Spring 2020

President’s Report: Challenges ahead in 2020

Golden Triangle Dentistry members ratify contract Cesar Chavez Day Contents March 31 Steward Profile Good Friday President’s Report Union Pedro Melchum offices April 10 3 Challenges ahead in 2020 9 Memorial Day closed May 25 Providers Corner What’s Happening Independence Day Golden Triangle Dentistry Retirements, marriages, births 10 July 3 4 Rx Corner Union Rep Report Next Quarterly 5 Letter to the Editor 11 Union benefits Member feature Membership Meetings: Labor History Series James Cranfill Wednesday, March 25, 2020 6 Joe Duffle 12 Wednesday, June 24, 2020 Warehouse/Community Rosie’s Corner No Supercenter in Redlands Meetings start at 7 p.m. Celebrating Addie Wyatt 14 New Member meetings are also held 8 monthly at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at: ON THE COVER: UFCW Local 1167 Auditorium Deborah King, Stater Bros. 111 in Menifee 855 W. San Bernardino Ave. Bloomington, CA 92316 MAP NEW MEMBER DESERT EDGE MEETINGS Joe Duffle Here to help Editor MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Are you a new member of Official quarterly publication of Local 1167, United UFCW Local 1167? Has one of your Food and Commercial Workers International Union If you have problems Health Management Center co-workers recently joined our union? Serving San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial with : Alcohol, drugs, any time, day or night, Get up to a $65 credit toward your Counties, . children & adolescents, 24 hours a day, initiation fee when you attend a Headquarters: family, emotional issues, seven days a week. New Member Orientation Meeting 855 W. San Bernardino Ave. gambling, marriage and/or All calls are confidential. Bloomington, CA 92316 within six months of your hire date. financial/legal. Food Division Mailing address: Eligible active or retired call (800) 461-9179 Call (909) 877-5000, ext. 3 for dates, P.O. Box 1167 locations and answers to any questions. Bloomington, CA 92316 members can call the toll- Drug Division free MAP number at the call (866) 268-2510 Union offices are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays Notice to all members: Your dues are now payable! Business telephone: If you are one of the few members of the local who are NOT YET signed up for dues checkoff: YOUR DUES ARE NOW DUE (909) 877-5000 AND PAYABLE. IF YOUR DUES ARE NOT PAID ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST OF EVERY MONTH, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY SUS - Toll-free telephone: PEND YOURSELF. (800) 698-UFCW With dues checkoff, all future dues can be deducted automatically from your pay check. If you do not have an authorization Food and Meat Division insurance: form, call the local and one will be sent to you immediately. (909) 877-1110 Nonpayment or payment of the incorrect amount will automatically suspend you — a costly and inconvenient mistake. Although Drug & General Sales Division insurance: not required, the local, as a courtesy, normally sends billing notices by first-class mail to those not on dues checkoff. It is the (909) 877-2331 member’s obligation to pay dues in a timely manner. Not receiving a notice is not an excuse for failure to pay dues on time. Telephone hours: Avoid suspension. Authorize dues checkoff today! 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Published by Wfor imaptocrtahnt yinfoorumarti omn fraomi lyoburo hexa!lth benefits Trust Fund. Got questions? Contact the Trust Fund (ext. 424): www.ufcw1167.org (714) 220-2297 • (562) 408-2715 • (877) 284-2320 • www.scufcwfunds.com

2 DESERT EDGE President’s Report Joe Duffle

The challenges ahead in 2020 t seems like yesterday we signed Our colleagues at UFCW Local 99 in new contracts with , Arizona, New Mexico and Utah know Gelson’s, , Stater Bros. and all about this, having recently con - . These agreements are the cluded their own tough negotiations best we’ve reached in the with JBS. It was the strength and soli - iIndustry over the past 25 years, and our darity of the membership which got Local 1167 members recognized this them the contract their members de - fact when they voted in overwhelming served. numbers to ratify them. Here too we will need the support of But our work isn’t done. It never is. all of our members to achieve success. UFCW Local 1167 is always work - We’re all in this together: one voice, ing for the benefit of its membership, one union! and our union has much to do before Primary elections 2020 is over. Finally, in case you didn’t notice (of negotiations course you noticed!), this is a political For one thing, we’ll be negotiating a year. While not all of our members see new contract with Food 4 Less. In the eye-to-eye on the issues, it’s our duty past we’ve faced challenges with this to encourage you to support people JOE DUFFLE and propositions that support the employer because of its never-ending President drive to cut costs, but our members needs and aspirations of working fam - work hard and deserve to be compen - ilies. sated fairly with good wages, benefits To help you make the right choices, and working conditions. This is not an Local 1167 recently sent you a mailer unreasonable expectation. UFCW Local 1167 listing our recommendations for the Cal - With this goal in mind, we’re reach - ifornia primary elections on March 3. ing out to the company to sit down early is always working Regardless of how you voted, it is and discuss the values that are impor - crucial every citizen registers and votes. tant to our members. for the benefit of The voices of working people must be As was the case in our negotiations heard. with the other supermarket employers, its membership. Our friends and foes in the political our success with Food 4 Less will re - world need to know who we are and quire the support and full engagement what we stand for! of all of our members, wherever they with JBS, an international conglomerate If you want to engage and be in - work — not only those in , that operates a case-ready meat-pro - volved — in the negotiating process or but those who work in drug stores, meat cessing plant in Riverside. Here again in pro-worker politics — please don’t processing plants, warehouses, offices our efforts to secure a fair contract will hesitate to contact your Local 1167 and medical facilities. confront a company that has taken a union representative. tough bargaining stance at locations Remember, you are the union, and JBS negotiations across the country, particularly in mat - together we are strong enough to meet We’re also heading into negotiations ters relating to health care. the challenges of 2020 and beyond.

