. to honor where the company sits in our compared to an economic hurricane for Finding union buyers for stores with no proud union’s history. all of you. bidders and 3. Maximizing our member’s Thank you again. We are sincerely dedicated to make you as proud of us as we are of you. 6 The Register December 2015 The Register 7 LOCAL 1500 MEMBERS RAISE Labor Day Parade OVER $125K FOR CHARITY
Every day Local 1500 members give back to their communities. Fundraisers, volunteering, charity walks, food drives, you name it, we get involved. Together, we’ve reached some amazing heights this year. Thank you for helping to make our communities a better place. To get involved with the Local 1500 charity team visit ufcw1500.org/charity. 2015 TOTAL: OVER $125,000
$54,338 Labor Day Parade 20 years ago. OVER LEUKEMIA- 220 Pounds of food LYMPHOMA (and counting) donated to families in need SOCIETY through food drives
Local 1500 ranked #1 nationally in 2015 for 219 Pints of blood collected Light the Night Fundraising in the UFCW…Great work! in our annual blood drives that will help over 600 patients in need throughout $17,353 raised. OVER New York 500 LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK Toys donated through holiday toy drives
$55,380
BREAST CANCER THEN - 1995 Throughout October our Union dressed up our efforts to raise awareness for Breast Cancer. Members throughout ShopRite sold t-shirts and wore them throughout the stores. Executive Board member Karen Lubbers from ShopRite 231 helped create the idea to raise Breast Cancer awareness with t-shirts. GREAT JOB! President Both and Local 1500 members with Governor Cuomo, Mayor de Blasio & Senator Schumer NOW - 2015 Thank you to Local 1500 member Stan Yoniack for photographing these events! 8 The Register December 2015 The Register 9
Thank you to all Shop Stewards Shop Steward Seminar for your dedication and service! Congratulations to all Shop Stewards celebrating their anniversaries and the following Stewards on their 10 Year Anniversary:
Scott Carpenter Jackie Cartesio Antonietta Florio Frances Imperatore Marlene Knauf
President Both officially starts the seminar Kendra Kunzer with a historic UFCW gavel Secretary Treasurer Tony Speelman Recorder Rhonda Nelson Reginald Lewis Charles McBean Deborah Merz Patricia Montefusco Richard Pagel Nicholas Pascuzzo Miriam Perez Edna Reid Elizabeth Sullivan Assistant to the President Rob Newell gives a presentation on Pathmark Rosangela Tavares Kenyatta Townsend Tanya Williams William Zangrillo
Ten Years of Shop Steward Service Awards
Field Director Terry Quiñones Director of Organizing Aly Waddy
BACK IN THE DAY
BACK TO 2000 WHEN HILLARY CLINTON, THEN RUNNING FOR NY SENATE, SPOKE AT OUR SHOP STEWARD SEMINAR Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone receives - Friend of Labor - Award from Shop Stewards 10 The Register December 2015 The Register 11
Regional Director’sMORE MUST column BE DONE TO BRIDGE FLAGRANT LABOR ABUSER MRS. GREEN’S POLLS NYC’S By Tom ClarkeTHE DIVIDE BETWEEN RICH AND POOR WEST VILLAGE ON THOUGHTS OF WORKERS, UNIONS... Naturally unfair to workers. That’s been the tagline for Mrs. Green’s UFCW LOCAL 1500 FIGHTS FOR FAIR Natural Market since being found guilty of violating their workers’ rights and illegally firing eight of them for wanting to join a union. The federal charges, terrible press and community outrage hasn’t taught Mrs. Green’s a AND PREDICTABLE SCHEDULES lesson apparently; numerous residents have notified us that the company’s newest store in New York City has been polling the community on their Members of Local 1500 know that in addition to wages, reliable Last year, the Retail Workers Bill of Rights became law in San view of unions, and workers. scheduling is vital to helping members of our union family find better Francisco—making the city the first in the nation to address the industry The New York Post reported on the odd surveying lives. With that in mind, we are fighting hard for contracts that pro- specific problems retail workers face every day, including unpredictable earlier this month: vide fair and predictable schedules so that the hard-working men and scheduling. While this is a good first step towards improving the quality Just a few weeks after opening a new outpost in the West Village, the women we represent can balance work with daily life demands, such of jobs in the retail sector, the issue of erratic scheduling also needs to upscale, organic grocer has managed to put off its left-leaning customer as caring for their families, pursuing an education or even working a be addressed at the federal level. base while giving union organizers added ammunition. second job. Fortunately, the Schedules That The grocer, in an apparent effort to gauge residents’ attitudes toward to find new jobs for its employees and would “continue to service the Unfortunately, too many workers in Work Act was reintroduced in July by unions, asked whether it was “important” to shop at stores that employ customers of central Westchester County in many of our other locations like the retail sector don’t have a voice on Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and union members, said a resident