REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PENSION BENEFIT STATEMENT VOLUME 55, N0. 1 – WINTER 2015

Harvey Whille IN THIS ISSUE PRESIDENT President’s Message ...... 3 Matthew Molinaro SECRETARY-TREASURER Secretary-Treasurer’s Message ...... 4

John Colella Purchases Former Locations . . . . 7 RECORDER

State-of-the-Art ShopRite Opens in Howell ...... 8 EXECUTIVE BOARD VICE PRESIDENTS

Ruby Boston, Pathmark Michael Kantor, Local 1262 ShopRite Celebrates Grand Opening In Newark ...... 10 Richard Brock, Stop & Shop Richard Madore, ShopRite Robert Brozowski, ShopRite Karen McManus, Local 1262 10 Scholarships Awarded to Local 1262 Joseph Cahill, William McNeill, ShopRite Gerry Callan, ShopRite Donald Merritt, Local 1262 Members and Their Children ...... 12 James Cullen, ShopRite Irene Pereira, ShopRite Michael DeMartino, Local 1262 Michael Piccicacco, Local 1262 Michael Ebbe, Local 1262 Stephanie Pieper, ShopRite 7 8 Jeanette Galante, ShopRite Richard Taylor, ShopRite Pam Germain, Stop & Shop Darlene Walaszek, Stop & Shop Frances Green, Pathmark Kathy Wilder, ShopRite Dolores Jackson, ShopRite

EXECUTIVE STAFF Michael Kantor John Colella Executive Vice President Recorder & Field Director NOTICE: The most important job protection you have is the right to collective bar- gaining. Because all employees negotiate together through their Local, those rep- Michael DeMartino, Director Contract Administration & Internal Operations resented by the union receive better wages and benefits than workers employed Sal Colarieti, Assistant Field Director in non-union companies. As an employee working under a UFCW contract you Elizabeth Laughery, Assistant Field Director are, as a condition of your employment, required to pay dues or fees to the union. Donald Merritt, Assistant Field Director People who are members pay dues to the union and people who opt out pay an Michael Piccicacco, Assistant Field Director equivalent fee. These fees, which are authorized by law, along with members’ Anthony Yodice, Organizing Director dues, are your fair share of sustaining your union’s broad range of programs that benefit all workers. Those who choose to file an objection should contact Cynthia McCarthy, Communications Director their Union Representative in writing at the Local union’s business address and request information on how these fees are calculated. Nonmembers are also ineligible to vote on collective bargaining agreements, cannot participate in the UNION REPRESENTATIVES nomination or election of officers or delegates, cannot participate in strike votes Steve Blaho, Jr. Karen McManus and cannot participate in numerous other union activities. Michael Ebbe Christopher Molinaro Rich Ebbe Tom Mount John Faulhaber Nancy Miller The 1262 Banner (ISSN-0190-4744) is If you have comments, suggestions, published quarterly by United Food & information or news you would like us to James Feimster James Mulholland Commercial Workers Local 1262 consider for publication, please send to: for its members. Kenneth Hassett Carmen Pizzi E-mail: [email protected] Margaret Hreha Gary Sague President: Harvey Whille Fax: 973-777-3430 Richard Janssen David Uczen Secretary-Treasurer: Matthew Molinaro Mail: 1389 Broad Street, Clifton, NJ 07013 Recorder: John Colella Periodical Postage paid at Clifton, NJ and Ed Magierowski Thomas Whille Editor: Cynthia McCarthy additional offices Volume 55, No. 1 – WINTER 2015 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Banner EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAL STAFF 1389 Broad Street, Clifton, NJ 07013 Christine Connery Gladyz Feimster Valerie Morano UFCW LOCAL 1262 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A Message From President Harvey Whille

t is at this time of year, when friends and family gath- er, that we find ourselves reminiscing about the year gone by and looking forward to what the new year I Harvey Whille will bring .