Spring 2020 3 Vons for 38 years. Tina Montanes worked for Ralphs for 36 years. Ruben Fierro worked for Vons for 35 years. Steve What’s HappenGaviinno , Vog ns, has a new daughter, Aubree Gavino, Lockman worked for Hughes and Ralphs for born on Oct. 15, 2019 at 8 lbs. 8 oz. and 19 ¾” long. Danielle Ruiz , Stater Bros., has a new 35 years. Rhonda Garza worked for Stater Just Born daughter, Dream Sheela Velletti, born on July 23, Bros. for 34 years. Lydia Carroll worked for 2019 at 8 lbs. 14 oz. and 20 ½” long. Roxanne Stater Bros. for 33 years. Marc Riggins Valencia , Stater Bros., has a new daughter, Evelyn worked for Food Basket, Lucky and Albertsons Andrea Butterfield , Albertsons, has a new Jai Halstead, born on Sept. 3, 2019 at 6 lbs. 14 oz. for 33 years. Patty Light worked for Stater daughter, Scarlet Butterfield. “Our First Girl” was at 19” long. Nicole A. Garcia , Stater Bros., has a Bros. for 32 years. Patrick Williams worked born on Sept. 14, 2019 at 7 lbs. and 19 ¼” long. new daughter, Kaizley Wilson, born on Aug. 21, for Stater Bros. for 32 years. Janata Jimenez Jesus Ontiveros , Stater Bros., has a new son, 2019 at 5 lbs. 7 oz. and 18” long. Monique worked for Stater Bros. for 31 years. Cheryl Joshua Nicholas Ontiveros. “Our last Baby Boy, Gutierrez , Stater Bros, has a new son Ryan David Christian worked for Stater Bros. for 31 Gutierrez. “Our Christmas gift came early this year” Such a Blessing” born on Aug. 24, 2019 at 7 lbs. years. Cynthia Alls worked for Stater Bros. born on Nov. 21, 2019 at 7 lbs. 3 oz. and 19.3” 6 oz. and 20” long. Anthony and Clarivel for 30 years. Linda Grembowski worked for Loquellano , Stater Bros., has a new son, Anthony long. Javier Benitez and Antonia Benitez , Stater Bros., have a new son, Maverick Axel Benitez. Stater Bros. for 28 years. Jamie Priest Joshua Loquellano. “Little Brother to Aubrey and worked for Vons for 26 years. Cynthia Grant Natalie” was born on July 15, 2019 at 8 lbs. 14 oz. “The Casting Is Complete,” they said. He was born worked for Food 4 Less for 26 years. Laura and 19” long. Tammy Martinez , Stater Bros., on June 28, 2019 at 8 lbs. 15 oz and 21” long. has a new son, James Victor Chavez. “My Last Bun - Yesenia Gonzalez , UFCW Local 1167, has a new Green worked for Stater Bros. for 19 years. dle of Joy” was born on Aug. 28, 2019 at 6 lbs. 4 son, Santiago M. Gonzalez. Born on Nov. 9, 2019 Trudie Cross worked for Albertsons for 15 oz. and 18” long. Richard Corona , Vons, has a at 6 lbs. 11 oz. and 20.25” long. years. Ray Ballesteros worked for Ralphs new son, Richard Corona. Richard says “we are for 14 years. Filemon Martinez worked for proud parents.” Richard was born on Oct. 22, Food 4 Less for 8 years. 2019 at 7 lbs. 9 oz. and 20” long. Christina Robles , UFCW Local 1167, has a new daughter, Just Retired Sophie Grace Reyes, born on Sept. 15, 2019 at 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 ½” long. Susie Tryon , Stater Just Married Bros., has a new son, Christopher Steven Tryon. Anthony Varela worked for Lucky and Albert - He was born on Oct. 30, 2019 at 5 lbs. 6 oz. 19” sons for 45 years. Mary Hatfield worked for long. Jennifer Johnson Barreras , Stater Bros., , Vons and Albertsons for 44 years. has a new son Jonah Barreras, born on Oct. 23, Kathleen Ware worked for Lucky and Albert - Kayla Lerma , Stater Bros., married Katelynn 2019 at 8 lbs. 12 oz. and 20” long. Diego sons for 40 years. Sherie Waters worked for Haworth on Sept. 21, 2019 in Oak Glen .