who participated in a phone survey Mrs. Rye, Tarrytown and Eastchester.” the job and are struggling to survive in Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.). Green’s conducted a month ago. No reason was given for the store’s abrupt closing, but there have been low-wage, part-time jobs with unpredict- This bill would provide retail workers with - http://nypost.com/2015/11/08/labor-pains-for-nycs-new-mrs- reports of legal troubles stemming from its bills not being paid and custom- able schedules. As a result of the Great modest safeguards and begin to curb greens-store/ ers who shop at Mrs. Green’s in Hartsdale have reported seeing very few Recession, many older and more educated abusive scheduling practices. The legis- West Village residents saw right through the survey and became aggra- people there. Best Yet purchased the lease and re-opened the store a week workers are turning to the retail sector as a lation includes a presumption that retail vated enough to mention it to our Organizing team while walking by the after its closure. The full story can be found online: http://edgemontecc. way to support their families, and the des- workers who need a schedule change due picket line at the store. Among many complaints, a tipster com/2015/11/06/mrs-greens-market-to-close-hartsdale- peration of so many Americans who just to child care, school, a second job, or med- sent our organizers this note: store-november-12/#print “We immediately began receiving calls from Hartsdale need a job has emboldened many retailers ical needs will receive that change unless I just took a long and exhaustive phone survey that was we were workers who were in a frantic,” said Director of Organizing to subject their workers to “on-call” and there is a bona fide business reason not clearly paid for by Mrs. Greens and wanted to gauge their Aly Waddy, “These hard working men and women had no last minute scheduling in the interest of maximizing their bottom lines. to. It will also provide retail workers advance notice of their schedules customer’s views on unions and how important a unionized fired one to turn to. The company gave them no answers, and and guarantees minimum pay when they are sent home from work workforce is. Economists and academics agree that access to education would they got no information and a short notice they would be narrow the current wealth gap, but millions of retail workers are unable to before completing their entire shift. I let them know that if I was given a choice, I would always losing their job,” Waddy explained. further their education because uncertain work schedules often conflict Fair, flexible, and reliable scheduling is a simple way to ensure that chose a unionized shop. Waddy also indicated that the workers said they rumor with classes. Faced with losing more hours or even their jobs, many retail retail workers are treated with dignity and respect, and Local 1500, There was a section that tried to do a bit of “push pulling” was they would receive “some type of severance package” workers have been forced to drop classes and curtail their education in along with the entire region, urges Congress to pass the Schedules That where they had me respond to every phony argument that but no specifics were available. A former worker of the order to meet their employer’s demands. Work Act as soon as possible. management gives for not supporting unions. eg. “employees for wanting Hartsdale store who wished to remain anonymous in fear should be able to speak directly to management” or “union a union. of retaliation explained the process: dues will lower employee’s take home pay” We still need one. THE MULTi-NATIONAL CHAIN, MRS. GREEN’S NATURAL MARKET, WAS FEDERALLY CHARGED FOR ILLEGALLY I was an employee for Mrs. Green’s in Hartsdale when they INTIMIDATING, INTERROGATING, THREATENING AND THEN FIRING THESE WORKERS WHO WANTED TO FORM A I said that I disagreed strongly with all the excuses. I thought UNION. AFTER 6 MONTHS ON A PICKET LINE, THE WORKERS ARE HEADING BACK TO WORK WITH BACK PAY but still need a union to protect their rights. decided to close it. Most employees found out that the SUPPORT WORKERS RIGHTS AT: that you’d like to know.” Local 1500 New York’s Grocery PRESIDENT BOTH HONORED AS “COMMUNITY CHAMPION” Workers’ Union store was closing through an email that was sent out to WWW.MRSGREEDS.COM naturally unfair to workers With 18 stores, mostly in the tri-state area, and aspi- Mrs. Greed’s the customers that everything was 50% off. The HR woman professional and proven programs designed drug prevention and intervention services rations to open more, Mrs. Green’s has been feeling the pressure from was very aggressive and I mentioned it to her, she doesn’t seem like to prevent and treat substance abuse and to at-risk children, individuals, and families our union, enough so to pay for a community poll on opinions of unions. she cares, all she really cared for is that we sign severance papers. I addiction. Over 5,000 UFCW Local 1500 across the region. With offices in Mineola, The real question is, why would a company found guilty of firing workers don’t know what to do for my coworkers they offered me a