As Local 1262 closes out the year with our nearly As a result, in late July A&P announced that it would 30,000 brothers and sisters who make up “our family”, AGAIN be filing for bankruptcy . This time, however, there we look back with some sadness mixed with brighter was no talk about a “turnaround” – only talk of a “shut- spots along the way . down ”. 2015 marked the end of an era as Negotiations began, but this time an icon of American business, The A&P the “negotiations” were not between Company, shuttered its doors leaving The labor“ move- the UFCW and A&P but rather within the nearly 2,000 Local 1262 Pathmark mem- bankruptcy system where Local 1262, bers out in the cold along with some ment in general is the UFCW International and the other 12 20,000-plus UFCW members employed locals affected by the bankruptcy fought in other A&P stores throughout the poised for growth tirelessly to protect our members jobs, Northeast . their benefits and everything else that Just four years ago at this very same too – despite all was owed to them . While Bankruptcy time of the year, our Pathmark members Court Judge Drain was more sympathetic were feeling confident about the future the gloom and to the plight of the workers than most of Pathmark as the company began what judges, the outcome was still the same it was calling a “restructuring ”. That doom you hear with the company’s creditors and senior restructuring did not come without a from the media. executives getting the largest share of price for our members, however, who, the pie and the workers left with the faced with bankruptcy court regulations, crumbs . were forced to renegotiate their con- Fortunately, unlike A&P, there are tracts in an effort to help the company ” companies that value the skill and dedi- save money . Those “savings” were to be reinvested in the cation our Pathmark workers have always exemplified and company so it could get back on its feet and re-establish Local 1262 was able to negotiate for our Pathmark mem- itself as the industry leader it once was . bers with Stop & Shop (which purchased two stores) and Like any “family” facing a financial challenge, our Acme (which purchased six stores) . Local 1262 is currently Pathmark members tightened their belts by voting to undertaking negotiations with several other companies – accept the renegotiated contracts . Our members gave such as and Uncle Giuseppe’s – who are buy- back vacation time and accepted salary freezes so that ing other Pathmark locations where Local 1262 members they could maintain their jobs and benefits and help the are employed . company make a turnaround . In the locations where “non-union” companies are The Company, however, did not hold up its end of the trying to purchase stores, we have entered objections deal . A revolving door of management, poor marketing, to the sales and will continue to dig-in to ensure those and a host of other issues continued over the course of the locations become “union” stores and employ union last four years and the much talked about “turnaround” workers . never materialized . (Continued on page 14)

WINTER 2015 1262 BANNER 3 UFCW LOCAL 1262 SECRETARY-TREASURER’S MESSAGE Union Contracts – Worth The Fight! 015 was a tough year for our Local 1262 members who were employed by Pathmark and rather unexpectedly found 2themselves looking for employment elsewhere when in July the company announced for the second time it would be filing for Matthew Molinaro bankruptcy . Throughout the bankruptcy process we would often out of the proceedings all together instead of getting be asked by the media, the public and even our own consideration for the “assets” that they in fact were to members why the company did not have to comply with the company . the provisions in our contracts that guided things such The bottom line is this: companies have more than as severance and bumping rights . Many people were – financial assets – they have their people and any good quite understandably – frustrated that after fighting so company will recognize that fact . hard for so many years to negotiate what was one of the Your employers – ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Foodtown, strongest union contracts in the nation it appeared that Fairway, and now ACME Markets – have the contract was simply being tossed aside . always recognized the value you add to their bottom-line Nothing could have been further from the truth . and they honor the contracts that Local 1262 negotiates A sad “truth” is that U S. . Federal with them on your behalf . They operate as Bankruptcy laws are written to favor big proud union stores . business and their assets more than the Companies“ You union contract is an asset to you hard-working people who serve on the front too and that is why Local 1262 – and all the lines of the company each and every day . have more UFCW locals – are now working diligently A better “truth”? Union contracts and than financial with the companies buying Pathmark and the people they cover are in some ways other A&P-owned stores to ensure that they considered part of the company’s “assets ”. assets – they employ union workers . And because we And, because the contracts are just that – have their have a union contract with A&P, Local 1262 contracts – they do have legal standing dur- people. will continue to have a voice in the court ing the bankruptcy process, although the where will continue object to the sale of judge has great latitude in how and what stores to operators who do will be honored . not want to operate under a union contract For instance, if the Pathmark work- or hire union workers . ers did not have a contract – or a union for that matter ” Going forward, in 2016 you will see a great deal of – there would have been no one to speak up on their organizing activity taking place both at the local and behalf when the court was determining how funds from international level as part of our work to “protect” your the sale of company stores and other assets would be contract . For example, Local 1262 has already sup- distributed . Because there was a collective bargaining ported efforts to unionize the PriceChopper stores in agreement (CBA) in place, the unions were given a seat at State . Much like Pathmark, the PriceChopper the table as part of the hearings and negotiations . stores are in the process of being sold to another If there was no CBA there would be no one represent- company . Unlike Pathmark, however, the workers at ing the workers or fighting to obtain severance and other PriceChopper do not have a union contract to protect things owed to them . There would be one there to fight them during the sale and are now hoping to obtain to make sure that A&P would only sell to supermarket representation . Other organizing campaigns are being operators who were union-friendly and who would do the conducted locally even at companies with just a few right thing by our members coming to work for them . locations, regionally at places like PriceChopper and Without a union, those people who gave so much of even nationally at companies such as Ikea . themselves to the company would have simply been shut (Continued on page 14)

