UFCW

Official Publication of Local 1167, United Food and Commercial Workers Union September 2007

President’s Report Negotiations Ongoing at Windsor Foods t press time, union officials were in contract negotiations with ‘Normal’ Windsor Foods in Riverside. The contract expired on May 19 and members have been on extension since then. AMore than 450 UFCW Local 1167 members at Windsor Foods make burritos and other Mexican food products sold under the Jose Times Are Ole brand, among others. “The membership at Windsor Foods is as strong as any within this union,” President Bill Lathrop said. “The average seniority at the Busy Times plant is 23 years. They are proud of their union and their plant. With he ratification of our new contract their strength, we’re confident that we can negotiate a fair and with Albertsons, Ralphs, and Vons By Bill Lathrop equitable agreement.” means that finally, after four years of tension, disappointment, anger, sacrifice and struggle, our situation can be described as “normal.” TThat’s not to say things are ideal. By “normal,” I mean that balance has been restored in relations between the employers and the workers, that our achievements as a union are not under sustained attack, and that we can resume our long-term quest to advance our members’ quality of life. $9,500 Awarded in This is a great time to take a deep breath and evaluate ourselves as union members, coworkers and employees. Our new contract lays down the rules of Local 1167 Special our working environment for the next four years. Let’s get to know its details and nuances. Scholarship Competition One remarkable consequence of the new contract is that we are no longer divided between “first-tier” and “second-tier” employees when it comes to wages, health care and pensions. That was a dreadful distinction to create in $2,000 — Kristen Anno the first place. But now, if your coworker has the same job and has the same number of hours of experience as you do, you will be paid the same wages. $1,500 — Monish Punjabi When a contract has been successfully negotiated to the satisfaction of both parties, there is also less of a divide between employer and employee. When $1,000 — Elizabeth Angulo we use the contract as a guide for our professional conduct at work, there is less reason to approach each other as adversaries. If we do our jobs right, we $1,000 — Roberto Curiel can focus instead on our primary duty at the workplace, which is to serve the customers with pride and professionalism. $1,000 — Adrianna Martinez When union employers are healthy and profitable, they are better able to $750 — Kameron Myles provide good wages and benefits. The current profitability of our employers was an important factor in our success in the recent negotiations, during which $750 — Brian Oei (Please see page 3) $750 — Parth Shah Return in 5 days to: $750 — Sarthi Shah United Food and Commercial Workers NON-PROFIT ORG. Union Local 1167 U.S. POSTAGE Winners to be featured in October P.O. Box 1167 PAID Bloomington, CA 92316 PERMIT NO. 2285 SAN BERNARDINO, CA issue of Desert Edge Address Service Requested The award recipients listed above were not eligible for the UFCW and Food Employers Trust Fund Scholarship Awards Program, of which the winners are listed on pages 4-5. PAGE 2 DESERT EDGE SEPTEMBER 2007

Your Dues Now Payable: Sign Up for Dues Checkoff

If you are one of the few members of the local who are not yet signed up for dues checkoff: YOUR UNION SEPTEMBER DUES ARE NOW DUE AND PAYABLE. IF NOT PAID ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 1, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY SUSPEND What’s YOURSELF. With dues checkoff, all future dues can be deducted automatically from your paycheck. If you Happening do not have an authorization form, call the local and one will be sent to you immediately. by Maureen McCabe Non-payment or payment of the incorrect amount will automatically suspend you—a costly and inconvenient mistake. Although not required, the local as a courtesy normally sends billing notices by first-class mail to those not on dues checkoff. It is the 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.