position members have received treatment from Ronkonkoma and Riverhead, LICADD con- because they wanted a union, ask a community what they think about after they told them there are no open positions they screwed us unions? the Long Island Council throughout Bruce’s ducts evidence-based prevention programs, over and the severance package contains a lot of “fishy” stuff…a lot For more information and to get involved in the campaign to bring of clauses” tenure as President. He was honored as community outreach initiatives, and a men- equality and rights to the men and women working at Mrs. Green’s, visit “The workers throughout the entire chain saw us fight back against “Community Champion” for his outstanding toring program for children of incarcerated mrsgreeds.com. the company’s irresponsible practices and work alongside community work and partnership in addiction treatment parents and public policy advocacy. members in Mount Kisco to get eight illegally fired workers re-hired. They and prevention. Mrs. Green’s Suddenly Closes Hartsdale Store For more information on how the trust that we’re there for them, more than their irresponsible employer. Mrs. Green’s Natural Market announced it would be closing its 20,000 “We are thrilled to present outstanding LICADD can help you or a loved one, please Some workers from the Hartsdale are being transferred to the Mount Kisco square-foot Hartsdale store on Central Avenue on November 12, 2015. The location. There is still confusion on how that is being done, it doesn’t seem Long Islanders with our Champion Awards,” contact your Union Representative or please store opened its doors there only two years ago, on November 22, 2013 to be organized, seems almost it’s a favoritism system. Workers with good said LICADD’s Executive Director, Steve visit www.licadd.org. On Sunday, November 8, 2015, The Long According to the Edgemont Community Council, Mrs. Green’s sent an records and seniority are still being displaced. We are investigating to see if Chassman, LCSW, CASAC, “This award is Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug announcement of its Hartsdale store closing this morning to all customers Union supporters were selectively displaced,” Waddy explained. a celebration of the miracle of recovery Dependence (LICADD) honored Local 1500 on its email list. The announcement stated that it will work “very hard” and the camaraderie that recovery offers.” ✁ President Bruce W. Both at the 26th Annual he added. Peter Sweisgood Breakfast. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS LICADD offers crisis intervention, Through his leadership as President Wednesday, December 9, 2015 screenings, brief interventions, referrals to of UFCW Local 1500, Bruce has made an Wednesday, March 9, 2016 treatment and several family and parent emphasis on helping members (and their Wednesday, June 8, 2016 education workshops to help those strug- AFL-CIO, CLC loved ones) who suffer from substance Wednesday, September 14, 2016 gling with the effects of addiction. abuse. Partnering with the Long Island December 14, 2016 Council, all Local 1500 members battling LICADD is Long Island’s premier non-prof- Besides the phone surveys, West Village residents have complained the way ALL MEETINGS START AT 7:00 P.M. with addiction problems have access to it agency providing life-saving alcohol and Mrs. Green’s has disposed of its trash. The picture above shows the piles of UFCW LOCAL 1500 UNION HALL, 425 MERRICK AVENUE, WESTBURY, NY 11590 garbage taking up the entire sidewalk, an almost daily occurrence Prizes Will Be Awarded! 12 The Register December 2015 The Register 13
OFFICIAL NOTICE ASK YOUR BENEFIT OFFICE: WHAT’S MY OFFICIAL NOTICE - SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT – 2014 - UFCW LOCAL 1500 PENSION PLAN - 425 MERRICK AVENUE - WESTBURY, NY 11590 This is the summary annual report for the UFCW Local investment income of $6,293,164 gains from sales of assets (516) 214-1300. The charge to cover copying costs will be EXTENDED BENEFITS & RIGHTS UNDER OUR 1500 Pension Plan, EIN 23-7176372 for the period January of $27,385,811, unrealized losses on investments of $413,054, $7.50 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. The annual report has been and other income of $2,676. thereof. filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as Minimum Funding Standards You also have the right to receive from the Plan manag- LIFE INSURANCE POLICY? required under the Employee Retirement Income Security An actuary’s funding statement shows that enough er, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and Act of 1974 (ERISA). money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in liabilities of the Plan and accompanying notes or a statement LEARN YOUR EXTENDED BENEFITS & CONVERSION RIGHTS UNDER OUR GROUP LIFE INSURANCE POLICY Basic Financial Statement accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. of income and expense of the Plan and accompanying notes, Benefits under the plan are provided through insur- Your Rights to Additional Information or both. If you request a copy of this full annual report from ance and/or annuity contracts or directly from the