4 1262 BANNER WINTER 2015 Two New Vice Presidents Sworn In to Local 1262’s Executive Board

Two long-time rank-and-file Local 1262 members Brother McNeill, who also has been a member – Brother James Cullen and Brother William McNeill -- of Local 1262 for more than 40 years, works in the were recently nominated and unanimously endorsed dairy department at the Lodi ShopRite where he has to serve on Local 1262’s Executive Board . served as Shop Steward for the past eight years . In Brother Cullen, who works in the produce depart- addition, he has served on four Contract Negotiation ment at the Freehold ShopRite, replaces Sister Committees . Brother McNeill replaced Brother Kathleen Moreira who retired recently . Brother William Erickson who also recently retired . Cullen has been a member of Local 1262 from more Please join President Whille in wishing our new- than 40 years . Brother Cullen has served on numer- est Executive Board Members the much success . ous Contract Negotiation Committees over the years and has also served as his store’s shop Steward for many years .

William McNeill & President Harvey Whille

President Whille & James Cullen

WINTER 2015 1262 BANNER 5 PRESIDENT WHILLE ANNOUNCES STAFF PROMOTIONS

“As part of Local 1262’s on-going efforts to ensure the most efficient and highest level of service to our members, I am pleased to announce the following promotions at Local 1262:

n Michael DeMartino has been promoted market industry at age 16, working part- to Director of Contract Administration time while they were in high school. & Internal Operations Support. Mike previously served as an Assistant Field Mike DeMartino’s first day of work was the Director. very same day the Pathmark in Elizabeth opened its doors. Starting out as a part- n Donald Merritt and Michael Piccicacco time clerk there, Mike eventually became have been promoted from Union produce manager before joining Local 1262 Representatives to Assistant Field in 1979 as a Union Representative and later Directors. Don will oversee the as an Assistant Field Director. Central Region and Mike will oversee the Southern Region. Assistant Field Don Merritt started part-time as a bag- Director Sal Colarieti will continue to ger during the Can Can Sale at the Clark oversee the Northern Region and Tony ShopRite and eventually became a depart- Yodice will return to his position as ment manager before joining Local 1262 in Organizing Director. 1991 as a Union Representative.

n Betty Laughery has been promoted from Mike “Pitch” Piccicacco started as a part- Union Representative to Assistant Field time cashier at the Point Pleasant Beach Director/Benefit Services. In this new Foodtown and continued part-time in position, Betty will serve as the liaison nearly every department from produce to between Local 1262 and the Health & Welfare and Pension Funds. She will night crew while attending Stockton State also provide support to our Union Reps College. He joined Local 1262 as a Union and members as they navigate the very Representative in 1989. complex and ever-changing health care landscape. Betty Laughery started work as a part-time cashier in Foodtown when she was in high All four of these long-time Local 1262 staff school and college and joined Local 1262 members started their careers in the super- as a Union Representative in 1991.