John Barnes , a retired general mer - been a member since July 1968. chandise clerk formerly employed by Coby Romero , a general merchandise and Albertsons, died on In Memoriam clerk formerly employed by Stater Bros., Nov. 7, 2019, at the age of 66. He had David Fernandez , a food clerk Eva Linneman , a retired general died on Dec. 7, 2019, at the age of 22. been a continuous member since Sep - employed by Stater Bros., died on Jan. 5, merchandise clerk formerly employed by He had been a continuous member since tember 1982. 2020, at the age of 29. He had been a Market Basket and Vons, died on Dec. December 2018. member since August 2009. 12, 2019, at the age of 93. She had Charles Bevins , a retired meat cutter been a member since October 1980 Ronnie Vargas , a retired food clerk formerly employed by Smith’s Brothers Alberta Gregory , a retired food clerk . formerly employed by Lucky Stores, and Mayfair, died on Oct. 14, 2019, at formerly employed by Stater Bros., died Mark McLean , a retired food clerk Smith Food King, and Albertsons, died the age of 87. He had been a continuous on Jan. 18, 2020, at the age of 89. She formerly employed by Stater Bros., died on Oct. 12, 2017, at the age of 57. He member since March 1961. had been a member since November on Jan. 1, 2020, at the age of 65. He had been a continuous member since 1960. Jose Craine , a retired food clerk for - had been a continuous member since December 1980. September 2005. merly employed by Safeway and Vons, Martha Ibarra , a general merchandise Leo Vega , a retired food clerk formerly died on Nov. 20, 2019, at the age of 70. clerk employed by Ralphs, died on Dec. Randy Mendez , a food clerk employed employed by Stater Bros., died on He had been a continuous member since 23, 2019, at the age of 55. She had by Ralphs, died on Dec. 22, 2019, at the Nov. 15, 2019, at the age of 68. He had April 1974. been a continuous member since No - age of 29. He had been a continuous been a continuous member since 2002. vember 2001. member since June 2007. Althea DeGuire , a retired barber Barbara Wetzel , a retired food clerk formerly employed by Doug’s Barber & Alex Knox , a meat wrapper employed George Puchalski , a retired food clerk formerly employed by Safeway and Vons, Hair Studio, died on Feb. 8, 2020, at the by Stater Bros., died on Oct. 24, 2019, formerly employed by Sages, , died on Nov. 15, 2019, at the age of 83. age of 93. She had been a continuous at the age of 21. He had been a contin - Lucky Stores and Albertsons, died on She had been a member since November member since February 1988. uous member since March 2017. Sept. 7, 2019, at the age of 72. He had 1957.

4 DESERT EDGE Rx Corner Feb. 5, 2020 Letter to the editor 1167 Local Union PO Box 1167 CA 92316 Bloomington Ralphs pharmacists ffle Attn: Joe Du a and Josh ratify new contract and Christin Re: Carmen t some of FCW pharmacists who work at , ng you abou r Mr. Duffle his note telli Dea ted to drop t Ralphs stores across Southern nd just wan t ust retired a t the union. d I just wan California voted unanimously in I j rked with a Temecula an ns I have wo e working in d I really the perso p I had whil her job is an January to approve a new labor z was the re above what Carmen Pa nt over and contract with the company. zing! She we g y she is ama oo is amazin to sa help. et and she t The 200 union members voted over a te all of her d here in Hem the store U apprecia s the rep I ha y I see her in y wa m luck two-week period at locations across the re - istina Pugsle her job is. I a nd stops to Chr above what ello to me a nt over and lways says h gion. she also we g, and she a she is visitin hey Union pharmacists at Vons and Albert - here when ames), and t up have their n reps (I don’t sons voted last November to accept a col - chat. a few other tions. lso talked to ring my ques my re- lective bargaining agreement while the I have a elpful answe perwork for extremely h ill out the pa ning o have been helped me f bove explai Ralphs members declined, asking the to urance Dept. t over and a sh in the Ins ful. He wen lite and ex- union to meet again with the employer to Jo remely help ng he was po and was ext was spinni n to ab- tirement ugh my head informatio clarify some details of the proposed con - nd even tho ere’s a lot of ings to me a t easy and th th irement is no tract. d again. Ret t my health plaine to retire bu The three-year agreement concludes a e was great. id not want y only sorb, but h as I really d done it, so m as breaking have always year of negotiations with the Southern Cal - My heart w b the way I not do my jo ifornia grocery chains. It calls for a 3.64% reat. I could with over is not g e. e helped me was to retir all they hav hourly wage increase by the end of the alternative hem all for t to thank t contract and includes improved health care I again wan w years. and pension benefits. these last fe Grocery workers at most of the major Thank you, union supermarket chains in Southern Cal - ifornia voted to ratify new agreements last Teller fall. Janet