plan. You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual the Plan Manager, these two statements and accompanying Recently, the Fund Office has received many inquiries regarding from the start of your total disability. Should your total disability last for Plan expenses were $53,155,748. These expenses included report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to the life insurance benefit for active members. This policy is underwrit- a period longer than one year, Prudential may require you to furnish $3,664,686 in administrative expenses and $49,491,062 in below are included in that report: cover copying costs given above does not include the charge benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of for the copying of these portions of the report because these ten by the Prudential Life Insurance Company (“Prudential”). In these additional proof of continued disability. To avail yourself of this extension, 1. An accountant’s report; 40,869 persons are participants in or beneficiaries of the plan portions are furnished without charge. You also have the uncertain financial times, it is reassuring to know that your loved ones your total disability must have continued for at least 6 months. at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons 2. List of assets held for investment; legally protected right to examine the annual report at the have yet earned the right to receive benefits. 3. Actuarial information regarding the funding of the main office of the plan, will be provided for should something happen to you. There are 2 If you become totally disabled, it is in your best interest to contact The plan has a contract with the Prudential Insurance Plan, UFCW Local 1500 important aspects of the life insurance policy that you should be the Fund Office and ask about this extension of your life insurance. If Company that allocates funds toward group annuities. The 4. Financial information and information on payments 425 Merrick Avenue aware of. They are (1) the extension of coverage due to total disability value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the you do not, you risk having your life insurance coverage terminate, to service providers, Westbury, NY 11590 [generally referred to as the “waiver of premium coverage”] and (2) plan, was $384,610,942 as of December 31, 2014 compared 5. Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets, unless you convert your group life insurance coverage to an individual to $372,636,201 as of January 1, 2014. During the plan and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, 6. Insurance information including sales commissions your right to convert the group policy to an individual policy upon your life insurance policy. year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of D.C., to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor, termination of employment. $11,974,741. This increase includes unrealized appreciation paid by insurance carriers, correspondence should be addressed to: Conversion Of Group Life Insurance Benefit To An Individual Life or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the dif- 7. Information regarding any common or collective U.S. Department of Labor The questions received by the Fund Office indicate that these two trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 Insurance Policy ference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end Employee Benefits Security Administration aspects of the group life insurance policy are not completely under- of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of investment entities in which the plan participates. Public Disclosure Room Upon termination of your coverage under the Fund, you have the the year or cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. stood. Therefore, in an effort to assist you in understanding these right to convert the group life insurance benefit you receive under the had total income of $65,130,489 consisting of employer thereof, write or call the office of Mr. Bruce Both, who is the Room N-1513, options and the requisite notification requirements, we will briefly out- contributions of $31,861,892, no employee contributions, Plan Manager, at 425 Merrick Avenue Westbury, NY 11590 Washington D.C. 20210. Fund to an individual life insurance policy. You will have to pay for the line them below. If after you read this article you have any questions coverage, but you will not have to supply proof of good health. To con- regarding these two provisions, contact the Fund Office. DO NOT vert the group policy to an individual policy, you must notify Prudential ALLOW YOUR LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS TO TERMINATE DUE TO and apply for the conversion within 31 days of your termination from OFFICIAL NOTICE LACK OF ACTION ON YOU PART. OFFICIAL NOTICE - SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT – 2014 - UFCW LOCAL 1500 WELFARE PLAN - 425 MERRICK AVENUE - WESTBURY, NY 11590 coverage under the Fund. If you do not apply to convert the group Extension Of Benefit Due To Total Disability policy to an individual policy within this 31 day period, you will not This is a summary of the annual