Michael DeMartino

Assistant Field Directors Sal Colarieti, Don Merritt, Mike Piccicacco and Betty Laughery.

6 1262 BANNER WINTER 2015 ACME Markets Purchases Former Pathmark Locations

early 600 Local 1262 members are now employed Nby ACME at six locations . The newest company to join Local 1262’s list of employers isn’t really all that new! ACME Markets opened its doors in 1891 when two friends (Samuel Robinson and Robert Crawford) opened a small neighborhood at Second and Fernon Streets in South . And it turns out that some of ACME’s “newest” employees are not all that new either . That’s because when ACME recently acquired more than 70 former Pathmark and A&P locations they also hired the UFCW members working in those stores – including Local 1262 members at their locations in Bergenfield, Edgewater Park, Elmwood Park, Newark, Jersey City (Stadium Plaza) and Weehawken . Pictured here are some long-time Local 1262 members who are now proud to say they are also ACME employees who work in the Elmwood Park store . Some 120 years later ACME still emphasizes quality products, low prices and Cashier friendly service and operates more than 110 stores in , , Carol Barrett. and that employ more than 10,000 associates .

Al Friebe and Shop Steward Frank Roccosanto pictured with President Harvey Whille and Princess Brown greets cus- Union Representative Mike Ebbe. tomers at the Front End.

Grocery Manager Bob Hittinger, a Paula Taryla, a member of Frozen Foods member of Local 1262 for 38 years. Local 1262 for 12 years. Manager Chris Daniels.

WINTER 2015 1262 BANNER 7 Local 1262 members pose in the Lakewood ShopRite before it was replaced by a new state- of-the-art store in Howell. State-of-the-Art ShopRite Opens in Howell

new 80,000 square foot ShopRite opened in the Friendship Plaza in Howell . More than 200 Local 1262 members are employed at the new location which is owned by Saker ShopRites, A Inc . and replaces their Lakewood store . In addition to groceries and fresh produce, a pharmacy, fet bars and a Mediterranean Olive Bar, fresh-baked pizza, fresh bake shop, a floral department and a broad selection fresh-made sushi and an in-store café are perfect for meals of natural and organic products are among the departments on the run and ShopRite From Home is there for those who to round out the shopping experience . Hot and cold buf- prefer the online shopping experience .

Floral Marjorie Argenal and Stephanie Robertson

Assistant Field Director Michael Piccicacco and Greg Teuscher in the bakery

Bakery Manager Linda Magan (41 year member)

8 1262 BANNER MAYWINTER 2013 2015 Kerry Barry assists Tony Krslovic at customers from the register the front-end podium

Committee Member Carmela Schiessl a Shop Steward at the Manchester ShopRite with Executive Board member Joe Cahill. Jennel Boston in Customer Service

Cashiers Chris Rocksan Bogert and Scatliffe and Marian Sam Weissman Fister- Schultz