Rx Consultant provides value to UFCW pharmacists New legislation that became effective Jan. 1 means union phar - macists will be taking on a lot more responsibility in 2020. A web - site designed exclusively for UFCW pharmacists and pharmacy technicians called The RX Consultant is designed to help them. Pharmacists now have the authority to supply two types of HIV CORRECT ADDRESS AND therapy to patients without a physician’s prescription. HIV med - PHONE NUMBER A MUST! ications are the latest addition to a growing list of medications pharmacists can supply without a prescription. You lose out if there is no correct address and telephone num - In order to supply most of these medications, pharmacists ber on file for you. We know the problem: People move fre - must complete 1-2 hours of continuing education, which is avail - quently. But it only takes a phone call, a minute with your Union able at The Rx Consultant. Rep or a visit to our website, ufcw1167.org , where you can complete an address change form. It could avoid a big problem www.rxconsultant.com with a hospital, medical claim or pension inquiry.

Spring 2020 5 AY 10, T. M 193 ES 7

LABOR HISTORY SERIES

President Joe Duffle stands ‘on the shoulders of those who came before us’ JOE DUFFLE any in the Labor he added. “I always walked the try, but you’ll be able to make a izer for the International Union Movement have said lines with him and went to living in an honorable profes - and served as a union represen - it: “We stand on the meetings.” sion.” tative for a short period of time shoulders of those He landed his first job when at Local 1428 before joining the who came before us.” he was just 15, at a Safeway Working for the union Organizing Department at MOur union’s accomplish - store in Coachella. On May 3, 1990, when he Local 1167. ments today are possible in “The bookkeeper was on a was barely 19, Duffle was hired “We had radical ideas when large part because of the strug - leave of absence, so no one no - by the UFCW International we were young,” he recalled. gles and successes of past lead - ticed I was not old enough to Union to help protect union “Things like computers in the ers and those who stood beside have a working permit,” he market share in Local 1167’s office or cell phones were them. said. Work permits are given at jurisdiction. thought to be ridiculous. That No one recognizes this more age 15 and a half. “They needed someone who had to change.” than Joe Duffle, the current A few months later, the knew the area and was bilin - There was some concern in president of Local 1167. bookkeeper’s sister — who was gual,” he said. the union at the time because of “We need to evolve to grow Duffle’s math teacher — real - Duffle soon was coordinat - his young age, but it wasn’t and carry ourselves into the fu - ized something was amiss be - ing informational picket lines long before he won everyone ture,” he said, “but we also cause he was barely a freshman for the UFCW States Council, over with a 50% “win” rate in need to respect those who in high school. But by that time which administered organizing workplaces. The na - fought for us in the past.” he was already “legal.” Share Protection Plan in UFCW tional standard in organizing He went to work for Alpha Local 1167’s jurisdiction. was at 30%. A young start Beta the following year and was He also worked as an organ - When Union Representative His own journey as a union in line to be promoted to night activist began at an extraordi - crew. When Alpha Beta was narily early age. In 1976, sold to Lucky Markets, the “Joey” Duffle was 5 years old company wanted to bump him when he had his first experience to Blythe, which was too far on a picket line. from his home. He thought his “It was during the career in the grocery industry strike and my dad had just be - was over. come a union rep,” Duffle re - “Lucky ran a different oper - called. “This local had ation than Alpha Beta, and it something like 5,000 members was not for me,” Duffle said. at the time. I remember hearing “The company went through him explain how important the reductions and layoffs, but my union was to the workers.” dad encouraged me to stick “We had lots of discourse with it. He would always say about the union growing up,” you won’t get rich in this indus -