report for the UFCW from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying If you become totally disabled before you reach age 60 and have the conversion option available to you and your life insurance Local 1500 Welfare Plan, EIN 23-7176373, Plan number 501 $392,975, and other income of $1,245,578. Plan expenses notes or a statement of income and expense of the plan for the period January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. The were $62,036,456. These expenses included $1,825,010 in and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy while covered under the Fund, the group life insurance policy con- coverage will cease the last day of the month in which you are covered annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits administrative expenses and $60,211,446 in benefits paid of this full annual report from the plan Manager, these tains a provision under which your insurance may be continued, at no under the Plan. If you do apply for this conversion option, the effective Security Administration, as required under the Employee to participants and beneficiaries. two statements and accompanying notes will be included cost to you, for up to twelve (12) months, as long as you remain totally date of your individual life insurance policy will be the end of the 31 day Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Your Rights to Additional Information as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs Insurance Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual given above does not include the charge for the copying disabled. Proof of continued disability will be required by Prudential to conversion period. The plan has a contract with insurance carriers to report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed of these portions of the report because these portions extend your coverage. Again, if you have any questions surrounding the extension of your pay claims incurred under the terms of the plan. Benefits below are included in that report: are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main under the plan are provided by insurance contracts and 1. An accountant’s report; To extend your life insurance coverage due to total disability, you group life insurance coverage due to total disability or your rights to directly from the plan. office of the plan: 2. List of assets held for investment, must apply to Prudential and you must furnish proof of disability. Your convert the group policy into an individual one, contact the Fund Office Basic Financial Statement UFCW Local 1500 application and the required proof must be received within 12 months The value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabili- 3. Financial information and information on pay- 425 Merrick Avenue ments to service providers, ties of the plan, was $21,313,595 as of December 31, 2014 Westbury, NY 11590, compared to $14,572,337 as of January 1, 2014. During the 4. Insurance information including sales commissions plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its assets of paid by insurance carriers. and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, $6,741,258. This increase includes unrealized appreciation D.C., to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor, To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part correspondence should be addressed to: or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the thereof, write or call the office of Mr. Bruce Both, who is LONG ISLAND HOUSING PARTNERSHIP (LIHP), difference between the value of plan’s assets at the end of the plan Manager, at 425 Merrick Avenue Westbury, NY U.S. Department of Labor the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the 11590, (516) 214-1300. The charge to cover copying costs Employee Benefits Security Administration WILL BE MAKING APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During will be $7.50 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for Public Disclosure Room the plan year, the plan had total income of $68,777,714, any part thereof. 200 Constitution Avenues, N.W. FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS FOR DOWN PAYMENT/ including employer contributions of $66,239,535, employ- Room N-1513, You also have the right to receive from the plan Washington D.C. 20210. ee contributions of $1,140,749, realized losses of $241,123 Manager, on request and at no charge, a statement of CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE. OFFICIAL NOTICE The Nassau County Down Payment Assistance Program OFFICIAL NOTICE - SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT – 2014 - UFCW LOCAL 1500 LEGAL SERVICERS PLAN - 425 MERRICK AVENUE - WESTBURY, NY 11590 will provide eligible first time homebuyers with up to This is the summary annual report for the UFCW Local $154,699 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. statements and accompanying notes will be included as $25,000 towards down payment/closing costs towards the 1500 Legal Services Plan, EIN 11-2531776, Plan number 501 Your Rights to Additional Information part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs purchase of an eligible new or existing