Avoid Suspension. JUST RETIRED: The summer we’re told “Mommy and Daddy are Authorize Dues Checkoff Today! months have brought us several so happy to have our lil’ angel.” ... new retirees. Retiring in August Landa Martel, Stater Bros., gave were Pete Herrera, Linda birth to Angelina Patricia Cobian Premus, Felix Quinonez, on 6/4. Angelina weighed 5 lbs. Thomas “Pat” Smith and 15.5 oz. ... Ashley McLaughlin, Barbara Swann. Pete worked for Stater Bros., has a new son. Jordan 29 years in the industry with Lee Boyer was born on 6/14 and CORRECT ADDRESS AND Albertsons and Lucky. Linda weighed 8 lbs. 8 oz. ... Gloria worked for Stater Bros., Jensens, Perez, Stater Bros., and Jesus PHONE NUMBER A MUST Alpha Beta, Butcher Block and Martinez, Jr., are pleased to Paul’s Produce Markets for a total announce the birth of Adam Jesus of 15 years. Felix worked for Vons Martinez on 6/25. Adam weighed for 37 years. Thomas (Pat) worked 6 lbs. 11 oz. ... Cynthia Waleska You lose out if there is no correct address and telephone for Vons for 28 years. Barbara Escobedo, Stater Bros., welcomed worked for Ralphs for 22 years. number on file for you. We know the problem: people move Bryan Armando Osorio Estrada Congratulations to all of our into the world on 6/26. Bryan frequently. But it only takes a phone call, a minute with the retirees! We wish you many healthy weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. ... and happy years ahead to enjoy Rachel union rep or a letter to our office. It could avoid a big problem , Ralphs, has a new your well-earned retirements. Estrada daughter. Rylee Danielle was born with a hospital, medical claim or pension inquiry. on 7/10 and weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. JUST MARRIED: Roger Pascual, “She’s a beauty!” her happy mom Albertsons, married Shirley on 3/23. The ceremony was in Santa writes. ... Maria Del Ledbetter, Food 4 Less, is pleased to announce Ana. ... Sarah Kinney, Rite-Aid, the birth of , born on said “I do” to Darren Harris on Bailey Hogue Union Office 4/21. The wedding was at the Fleur 7/3 and weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz. ... de Lis Chapel and the happy couple Agapito Abila, Albertsons, has a Will Be Closed on honeymooned in Los Cabos, new son. Evan Andrew was born DESERT EDGE on 7/4 and weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. ... Mexico. ... Patsy Martinez, Stater , Albertsons, was Official monthly publication of Local 1167, United Labor Day Bros., married Stanley Ronald Carly Wahl doubly lucky on 7/7 as she Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Svete on 6/19. ... Priscilla Lopez, San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial Counties, Monday, Albertsons, became the bride of welcomed the arrival of twins California. and Gilbert Bracamontes, Jr. on lucky Kaitlyn Joyce Landon Sept. 3, 2007 7/7/07. The wedding was at the Las Michael. Kaitlyn weighed 4 lbs. 11 855 West San Bernardino Ave. oz. and Michael weighed 4 lbs. 5 Bloomington, California Vegas Hilton. ... Also choosing oz. ... , Albertsons, (Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.) 7/7/07 for their wedding date were Cherish Dunne is pleased to announce the birth of (Closed Sat., Sun. and holidays) Aida Maldonado, Rite-Aid, and on 7/8. P.O. Box 1167, Bloomington, CA 92316 Christopher Gonzalez. The couple Hayden Robert Wybenga You Are married in Riverside and Hayden weighed 5 lbs. 12 oz. ... Telephone Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. honeymooned in Cancun, Mexico. Robert Rosenberg, Stater Bros., Interesting! has a new daughter. ... Susi Gardner, Stater Bros., Hannah Leora Business Telephone: was born on 7/13 and weighed 8 (909) 877-5000 You are the most interesting thing married Jim Owensby on 7/28. The wedding was at the Calimesa lbs. 1 oz. ... Keyuana Davis, Food Toll-Free Telephone: about our union! If there’s Country Club and the happy couple 4 Less, welcomed Karrina (800) 698-UFCW something unusual or newsworthy honeymooned with a cruise to Valenzuela on 7/17. Karrina Food and Meat Division Insurance: Hawaii. weighed 7lbs. 14 oz. and her happy (909) 877-1110 about your life, hobbies, abilities or Congratulations to all of our mom tells us “She’s so pretty.” ... talents, call us at the office and tell newlyweds! , Rite-Aid, has a Drug & General Sales Div. Insurance: Claudia Flores new daughter. was born on (909) 877-2331 us about it so that we may consider Arely JUST BORN: Josh Sheehe, Stater 7/20 and weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz. ... Bill Lathrop doing a feature about you in the Bros., welcomed Austin Blake into Reina Vega, Stater Bros., is Editor Desert Edge. Just ask for Kathleen the family on 5/24. Austin weighed pleased to announce the birth of 8 lbs. 2 oz. ... Isaac Bautista, Aden Altamirano on 7/25. Aden Franks or your Union Rep. Vons, is pleased to announce the weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. birth of on 5/29. Congratulations to all of our new Publisher — President Angel Gabriel Angel weighed 7 lbs. 4.2 oz. and moms and dads! Bill Lathrop SEPTEMBER 2007 DESERT EDGE PAGE 3