6 DESERT EDGE the area. “The strike and lockout of E NEED TO 2003-04 was the hardest of ‘W times,” he said. “I had personal relationships EVOLVE TO with so many members, so many families, and their strug - GROW AND CARRY gles were my own. But we pre - vailed. We made it through, OURSELVES INTO thanks to the strength of the union family. “I often slept in the car or in THE FUTURE , BUT the office. We did whatever it took to get through each day. WE ALSO NEED TO We provided financial assis - tance and did whatever else it took to take care of the mem - SAMANTHA , J OE , C LAUDIA AND JOSEPH DUFFLE RESPECT THOSE bership.” In 2015, he was named WHO FOUGHT FOR Local 1167’s director of organ - his biggest influence has been Duffle said. “I’m blessed izing. He became secretary- former Local 1167 President they have the opportunity to treasurer in 2017 and was Bill Sauriol. go to college. My hope is US IN THE PAST .’ “He had great foresight and elected president in 2019. that they give back to their was never a quitter,” Duffle Major influences said. “He won good agreements communities.” Richard Garcia retired in Many people influenced Joe in combo stores. Neither Lucky Joe Duffle is also an avid Coachella and Imperial Valley, Duffle during his life and ca - combo stores or even Food 4 baseball fan and played in Duffle took over his routes as a reer, providing guidance along Less would be under a collec - an adult baseball league for rep for Local 1167. the way. One of them was his tive bargaining agreement if it many years. He also played “There were strong union father, Steve Duffle. wasn’t for Bill Sauriol. in a Mexican league, but “His honesty and integrity is members out there,” he said. “I was with him a lot,” there was no way he was “They had high expectations of Joe Duffle said. “I saw him unsurpassed and his care for the leaving his job with the the union and I had to rise to handle tough situations involv - membership is unquestioned.” the occasion.” ing members and their employ - These days, Joe Duffle con - union. “It’s tough but rewarding to ers. I went with him on his tinues in the tradition of those “Although it was always represent the members,” he routes when I was a kid. His who came before him, serving labor and fatherhood first, I continued. “It’s an honor to grandfather worked in the as an inspiration to younger made time for baseball,” he generations, including his own serve them. Fighting for what is coalmines in Arkansas/Okla - said. Neither Walter O’Mal - right for them is a blessing.” children. homa region and on the Union ley, George Steinbrenner nor He also participated in spe - Pacific Railroad.” “My kids have seen me cial projects, including political His grandfather, William H. doing the paperwork and mak - Arte Moreno ever called him campaigns. He served as the L. Duffle, was part of the black ing calls,” he said. “I try to pass up to the bigs. union’s political director and lung lawsuit and his name is on on to them the work ethic that He’s “retired” from the developed strong ties with a memorial at Fort Smith, Ark. was passed on to me.” sport now. These days, he’s worker-friendly legislators in As a union leader, he says At home with the Duffles often in the union office doing everything from fix - Joe married his high school sweetheart, Claudia, ing the toilets to negotiating on June 2, 1990. Their son, the best union contracts in Joseph, 18, is getting ready the business. to go to college and wants “I’ve learned from the to become a history teacher. best,” he said. “They taught Their daughter, Samantha, me and prepared me for 24, is a registered nurse today and whatever might working toward her mas - come tomorrow. ter’s degree and recently got “It all goes back to stand - engaged. ing on the shoulders of “I’m so proud of them,” those who come before us.”

Spring 2020 7 volved in ’s community-based struggle for racial equality. In many ways, the UPW was a union Rosie’s Corner ahead of its time when it came to equal rights for black workers and women. It was the policy of the UPW to try to elim - inate unfair practices like discrimination against African Americans and women in hiring and wages. Celebrating Wyatt and her fellow union negotia - tors were able to get “equal pay for equal work” written into many UPW contracts ‘one of our well before the Equal Pay Act was Addie Wyatt passed in 1963. Wyatt became deeply involved with own,’ the ministry and civil rights campaign of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and became labor adviser to King’s Southern Christian Lead - ership Conference. Addie She was a leading civil rights campaigner in Chicago during the 1960s, serving on the Action Committee of the Chicago Free - dom Movement and organizing protests. Wyatt Wyatt and her husband also worked with the Rev. Jesse Jackson in helping to found Operation Breadbasket, which distributed food to underprivileged people in 12 American cities. Wyatt later be - ith February and March being Black came involved in its successor, PUSH (People United to Serve Hu - History and Women’s History months, manity). we feel this is a good time to share the Addie Wyatt passed away on March 28, 2012, having lived a story of Addie Wyatt (1924-2012). stellar life in pursuit of social justice and dignity for working peo - Wyatt was a founding member of the ple. Coalition of Labor Union Women and the first woman international vice pres - ident of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters Union. After her union merged with the Clerks Union to form the United Food and WCommercial Workers in 1979, she became the first woman of color to serve on the new union’s board. She also was a recipient of the UFCW’s Women’s Network’s Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1941, when she went to work at the Armour meat processing plant in Chicago, Wyatt applied for a job as a typist. But Armour didn’t hire African Americans to work in its front offices at the time. Instead, she was assigned to the canning department, putting lids on cans of Army stew. Thanks to the union contract between Armour and United Pack - inghouse Workers, however, she was able to earn more working on the packinghouse floor in three days than she would have made in a week working in the front office as a secretary. So she decided to accept the job and subsequently became an active member of the UPW. In the early 1950s, Wyatt was elected as vice president of her local union, UPW Local P-56, and was soon elected president. The next year, she left her job at the packinghouse to work full time PUT YOUR NON-PERISHABLE DON ATION IN A BAG BY YOUR MAILBOX. for the union, fighting against discrimination for both women and WE’LL DELIVER IT TO A LOCAL FOOD BANK. people of color. National Partners Wyatt said she often found herself fighting on three fronts. “I was fighting on behalf of workers, fighting as a black person and fighting as a female,” she said. Because of its large, activist membership, the UPW was able to wield real power at the bargaining table, and it was able to use this power to benefit society at large. The UPW was deeply in -