single-family home, for the period January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. The You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual given above does not include the charge for the copying annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed of these portions of the report because these portions provided that the applicant puts a minimum down payment Security Administration as required under the Employee below are included in that report: are furnished without charge. You also have the legally Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). protected right to examine the annual report at the main of at least $5,000. The applicant must also be able to satisfy 1. An accountant’s report; Basic Financial Statement office of the plan the mortgage lender’s minimum down payment require- 2. List of assets held for investment. The value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabil- UFCW Local 1500 ments and be able to secure a mortgage. Homeowners are ities of the plan, was $392,195 as of December 31, 2014, 3. Financial information and information on pay- 425 Merrick Avenue compared to $407,676 as of January 1, 2014. During the ments to service providers. required to reside in the home for a minimum of 10 years or Westbury, NY 11590, year, the plan experienced a decrease in its assets of To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part HUD will require a full repayment of the grant. $15,481. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation thereof, write or call the office of Robert Newell, who is and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the the Plan Manager, at 425 Merrick Avenue Westbury, NY D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of difference between the value of plan’s assets at the end of 11590 (516) 214-1300. The charge to cover copying costs Labor, correspondence should be addressed to: Applications will be accepted on a the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the will be $7.50 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for U.S. Department of Labor first-come, first-served basis. year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During any part thereof. Employee Benefits Security Administration the year the plan had total income of $417,191 consisting You also have the right to receive from the Plan man- Public Disclosure Room Please contact our UNION PLUS Specialist , of employer contributions of $415,408 and earnings from ager, on request and at no charge, a statement of the 200 Constitution Avenues, N.W. investments of $1,783. assets and liabilities of the Plan and accompanying notes Room N-1513, Christine Dawson 516-445-0521 Benefits under the plan are provided directly through or a statement of income and expense of the Plan and Washington D.C. 20210. [email protected] , the plan. Plan expenses were $432,672. These expens- accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of es included $277,973 in administrative expenses and this full annual report from the Plan Manager, these two for more information and application. 14 The Register December 2015 The Register 15 Local 1500 Bulletin Board
Prescription Drug Exclusions LOCAL 1500 RETIREES The officers of UFCW Local 1500 extend their warmest congratulations to We advise all members that the Trustees these new Retirees and urge them to join the Union’s Retiree Club. Contact have specifically indicated that any drugs purchased the Club through the Union office. Call 516-214-1300 or 1-800-522-0456, In Memoriam in the following stores will NOT be reimbursed Local 1500 mourns the passing of the following members. and ask for Leonora Cioffalo, Ext. 1330 or Ronnie Survilla, ext. 1333. under the Local 1500 Welfare Fund To their families and friends, we extend our deepest Prescription Plan under any conditions: Arana, Carlos Lloyd, Sandria Ascone, Joseph Sr. Lunghi, Ercole sympathy. May they rest in peace. K-MART, C.V.S., WALMART, SAM’S, Atwood, Brian Lydtin, Edward J. Lakatos, Alice M. PRICE CHOPPER, COSTCO, BJ’S, (SAVON DRUGS, SUPER X & BROOKS Balarin, Alfredo F. Manning, Maryanne Arbore, Dominick J. DRUGS), WALGREENS, TARGET & HANNAFORD. Lloyd, Dorothy Beighley, Thomas Marciano, Joseph Banks, Clifton B. Belmonte, Carmine Miller, John B. Bert, Rose Lubin, Irving Blum, Mark L. Monegro, Andrea Bertacchi, Maddalena Michelli, Judithann Borny, Richard E. Moscola, Gerald H. Members Making Mira, Mary Bowers, Helen Mosley, Robert E. Burns, Marilyn a Difference: Clee, Patricia Papagni, Teresa Brennan, Lorraine Nicita, Deborah A. Brown, Trevor L. Ola, Ester Connors, Royal Pasciucco, Susan Burgin, Ivy V. Oliver, William V. Costa, Christine Petters, Alfonso L. Butera, Peter J. Olivieri, Salvatore Crawford, James Popp, Geraldine Castillo, Eugenio M. Orlando, Charles F. Curto, Daniel P. Rodriguez, Edwin Don’t Suspend Cawein, William B. Ortiz, Antonio Rusch, Hazel M. Charles, Dave A. Overton, Patricia DeRosa, Peter Yourself! Sachnewycz, Alexander P. Charron, Gwynneth Penberg, Marlene F. Desamours, Gladys M. Under provisions of the UFCW Choquette, Natalie A. Perez, Jose L. Dewar, John Sarppraicone, Kathy International Constitution, D’Aries, Donald Pergola, Joseph