Union Representative Report President’s Report New Contract and Busy Always Check ID Times at the Local Union When Selling (Continued from front page) they couldn’t honestly plead poverty or point to inroads by non- Alcohol union competitors. We want that advantage in place for our next Gabriel Suarez round of negotiations four years from now! Looking ahead to 2011, we can strengthen our position by uring the Labor Day merchandise. The instant the protecting and enhancing our union’s market share in the weekend and throughout transaction is made, the case is industry. You can help by volunteering in our union’s efforts to the rest of the year, essentially over. Either you organize workers at non-union retailers. All it takes is a call to especiallyD during the other carded the agent or not. Case your union representative and you’ll be in the loop. holidays, customers will be closed. We can also intensify our opposition to Wal-Mart and other buying items for barbecues, The process allows little room corporate outlaws that abuse their workers and endanger union parties and other social for challenge. Virtually all jobs. UFCW members are involved in “site fights” against the gatherings. transactions are recorded on tape construction of Wal-Mart Supercenters across California and Checkout lines will become by your store’s security system. around the nation. They can always use more help. If you want longer. Customers will be Furthermore, there is no to participate, contact your union representative or visit buying burgers, hot dogs, ribs, www.WakeUpWalMart.org. anything else they can grill, and For union members, “normal” times aren’t for taking things most especially beer and other easy. They’re for getting important things done. So let’s get alcohol. lways check for ID. busy! This means that you need to A be especially careful when Go ahead, make checking identification. someone’s day... A busy checker might unintentionally let someone who and perhaps Rite Aid Purchases Stores doesn’t appear to be over age 35 buy alcohol without checking save your job identification to verify age. in the process. And Distribution Centers Don’t let yourself get into that Rite Aid Corp. recently finalized Rite Aid said it has found buyers situation because it could cost its purchase of 1,854 Eckerd and for all of the 23 stores it was you your job. State regulators ambiguity in the law requiring Brooks drug stores, along with six required to divest as a result of a are aggressive in their efforts to card-checks and state statutes distribution centers, from Jean federal antitrust review. Mary crack down on the sale of that mandate swift punishment. Coutu Group of Quebec. Sammons, Rite Aid’s president and alcohol to minors. Huge fines Your employer has The $3.4 billion transaction was chief executive officer, also was can be levied against the established strict policies announced in August. The stores appointed chairman of the board, company and the individual requiring checkers to request and distribution centers are located succeeding Robert G. Miller, who checker as well. identification for anyone who in 18 states, primarily on the East remains a director. even looks younger than 35. It’s Coast and in the Mid-Atlantic Michel Coutu, president of ABC Stings a practical policy and good region. Rite Aid said it would Coutu’s U.S. operations, was Alcoholic Beverage Control advice. convert all stores to the Rite Aid named non-executive director of (ABC) agents routinely set up Years of experience help banner over the next 16 months, Rite Aid. Under terms of the cash- stings aimed at entrapping an minimize errors while rapidly beginning with a pilot group of 23 and-stock deal, Coutu Group unsuspecting checker. Our shuffling through hundreds of Brooks and Eckerd stores retains a 32 percent equity stake in intense efforts to discourage customers a day, but, inevitably, representing various store layouts. Rite Aid. singling out checkers have not someone in line can get yet been successful with ABC frustrated at having to wait. officials. Think about how many A common ABC set-up might impatient and frustrated Report Blasts Tesco Policies be something like this: A young- shoppers will be complimented A report by the Urban and stores will be “a great place to looking undercover ABC agent by the prospect that they look Environmental Policy Institute of work,” it has decided to rely on casually walks through the younger than 35. More than a Los Angeles’ Occidental College non-union, part-time workers, the checkout line with a six pack of few gratified customers are has criticized Tesco for its poor report said. beer or a bottle of wine while likely to smile and thank you for relations with labor unions and for The researchers said Tesco’s another ABC agent watches your kind words. its environmental record. position on unions in the U.S. behind you. The agent’s only Always check for ID. Go The report comes as Tesco contrasts with its partnership with true intention is to see whether ahead, make someone’s day... prepares to open its new Fresh & the shop workers’ union USDAW the checker requests formal and perhaps save your job in the Easy chain in California in in Britain. identification prior to selling the process. November. “At the same time, Tesco has had The researchers noted that Tesco contentious relationships with other had come to rival Wal-Mart as a U.K. unions, and workplace abuses global player and that it has the have been identified among several potential to significantly influence of Tesco’s suppliers and Your Union Representative is the direction of the grocery contractors,” they said. business in the United States. just a phone call away... (Please see page 8) Despite Tesco’s promise that its (909) 877-5000 / (800) 698-UFCW PAGE 4 DESERT EDGE SEPTEMBER 2007 UFCW AND EMPLOYERS JOINT TRUST FUND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM 2007 Focus on the Scholarship Winners Scholarship Winner Uses Scholar Earns Award Science Scholar and Cross-Country Winnings to Reach for Better Life Through Perseverance Athlete Runs to $10,000 Scholarship