8 DESERT EDGE Steward Profile ‘Solidarity is the key’ El Super meat cutter Pedro Melchum stands with his union

edro Melchum worked at non-union grocery stores throughout before he applied for a meat cutter position at El Super 11 years ago. “The manager at the time said we were required to join the union if I accepted the job,” Melchum said. “I thought, ‘Why not give this a shot?’ and signed up — and P Pedro Melchum I’m glad I did.” Melchum quickly understood the many advantages of tract with El Super. working union, including better wages, health benefits and “We have been negotiating with El Super for more than work scheduling. five years,” he said. “They don’t want to give us anything “As union members we have so much power if we know and would prefer we all work without a contract.” how to use it together,” he said. “Solidarity is the key to win - Melchum helps educate his co-workers about the negoti - ning what we deserve.” ations and directs them to their union representative when El Super negotiations he can’t answer their questions. The meat cutter at El Super 14 in Covina joined his bar - “I know the union always has my back,” he said. “My job gaining unit’s negotiation committee in January. Since then, is to communicate that to the rest of my co-workers so we he has taken an active role in helping to secure a new con - stay strong during negotiations.” ‘La solidaridad es la clave’ El cortador de carne de El Super, Pedro Melchum, está con su unión edro Melchum trabajó en super - para trabajar. “Hemos estado negociando con El mercados sin unión en mucho “Como miembros de la unión ten - Super por más de cinco años,” dijo. “No del sur de California antes de so - emos mucho poder si sabemos cómo quieren darnos nada y prefieren que licitar un puesto de cortador de usarlo juntos,” dijo. “La solidaridad es todos trabajemos sin un contrato.” carne en El Super hace 11 años. la clave para ganar lo que merece - Melchum ayuda a educar a sus com - P“El gerente en ese momento dijo que mos.” pañeros de trabajo sobre las negocia - debíamos unirnos a la unión si aceptaba ciones y los dirige a su representante el trabajo,” dijo Melchum. “Pensé, Negociaciones de El Super sindical cuando no puede responder a ‘¿Por qué no intentarlo?’ Y me inscribí, El cortador de carne en El Super 14 sus preguntas. y me alegro de haberlo hecho.” en Covina se unió al comité de nego - “Sé que la unión siempre me Melchum comprendió rápidamente ciación de su unidad de negociación en respalda,” dijo. “Mi trabajo es comu - las muchas ventajas de trabajar con una enero. Desde entonces, ha tomado un nicar eso al resto de mis compañeros de unión, incluyendo mejores salarios, papel activo en ayudar a asegurar un trabajo, para que nos mantengamos beneficios de salud y horas constantes nuevo contrato con El Super. fuertes durante las negociaciones.”

Spring 2020 9 Providers Corner

AMY ROLPH JENNY BUTCHER DENISE REDDEN YVONNE TELLEZ

Golden Triangle Dentistry members ratify contract our Local 1167 members at Golden Triangle Dentistry derful benefit. I can retire with dignity here. And we’ve had in Murrieta recently ratified a three-year agreement consistent scheduled raises since we’ve had our first con - that includes vacation improvements and wage in - tract. creases through the life of the contract. “A union contract means stability and reliability.” The members are dental assistants Yvonne Tellez and Amy Rolph had been a union member before coming to FDenise Redden, and front office staffers Amy Rolph and Golden Triangle and she was thrilled to continue her dental Jenny Butcher. career in the union. “The benefits and wages are important to us, and so is “Each and every one of us looks forward to going to work being part of the UFCW family,” Jenny Butcher said. knowing we have the support of a union behind us,” she said. “The union fights for workers who are treated unfairly, “Our union benefits are worth their weight in gold,” she and we respect that,” she said. “We’re fortunate here at this added. “I’m so thankful to have them since I know how ex - dental office and don’t have those kinds of issues, but we pensive they can be if we had to get them on our own.” know there are many workers out there who aren’t as fortu - Jenny and Denise are both getting ready for their eventual nate as we are at Golden Triangle.” retirements, and knowing they have a pension waiting for “We have a pension!” she continued. “This is such a won - them makes planning that transition easier.