DiMolfetta, Joseph Shreck, Andrew T. “Any member two calendar months in Deangelis, Renee J. Perraglia, Dominick Duncan, Ransford G. Sturiano, James arrears for dues or other Demino, Phil Pierre, Walter Dibrino,Nicholas Pizzuco, Philip Edwards, Muriel Suazo, Nestor financial obligations to the Local Union shall stand suspended if same are Diez, James Posers, Doreen Ferris, Joyce M. Sykora, Harry not paid on or before the first day Dinuovo, Michael Prader, Michael Tambakis, Nicholas Diop, Issa Pratt, Susan Foster, George of the third month. Gallo, Michael A. Thompson, Marva Diventi, Phyllis Puccio, Angela The responsibility for maintaining Goepfert, Robert Tursi, Joseph Local 1500 members Julie Mulligan & Rob Schnaars Dragone, William Rappa, Mary Williams, Joseph G. membership in good standing at the Light the Night Walk Dunham, Charles Reilly, John M. Guerriero, Robert L. rests with the member suspension, MOVING? KEEP THE FUND OFFICE Edwards, Elias Rinaldi, Steven F. Hamer, Pearline Zambrotta, Dominick therefore, when it occurs, is the INFORMED OF YOUR NEW ADDRESS Figoski, Deborah A. Rosa, Santiago Hoert, Dennis W. voluntary act of the member involved.” Ford, Elizabeth M. Rubio, Charolette It is very important that you tell the Fund Office when your Fox, Mitchel Ruggiero, Joseph T. address and/or telephone information changes. Often, the Fund Gerry, James R. Sailer, George M. Office sends out important information about your benefits, Geyer, John Salegna, David coverage change notices, Plan booklets, and even the Register. Gonzalez, Francisco Salgado, Jesus M. If we don’t have the correct information, we may not reach you Gray, Gregory Sassi, Maryann Guarino, Linda Schmidt, Shirley A. and that may affect your benefits. Harris, Thomas Serrapica, Jane THE REGISTER DECEMBER 2015 THE REGISTER 0 3 0 6 0 1 0 9/10/15 If you are planning to move (even temporarily), or have Haskins, Marian Smaldon, Ronald INFORM MEMBERS QUARTERLY 4 $0.00 recently moved, let the Fund Office know your new address and Herheletzis, Donnal Sorrenti, Joan B. 26,000 26,000 DAVID J. GELLEY Huzior, Walter H. Spinato, Frank UFCW LOCAL 1500 0 0 telephone number by calling (800) 522-0456. Remember, telling 425 MERRICK AVENUE, WESTBURY, NY 11590 561-249-3500 Isaac, Nidia Strongarone, Corinne M. 0 0 118 Andalusia Way the Union or your employer is not the same as telling the Fund Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Janis, Richard Sutton, Mildred 0 0 Office. Tell us where you live so we can send you important infor- 0 0 Jenkins, Steven W. Termine, Doreen 118 Andalusia Way Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 mation regarding your benefits, claims, changes, etc. 0 0 Jones, Norbert H. Thomas, Andrew E.
118 Andalusia Way 25,559 25,559 Kadir, Stanley Thompson, William Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Keating, Rosemarie Tumminello, Antonino 118 Andalusia Way 0 0 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Krysiak, Robert J. Tumulty,John P. 0 0 THANK YOU FOR 25,559 25,559 Lamarca, Theodore C. Varone, Angelo
UFCW LOCAL 1500 425 MERRICK AVENUE Lancia, Claudio Vazquez, Felicia 25,559 25,559 SHOPPING UNION STORES WESTBURY, NY 11590 LaRocco, Michael Weisberg, Mary 441 441 • You help preserve your jobs when you shop union 26,000 26,000 Linger, Warren B. Woodard, Alberta
0 0 • Union jobs contribute to the communities tax base Wrigley, Alberta F.
x
NONE X CONTINUE TO SHOP UNION STORES IN YOUR DECMEBER COMMUNITY WHERE UNION WORKERS HAVE DECENT WAGES, BENEFITS AND WORKING CONDITIONS DAVID J. GELLEY, MANAGING EDITOR 9/10/15 DON’T x SHOP THESE UNION STORES SHOP THESE NON-UNION STORES KING KULLEN GROCERY COMPANY, INC COMPARE FOODS • BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB KING’S SUPERMARKET • SHOP-RITE • STOP & SHOP SUPERMARKETS WALMART STORES • SAM’S WAREHOUSE CLUB • K-MART • TARGET KEY FOOD: MAN-DELL FOOD STORES • PICK QUICK FOODS GARDEN OF EDEN The Register is the official publication of UFCW Local 1500 and is published four times a year in March, June, September, and December by Local 1500 of the United Food and Commercial Workers • PRICE CHOPPER • WHOLE FOODS Union, AFL-CIO-CLC, Bruce W. Both, President, Anthony G. Speelman, Secretary-Treasurer, Paper & Ink Graphics, LLC, Managing Editor. Periodicals postage paid at Jamaica, NY and additional DAN’S SUPREME • SCATURRO SUPERMARKETS • GRISTEDES C.V.S. DRUG STORES • STEW LEONARD’S • TRADER JOES FAIRWAY MARKETS • D’AGOSTINO SUPERMARKETS mailing offices: (USPS 0306-010). POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Local 1500, 425 Merrick Ave, Westbury, NY 11590. Vol. 49, No. 4, December 2015 Copyright Local 1500, Jamaica, NY 2015. WALGREEN’S • COSTCO WHOLESALE CLUB • WILD BY NATURE HEALTH FOODS SUPERMARKET HANNAFORD BROTHERS BEST YET • BEST MARKET • BROOKS • ALDI • MRS. GREEN’S NATURAL MARKET SHOP UNION – SAVE JOBS AMISH MARKET • THE FRESH MARKET • SAVERS SHOP UNION – SAVE JOBS GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Wednesday, March 9, 2016 Wednesday, June 8, 2016 AFLWednesday,-CIO, CLC September 14, 2016 ALL MEETINGS START AT 7:00 P.M. UFCW LOCAL 1500 UNION HALL 425 MERRICK AVENUE, WESTBURY, NY 11590 Prizes Will Be Awarded!