ori Luna, a 29-year union member who works at Vons 1962 iffany McSwain knows the importance of sticking with it. in Temecula, is in the final stages of earning a bachelor’s Whether it is working at Stater Bros. 84, competing on the Desert degree in business and management from the University of Hot Springs High School swim and water polo teams, or doing LPhoenix. Tcommunity service with the California Scholastic Federation, To help her achieve that goal, the UFCW and Food McSwain sees whatever she does through to the very end. Employers Trust Fund has awarded her a $10,000 scholarship That characteristic is one reason why she is the winner of a through its annual Scholarship Program. $10,000 scholarship from the UFCW and Food Employers Trust Fund Luna said that while her degree will certainly advance her Scholarship Awards Program. career, she also wants to be a positive role model for her “‘Persevere’ is kind of my word,” she said. “No matter what children, 15-year-old Austin and 18-year-old Ashley. struggles you face, you can move on and get through it.” “It’s never too late to go back and finish school,” she said. She plans to use her award to attend UCLA and study life sciences She also has this message for Austin, Ashley and anyone else and human physiology. “It’s not pre-med,” she said, “but I’d who will listen. “The union has always been good to me,” she definitely like to do something in the medical field.” said. “I have it to thank for my employment, good wages and good benefits.” Devotion to Creative Arts But Luna said that she would like to try something new with Besides being a scholar, McSwain is devoted to the creative arts. her pending degree. “Something in marketing or human She sang in an a cappela group and also in the concert choir at Desert resources would be nice,” she said. Hot Springs High School. “Marketing is fascinating because it involves every aspect of “We sang classical and renaissance music — lots of foreign- our lives,” she continued. “There are times when you have to language pieces,” McSwain said. market yourself just as much as people market products and She also likes to write and study the literary arts. “I like to do businesses.” creative writing, short stories and things like that,” she said, “but I really enjoy analyzing the things I read and literary criticism.” Field Experience McSwain said she hopes to continue with her literary studies in Luna has experience in the field. “I own my own notary college. business, Lori’s Mobile Notary, and I had to market myself when McSwain regards her union highly. “It’s essential for workers to I was starting up,” she said. have good job security and be able to get the benefits we need,” she When Luna decided to go back to school, she started by said. earning her associate’s degree from Mesa College. Now, she When McSwain isn’t studying or working, she enjoys reading, looks forward to watching Ashley follow in her footsteps into watching movies and hanging out with friends. higher education. “I like to read real-life, nonfiction books like biographies,” she “If everything works out, our family will have three said. “For movies, I like indie films … but I also have a place for graduations this year,” Luna said. “Ashley just graduated from Adam Sandler comedies,” she said, laughing. high school and is about to graduate from a cosmetology McSwain lives with her mother, Dolores, and her younger brother, program. And I should get my B.S. degree in December.” Trevor. She credits her family’s perseverance with helping her When Luna isn’t studying and making a living for her family, thorough one of the toughest ordeals of her life when her father, she likes to go camping and seek out the solitude of the lakes. Sanford, passed away during her freshman year of high school. “One of our friends has a boat, so we go camping up at Shafer “It was hard for all of us, but we came through okay,” she said. Lake and Bass Lake,” she said. SEPTEMBER 2007 DESERT EDGE PAGE 5