About Golden Triangle Dentistry nder the leadership of Dr. William Neff, DDS, the pro - payment in full for all covered services under the indemnity and fessional staff at Golden Triangle Dentistry has served retiree plans. Some services may require prior approval before Southern California UFCW members in the Murrieta, treatment is rendered. Children are always welcome and have Temecula, Lake Elsinore and Hemet areas for more no maximum for coverage. than 17 years. Dr. Neff has 29 years of experience in providing All members should check eligibility requirements with their hUigh-quality dental care. local union office and request claim forms. For Food and Meat “Half of our patients here are UFCW members,” he said. members, the number to call is (909) 877-1110. Drug members Services include all phases of general dentistry for the entire can call (909) 877-2331. family, including wisdom teeth and cosmetics. TVs and head - Golden Triangle Dentistry is at 25460 Medical Center Drive, phones are provided and nitrous oxide analgesia is available for Suite 202, Murrieta, CA 92563. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon - adults and children (an extra fee may apply). day through Friday. To make an appointment, call (951) 677- Golden Triangle Dentistry accepts union dentistry benefits as 1054.

10 DESERT EDGE Union Rep Report Maria Perez The benefits of a union job come from a contract built on solidarity our union contract Your employer agrees to has values that go such things because you beyond the wages Union members have a powerful union rep - you earn. don’t have to rely on resenting you and your co- When you signed up to workers. Ybecome a member of promises that may or Stay in touch and UFCW Local 1167, you may not be kept. They signed up for peace of mind do your part that you won't be fired at the rely on contracts. As we continue fighting whim of a manager. You for your rights and welfare, also signed up for the pre - pect from their employer — we are only as powerful as dictability of a work sched - such as guaranteed wage your solidarity. You can ule that allows you to rates, reliable scheduling help by staying in touch manage your personal life practices, safety standards at with your union and keep - when you’re off the clock. the workplace, health bene - ing current with everything Local 1167 members also fits, staffing levels and that’s happening. have access to affordable Maria Perez much more. Read your Desert Edge health care for themselves from cover to cover. Follow health care facility, a food and their families as well as The value of UFCW Local 1167 on social processing plant or an of - retirement benefits. fice. When one part of our your contract media and attend our quar - Non-union workers aren’t terly membership meetings. union family needs help, we always as lucky. They have Unlike a company hand - And when your union calls all step forward to do our to rely on promises made by book, you have a say in on you to demonstrate your part. managers that they’ll be as - what goes into your con - solidarity at rallies, tabling Our union, UFCW Local signed sufficient hours of tract, and you can have the events and informational 1167, is about many people work, or that they’ll get the peace of mind of knowing it picketing, answer the call! coming together for the ben - promotions they’ve been can’t be changed without We are all brothers and efit of all. That’s how we hoping for, or that they’ll your knowledge or input. sisters in this movement, are able to negotiate good even keep their jobs. Contracts also help ease whether we work in a super - contracts for you and your Union members don’t possible tensions between market, a pharmacy, a fellow union members. have to rely on promises you and your managers by that may or not be kept. making clear what the They rely on contracts. agreed upon rules are, as When your union bar - well as what will happen if gains with your employer they are violated. on your behalf, we negotiate This is why UFCW Local legally binding agreements 1167 works so hard for each that provide clarity to the contract. It is not a given employer and to the work - that you will earn a wage in - ers. The employers stipulate crease or that your employer what they expect from their will continue to contribute On Jan 21, Grievance Dir. Alan Kontra was sworn in to the employees and the workers to the costs of your health UFCW Local 1167 Executive Board by President Joe Duffle. stipulate what they can ex - care and retirement plans.

Spring 2020 11 Member Feature

Pockets full of memories Member James Cranfill and his wife travel the country, pool cues in hand