Anthony G. Speelman said it: .@deBlasioNYC East New York needs good retail jobs in order to pay the rent, jobs & housing go hand & hand #1u Follow your Secretary-Treasurer on Twitter @Aspeel1500 Cool or not, #WalMart-esque stores have no place in #Brooklyn.#Wegmans... What makes Wegmans so ‘cool’? https://t.co/nle7E6m2zJ #nyc1u Follow your Union on Twitter @UFCW1500
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OFFICE HOURS & PHONES 516-214-1300 • 800-522-0456 WWW.UFCW1500.ORG General Office Hours, Pension & Welfare & Legal Services Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. [email protected]
DUES REFUND WHOM TO CALL: Ejay Martin, Ext. 1328 EXECUTIVES 1303 Nelson, Rhonda – Recorder Do you have a question about Blue Cross? WITHDRAWAL CARDS Rosanne Wynne-Torres, Ext. 1332 1304 Newell, Robert – Assistant to the President/VP Or a problem with Group Life? 1318 Quiñones, Theresa – Vice President/Field Director PENSION Or about any other benefit or membership service? Leonora Cioffalo, Ext 1330 1322 Aly Waddy – Director of Organizing Ronnie Survilla, Ext. 1333 For a quick and accurate answer, phone the Union – UNION REPRESENTATIVES 516-214-1300 or the toll-free number, 800-522-0456 MEDICAL-DISABILITY-VISION Sheila Hobson-Jones, Ext. 1335 1311 Aponte, Teresa 1340 Scorzelli, Jay – and ask for the office staff member listed next to the Zaida Rodriguez, Ext. 1336 1360 Castelli, Joe 1339 Shiels, Lynn subject of your inquiry. They will be glad to help you. Michelle Sefcik, Ext. 1337 1353 Ecker, Robert 1371 Solivan, Vilmarie MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 1343 Mausser, Jeff 1317 Vargas, Anselmo Local 1500 has voice mail Linda Campisi, Ext. 1325 1356 Pasquale, Greg 1349 Waddy, Joe to better serve the membership. SCHOLARSHIP 1369 Santarpia, Paul 1357 Woods, John Gloria Benton-Williams, Ext. 1306 Members can call Local 1500 Ejay Martin, Ext. 1328 ORGANIZING regarding any matter 24 hours a day. WELFARE FUND BENEFITS 1361 Hernandez, Rafael 1345 Organizing Hotline Associated Administrators, LLC 855-266-1500 1362 Sexton, Brendan* 1355 Political Hotline To access the voice mail, a member can call Local 1500 HEALTH & WELFARE MEDICAL FORMS *Political Coordinator at 516-214-1300 or 800-522-0456, then press 1, followed 516-214-1300 or 800-522-0456 by the four digit extension number of the person with Exts. 1334, 1335, 1336 & 1337 SPURS whom you wish to leave a message. Voice mail can only LEGAL SERVICES 1374 Allen, Nicholas 1358 Mauleon, Rafael 1315 Farrands, Bruce 1350 Pluas, Andrea be accessed from a touch tone phone. You may also Direct Line: 516-214-1310 or 800-522-0456 Ext. 1310 for Norberta Volmar email the union at [email protected] for any questions You cannot leave a message for a Union Representative NEW MEDIA & RESEARCH or concerns you may have. by dialing the direct number for Medical or Legal Services. 1354 Fedele, Joe – Director The Official Publication of UFCW Local 1500 • December 2015 • Vol. 49 • No. 4