UND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM 2007

2007 Scholarship Awards Winners: Local 1167 Student Name Award Amount Participant’s Name Employer Lori Luna $10,000 Lori Luna Vons p Winners Tiffany McSwain $10,000 Tiffany McSwain Stater Bros. Emily Snyder $10,000 Robert Snyder Albertsons Science Scholar and Cross-Country Joseph Barnash $5,000 Vicki Barnash Vons Elizabeth Dupray $5,000 Elizabeth Dupray Albertsons Athlete Runs to $10,000 Scholarship Monica Gonzalez $5,000 Lori Gonzalez Ralphs William Hickok $5,000 William Hickok II Stater Bros. Madeline Netley $5,000 Mary Netley Vons Matthew Nord $5,000 Kelly DeHart Vons Adrianna Roque $5,000 Adrianna Roque Stater Bros. Alyson Baker $2,500 Clarence Baker Ralphs Alicia Barnash $2,500 Vicki Barnash Vons David Blauert $2,500 Robert Blauert Stater Bros. Michael Bombard $2,500 Denise Hartman Stater Bros. Heather Bott $2,500 Jennifer Bott Albertsons Helen Bright $2,500 Terri Davis-Bright Stater Bros. Chelsea Capobianco $2,500 Joe Capobianco Ralphs Kelly Case $2,500 Glen Case Ralphs Travis Case $2,500 Glen Case Ralphs Jenny Coulson $2,500 Roxie Coulson Albertsons Mindy DeYoung $2,500 Wayne DeYoung Stater Bros. Jillian Duncan $2,500 Jillian Duncan Albertsons Kaysie Flasck $2,500 Rhonda Flasck Albertsons or Emily Snyder, the world seems to pass by a little Jazmin Gonzalez $2,500 Sara Gonzalez Stater Bros. faster, but that’s not a bad thing when you’re a cross- Mercedes Gonzalez $2,500 Mercedes Gonzalez Stater Bros. country and track & field athlete. Ashley Goodro $2,500 Ashley Goodro Stater Bros. FBoth quick on her feet and quick with her wits, the Yucca Chelsea Hazell $2,500 Richard Hazell Vons Valley High School graduate raced passed her competition to Ryan Henderson $2,500 Ryan Henderson Stater Bros. win a $10,000 scholarship from the UFCW and Food Employers Trust Fund Awards Program. She plans to use that Kevin Holder $2,500 Robert Holder Stater Bros. money to attend Harvey Mudd College, one of the Claremont Christopher Hubbs $2,500 Christopher Hubbs Stater Bros. Colleges, and study biology. Alberto Ishida $2,500 Glenn Ishida Albertsons “I would like to be a research scientist,” she said. “I’m Megan Keever $2,500 Megan Keever Stater Bros. diabetic, so it would be wonderful if I could help find a Tiffany Kryza $2,500 Shelly Kryza Albertsons cure.” Alyssa Miyake $2,500 Richard Miyake Ralphs Snyder’s diabetes makes her love of long-distance running Tatum Nesbitt $2,500 Pamela Nesbitt Vons and track competition even more of a challenge. “I love the fact that, in cross-country, it’s all up to you — Steven Nicholas $2,500 Cathy Nicholas Albertsons it’s all based on your personal strength,” she said. “You don’t Joel Osborne III $2,500 Joel Osborne, Jr. Stater Bros. have to depend on anyone else to run your race for you.” Jonathon Pelissero $2,500 Julie Clemens Stater Bros. Cara Pennacchio $2,500 Thomas Pennacchio Vons National Honor Society Roland Perez, Jr. $2,500 Roland Perez Stater Bros. Even though Snyder has been running competitively since Erik Pietersma $2,500 Erik Pietersma Stater Bros. third grade, her physical speed and endurance are not her Ashley Prudholm $2,500 Candy Prudholm Stater Bros. only claims to fame. Her intellect has earned her a place in the National Honor Society. Roxi Rael $2,500 Cindy Rael Albertsons When Snyder has some down time, it doesn’t necessarily Maria Rascon $2,500 Alicia Arrows Vons mean she slows down. “Well, I do like to run,” she said, Catherine Ringen $2,500 Darryl Ringen Albertsons laughing, “but I also like to listen to music, paint and read Brianna Segura $2,500 Charlotte Segura Vons when I have time. I love Stephen King.” Nathan Sheagley $2,500 Barbara Sheagley Ralphs Snyder’s father, Robert, works at Albertsons 6569. Katelyn Swanberg $2,500 Paula Swanberg Ralphs “We’ve always been a union family — had a union way of Kaitlin Tillett $2,500 Kaitlin Tillett Albertsons life,” Snyder said. “It’s the way to make sure we always get Miguel Vasquez $2,500 Miguel Vasquez Stater Bros. a fair deal.” The Snyder household also includes mother Lin and brother Eric. Megan Walsh $2,500 Evan Walsh Vons Snyder then said the words that always see her through to Michael Wesselink $2,500 Sheri Wesselink Stater Bros. the finish line: Brandi Willis $2,500 Julie Willis Albertsons “Never give up.” Andrea Wilson $2,500 Julianne Faria Stater Bros. PAGE 6 DESERT EDGE SEPTEMBER 2007