Bob Revell

Frozen Food Manager Dairy Manager Dan McNerny Ed Reese

Erin Dalley in Shop-From-Home

Jeanette HABA Manager McCallister Debbie Fike

WINTERMAY 20152013 1262 BANNER 9 ShopRite Celebrates Grand Opening In Newark lected officials, community and church leaders and union representatives were all on hand for the ribbon- E cutting ceremony at the new ShopRite supermarket on Springfield Avenue in Newark . The grand opening of the new store, which employs more than 250 Local 1262 members, comes after a hard-fought battle waged a little over two years ago when the same people – elected officials, community members, Local 1262 and other unions – joined forces to ensure that a ShopRite would be approved at the site rather than a . The same positives cited during the approval process – the solid business ethics and good-paying union jobs and benefits that a ShopRite would bring Shantier Meadows – were cited again at the Grand Opening . “This development addresses several critical needs in the city: eliminating a ‘food desert’ in its neighborhood; providing jobs, job training, career develop- ment and prosperity to our residents,” Mayor Ras Baraka said in a statement about the ShopRite . “Neil (Greenstein) has been a genuine community partner, giving of his time, money and team to make ShopRite an essential part of the city of Newark before the cash register even rings up the first dollar,” Central Ward Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins said in a statement . The new 70,000 square foot ShopRite is owned by the Greenstein family, a third-generation owner who owns and operates the Brookdale ShopRite in Bloomfield . The new store is the anchor for Springfield Marketplace which is a mixed-use development that includes shops, restaurants, and apartments Keisha Alexander and Chinelo Umenyili in the bakery. all of which will be completed in a few months . “We are very excited to bring our second ShopRite store to Essex County, with this brand new location in Newark, where we will be a vital part of the Front End Manager community and a good neighbor,” Neil Greenstein said in a statement about Sabina Ruiz-Thomas the grand opening . “We are privileged to be part of this community and all the great new development that is happening in Newark right now ”. Unique to this location is a community mural inside the store painted by Newark students .

Local 1262 Assistant Field Director Betty Laughery, Union Representative James Feimster, President Harvey Whille and Local 1262 Retiree Greg Bergman at the Newark ShopRite Ribbon Cutting.

10 1262 BANNER WINTER 2015 ShopRite Celebrates Catherine Byrd and Jessica Catena Grand Opening In Newark Jhoani Marrero and Teddy Victoria in the produce department.

Anne Marie Monaghan

Joseph Owens in the Frozen Foods Sharniece Brown Department

Nadirah Triplett and Catrina Pugsley Tashawnia Basley with Union filling a Shop From Home order. Representative James Feimster.

Elsie Caro and Megan Mosley get treats ready for customers in the bakery.

Union Representative James Feimster and Assistant Field Director Betty Laughery recently toured the Newark ShopRite with Local 1262 Member Anshelle Harris.

WINTER 2015 1262 BANNER 11 10 Scholarships Awarded to Local 1262 Members and Their Children

“Intelligence plus character…that is the goal of true education,” President Whille used these words by Martin Luther King, Jr . to describe his commitment to education for Local 1262 members and their families . “Education and an eagerness to learn – whether in the classroom or on the job – are two key components of getting ahead,” said Whille . “So it is with great pride that Local 1262 continues its Annual Scholarship Program and announces the 2015 winners ”.

The winner of the $2,500 Sam Kinsora Memorial Scholarship was Anna Doucette who’s father Cochise works at the Stop & Shop in Monroe Township, NJ . Anna graduated from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, a selective high school located on Sandy Hook, NJ . She is attending Villanova University where Anna Doucette she is majoring in Biology and hopes to pursue a career in medicine or research .

The winners of $1,500 scholarships were: is pursuing a degree in Fine Arts from Brookdale n Regina Colonna, who works at the ShopRite in Community College . Aberdeen, is attending Rutgers University where she is n Kathleen Samuel, who’s father John works at the Stop majoring in Biology and plans to attend medical school & Shop on Route 9 in Toms River, is attending Rowan upon graduation . University where she is studying Chemical Engineering . n Nicole Grimaldi, who’s father Joseph works at the Stop n Gabrielle Scerbo, who’s mother Lorraine works at the & Shop in Neptune, is attending Monmouth University ShopRite in Manchester, is attending Ocean County where she is majoring in Biology . College where she is pursuing a liberal arts degree in n Jocelyn Jimenez, who works at the ShopRite in Music/Business . Elizabeth, is attending Union County College where n Jerry Anna Spiegel, who works at the ShopRite in she is pursuing a degree in Hospitality & Tourism . Newton, is attending Sussex County Community n Jay Morris, who works at the ShopRite in Garwood, is College where she is pursuing a degree in Chemistry . attending Rutgers Business School/Newark majoring in management with a minor in accounting . Jay hopes to Congratulations to all of our winners and their families . pursue a career in supply chain management or human A copy of the Short-Form Application for Local 1262’s resources 2016 Scholarship Program is contained in this issue of the n Kevin Muraszko, who’s mother Sandra Derasmi works Banner . You can also obtain a copy on our web site (www . at the ShopRite in East Brunswick, is a Physics Major at ufcw1262 .org) . Stevens Institute of Technology and plans to pursue a Once the Short-Form Application has been reviewed Master’s Degree in Pure Mathematics after graduating for eligibility, a Long-Form application will be mailed to in the spring . you . The deadline for Long-Form Applications (which n Kaitlin Rocco, who works at the ShopRite in Aberdeen, includes transcript copies, etc ). is April 15, 2016 .