ocal 1167 member James Cranfill too. I wouldn’t mind going back out $26,000 when I need a new leg, and has traveled far in his 72 years, there.” they take care of it, no charge. Previous racking up accolades along the unions I was a part of didn’t have this way as a pool player and making Thankful for union benefits level of benefits.” friends at a wide variety of workplaces. Cranfill said he is happy with his cur - LCranfill works as a clerk at Stater rent job at Stater Bros. because he’s al - A lifelong hobby Bros. in French Valley, but he was born ways been a “people person.” He said medical technology has and raised in Illinois. He attended “I enjoy interacting with customers,” come a long way in the years since he school in Indianapolis before moving to was first fitted with an prosthetic leg, Pennsylvania, where he met his first with new models better able to distrib - wife and worked for a textile chemical ute his weight comfortably. That mobil - company. ity allows him to participate in his Later, he settled in Hartford, Conn., favorite pastime: playing pool. where he worked “more jobs than you He started playing the game while in can list,” including managerial roles at the hospital recovering from his acci - restaurants and an Italian-American dent more than four decades ago. club. He also tended a bar at a bowling Donna, who had been close to becom - alley, which was where he met his cur - ing a professional bowler before she rent wife, Donna. met James, also took up his hobby. “I’ve had a lot of jobs, but was never “She met me, gave up the bowling fired,” he said. “I was always going ball and picked up the pool stick,” he from one thing to another, looking for a said. higher position. The two now play pool together on “I’m always at work at least an hour James Cranfill an eight-person team that competed early — never been late,” he continued. most recently in the American Pool - “My father told me, ‘You asked them he said. “It makes me feel good to help players Association’s World Pool for a job, they didn’t ask you to come them out and get them what they need. Championships. Their squad placed in. Show them respect.’ That’s what I One customer I helped recently was so 17th out of more than 700 teams com - live by.” thankful they wrote a letter to the store, peting in . In 2000, Cranfill and Donna sold and I was awarded a gift card. It’s so re - “We’ve won lots of awards — our their home and embarked on a six-year warding.” house is just full of trophies,” he said. journey across the in a He especially appreciates the health And those awards often came with cash mobile home. They traveled through 47 benefits provided through his union prizes. states, staying in campgrounds for contract. In 1974, Cranfill lost his leg in His greatest joy, however, comes three-month intervals before putting a motorcycle accident and spent two from connecting with people at the pool down new roots in Hemet. years in a hospital. He is thankful that table. “It was just amazing,” he said of the his benefits cover the costs associated “I like talking to people when I play,” experience. “Virginia was probably the with his prosthetic leg. he said. cleanest state I’ve ever visited. My fa - “I’ve never seen benefits like this,” “If I win, I win; if I lose, I lose. I’ll vorite of all the states was Minnesota, he said. “After the deductible, every - talk to anyone. I just enjoy being around but I loved Montana and the Dakotas, thing is paid for. It can be upwards of people.”

12 DESERT EDGE Members at Work, Murrieta/Menifee

Spring 2020 13 Warehouse Corner Union leaders meet with Food 4 Less members to prepare for negotiations UFCW Local 1167 President Joe Duffle and Union Represen - tatives Jerry Espinoza and Gabriel Suarez met with Food 4 Less members in Calexico, Cathedral City, Coachella, El Centro and Coachella in February. Duffle and Union Representative Jose Correa also spoke with Food 4 Less members in Riverside. “Hearing directly from our members ahead of contract negotia - tions is crucial,” Duffle said. The current union contract with Food 4 Less is scheduled to ex - pire on June 7, 2020.

Community Corner Duffle speaks in favor of and election of Elizabeth Romero UFCW Local 1167 President Joe Duffle addressed a meeting of the La Quinta City Council on Feb. 5 to support approval of a proposed Vons-owned Pavilions store in the city. “We have to do whatever is necessary to help our union em - ployers grow and be successful so they can continue to provide opportunities to our members,” he said. “I want them to be able to live in the communities they serve.” Also in February, President Duffle stood with elected officials and other labor leaders to endorse Elizabeth Romero in her cam - paign to represent California Senate District 28. “Local 1167 has had a long history of supporting candidates who work to help working families,” Duffle said. “Elizabeth Romero is among them.”

Walmart abandons controversial plan for Supercenter in Redlands has abandoned its plan to build a 256,000 sq. ft. “Redlands now joins dozens of communities in California Supercenter in Redlands. that have said ‘No!’ to Walmart,” UFCW Local 1167 Presi - The company’s decision, announced in February, ended dent Joe Duffle observed. an eight-year struggle between Walmart and several commu - “In doing so, this city is protecting good union jobs that nity organizations that opposed the 33-acre project at the in - provide strong wages and benefits for people in the commu - tersection of San Bernardino Street and Tennessee Avenue. nity.” Leading the fight to block the Supercenter were Citizens’ President Duffle noted that Walmart’s Supercenters have Action for Peace, the Redlands Good Neighbor Coalition, devastated business districts and driven down living stan - and Occupy Redlands. dards across the country. While two lawsuits against the project failed in the courts, “Members of Local 1167 can take heart this anti-union they had a significant role in persuading the company not to employer won’t be cutting any ribbons in this area anytime move forward with its plan, Redlands Mayor Paul Foster said. soon,” he said.

14 DESERT EDGE Members at Work, Albertsons 2572, Riverside

$13,904.52

42 202

Spring 2020 15 Return in 5 days to: United Food and Commercial Workers NON-PROFIT ORG. Union Local 1167 U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 1167 PAID Bloomington, CA 92316 SAN BERNARDINO, CA Return Service Requested PERMIT NO. 2285

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