UP CLOSE WITH THE NEW MASTER FOOD AGREEMENT New PPO/HRA Benefits The Indemnity-PPO (“Preferred Provider Organization”) health amount of credit will be deposited into your account. Your HRA plan will make many significant changes to save members money credit can be used to pay for your other non-preventive medical and to improve the overall health of the membership. However, expenses, such as doctor visits, lab tests, chiropractic visits, x- implementing the program may take a significant amount of time. rays, prescription co-pays and any other eligible medical It’s a work in progress and the following are examples of procedures. Any unused HRA credit left over at the end of the important benefits to come: year will roll over to succeeding years and can even be used to pay certain medical expenses in retirement. 1. 100% Coverage for Preventive Services First, the PPO plan will begin to cover 100% of certain 3. Health Risk Assessment preventive services. This means that you pay no deductible and Members will be rewarded for completing a Health Risk no co-pay for these services. In fact, you will pay nothing out of Assessment questionnaire each year during annual enrollment. your pocket for any of the following preventive health care The questionnaire will be kept completely confidential and will services at medically appropriate times: not be provided to your employer. Responses to the questionnaire will be used to help members make better life style choices that •Routine Annual Physical Exams will improve their overall health. •Mammograms •Well-Baby Care 4. Annual Deductible •Childhood Immunizations You do not have to satisfy your deductible before you use the free •Pap Smear and Pelvic Exams preventive services or your HRA credit. This means you pay nothing out of pocket for preventive services and you pay nothing •Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing out of pocket for other services until you use up your HRA credit. •Colonoscopy Most of the non-preventive medical expenses that are paid out of your HRA (such as office visits, lab tests and chiropractic 2. Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) services) will count toward satisfying your deductible. Therefore, Second, the plan will set up a Health Reimbursement Account although the annual deductible will increase, the net result will be (HRA) for each member. In every year of the contract, a certain a savings to you!

UFCW Local 1167 Roosevelt Rally Thanks to the community, members and activists who helped us secure our contract SEPTEMBER 2007 DESERT EDGE PAGE 7

Sharing Knowledge Key to Steward Donald Cole everal years ago, Donald Cole, wasn’t for the pay and benefits we a meat cutter for Albertsons have because of the union.” 6576 in Riverside, lost a finger Cole also has firsthand experience in a work accident. When his about the importance of his union- employer interfered with his negotiated health benefits. Workers’S Compensation benefits, the Two years ago, his wife was t’s the union stood up for him. diagnosed with brain cancer. “The ‘I “The union fought to make sure medical bills would have been that I got everything to which I was astronomical,” he said. “Our union- union that entitled,” Cole recalled. “You can’t negotiated health benefits really depend on the company. It’s the make a difference.” union that will stand up for you, no matter what.” Future Endeavors will stand up Cole has worked in the industry With his wife’s health improved, for 34 years and became a steward Cole looks forward to retirement in a because he wanted to help new few years. He would like to return to for you, no members. Donald Cole the small town in Oklahoma where “With all the new members at our he was raised. store, it was important that someone members. “It’s called Ida Bel and it’s about matter what. who has been around a long time “I tell them that we, the members, 200 miles east of Dallas,” he said. ’ should orient them about the union,” are the union, and I encourage them “It’s so small that it’s hard to find it Cole said. “Most of the new to attend meetings and become on a map. But that’s good. It’s gotten have more time for his favorite employees have never worked at a active,” he said. so congested and crowded out here hobby, fishing. store with a union contract and have Cole said being in the union has over the years that I decided I want “I fish every chance I get,” he no idea what having union provided him with a “great life.” to live in a place where you can just said. ‘There are some great places to representation means.” “I was able to buy a house where kick back a little bit and not worry fish in the area, like Lake Perris and Cole makes sure that new my wife, Stephanie, and I raised four about how long it takes to get from Lake Hesperia. But I know that there members know that the union is children,” he said. “I would never one place to another.” are good places to fish in Oklahoma, always 100 percent behind its have been able to afford that if it When he does retire, Cole will too.”

Educate Family and Friends on Labor Day n Sept. 3, we will commemorate the For example, unions lobbied for laws that passed in 1885 and 1886. The first bill to 125th anniversary of the first Labor set the five-day, 40-hour work week as the establish Labor Day as a state holiday was Day. standard for all Americans. We also fought introduced into the New York legislature, OEven though it is a day set aside for rest for vacations, holidays and pensions to but Oregon became the first state to pass and recreation, it is also a day when union enable millions to appreciate their lives such a law on Feb. 21, 1887. Later that year, members and most labor activists reflect outside of the contexts of their jobs. four more states — Colorado, and appreciate what our forefathers did. But We should tell our friends and families Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York unfortunately, many do not realize what that the day means more than cooking on a — also enacted Labor Day holidays. they went through so we have what we barbecue. It’s about remembering the Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania enjoy today. sacrifices that were made so that working followed suit by the end of the decade. men and women — our parents and A survey taken last year immediately Rallies Across America before Labor Day found that only 38 grandparents — could own homes, send us In 1894, speakers at Labor Day rallies percent of Americans say they do anything to college and have a better opportunity in across America protested the harsh to celebrate the contributions of working this country. measures that were employed by President men and women. First Labor Day Grover Cleveland to crush the Pullman Some 45 percent say they use the day to Here’s some background: The first Labor railway strike. Eager to appease the mark the unofficial end of summer. Sadly, Day was observed on Sept. 5, 1882. The widespread anger of working people, 16 percent aren’t sure what they celebrate idea was proposed by Matthew McGuire, a Congress unanimously passed legislation on on Labor Day. member of the International Association of June 28, 1894, to make Labor Day a Just 22 percent say that Labor Day is one Machinists in Paterson, N.J., to honor the national holiday. President Grover of the most important holidays of the year, achievements and contributions of American Cleveland signed it into law, establishing which rates it higher than Father’s Day but workers. the first Monday in September as Labor Day. not as high as Mother’s Day. Labor Day became an annual event. The The American Labor Movement has Educate Friends and Neighbors idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and by 1885 Labor Day was come a long way in the past 125 years. It’s up to all union members to educate celebrated in many industrial centers of the That’s something to think about — we’re their friends and neighbors. Let them know country. enjoying the fruits of their labor — as you how the American Labor Movement has flip burgers on Labor Day. benefited every American worker –– not City governments endorsed these just union members. celebrations with municipal resolutions — President Bill Lathrop PAGE 8 DESERT EDGE SEPTEMBER 2007 Log On to the Union’s Updated Website!

UFCW Local 1167 Retirees Club Monthly Meeting and Potluck Resumes! Report Blasts Tesco Policies Wednesday, Sept. 19 (Continued from page 3) BINGO! Everyone’s invited! The report also raised health and environmental issues. While Play is open to the public! Come have fun and win money! Tesco’s warehouse in the U.S. will include a solar roof to provide 20 Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. percent of its energy, it is located in a heavily polluted area and “the Thursdays, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. additional truck traffic and its emissions of particulate matter will further turn the region into a type of environmental sacrifice zone.” Activities held at the Local 1167 Auditorium The first Fresh & Easy outlets will be in Los Angeles, San Diego, 855 W. San Bernardino Ave. Phoenix and Las Vegas. Tesco is also looking for sites in Northern California. Tesco wants to open around 30 outlets before Christmas, with a target of 250 by the end of 2008. IT PAYS TO BE UNION! August 2007 2007 Total Back pay and benefits $9,823.76 $39,806.42 restored to members Membership Meetings Members reinstated 23 219 September 26, December 19 Grievances settled 103 671 Meetings start at 7 p.m., UFCW Auditorium, Bloomington