12 1262 BANNER WINTER 2015 10 Scholarships Awarded to Local 1262 Members and Their Children

Regina Colonna Nicole Grimaldi Jocelyn Jimenez

Jay Morris Kevin Muraszko Kaitlin Rocco

Kathleen Samuel Gabrielle Scerbo Jerry Anna Spiegel

WINTER 2015 1262 BANNER 13 UFCW Local 1262 President’s Message fully expect the outcome of those negotiations to be (Continued from page 3) contracts that continue to be among the strongest in the nation . I am pleased to report that Local 1262’s Union The labor movement in general is poised for growth Representatives were able to help place other Pathmark too -- despite all the gloom and doom you hear from the members in positions with ShopRite, Stop & Shop, media . The UFCW International is aggressively mount- Foodtown and other union companies who value their ing high profile organizing campaigns as we speak and experience and professionalism . Local 1262 will be supporting that effort through our Some Pathmark members opted to retire and are own Organizing Department (led by Organizing Director now reaping the benefits of a union-negotiated pension . Anthony Yodice) going wherever the need may be (see Others are taking advantage of job transition training or Secretary-Treasurer Matthew Molinaro’s column for educational programs and are pursuing careers outside more details) . the supermarket industry . In order to help Local 1262 move forward in all We know that some Pathmark members are still these arenas, I am pleased to announce several promo- looking for employment and I want to ensure those tions – all long-time Local 1262 staff members who got brothers and sisters that Local 1262 is committed to their start in the stores just like you (see full article on doing whatever we can to assist them and that we page 6 ). will be continuing to reach out to them in the coming In closing, I would like to say that although 2015 months to assess their job status and needs . was a challenging year for many of us, it is because of We enter 2016 with optimism as companies that the hardworking, caring and dedicated members of employ Local 1262 members continue to prosper and Local 1262 that we were able to weather the ups and expand (see stories on pages 7, 8 and 10) . We also have downs and come out stronger than ever . begun contract negotiations on behalf of our Morton I wish you and your families and friends a peaceful Willliams members and in January we will begin con- Holiday Season and a Happy New Year . tract negotiations for our Foodtown members . We

UFCW Local 1262 Secretary-Treasurer’s Message (Continued from page 4)

In the early 1900s, the labor unions created the to create more UNION jobs so that we can help “middle-class” in the by providing good “protect” the working people and their livelihoods . living wages, benefits and job protections for their Here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous New members . Now it is our turn – as union members – Year!

ATTENTION FOODTOWN MEMBERS Local 1262 is preparing to start contract negotiations on behalf of our Foodtown members. Please attend one of the Contract Proposal Meetings listed below to ensure your voices are heard prior to the start of negotiations with your employer. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016 UFCW Local 1262 Headquarters, 1389 Broad Street, Clifton, NJ 07013 OR Doubletree Hotel, 700 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 Both meetings start at 7 p.m. Please speak to your Union Representative if you have questions.

14 1262 BANNER WINTER 2015

Periodical Postage Paid

1389 Broad Street • Clifton, NJ 07013

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PENSION BENEFIT STATEMENT PLEASE READ Every participant who has a vested accrued ben- To request a benefit statement, please write to: efit under the UFCW Local 1262 and Employers UFCW Local 1262 and Employers Pension Fund Pension Fund (“the Pension Fund”) and who is 1389 Broad Street employed by an employer who contributes to the Clifton, NJ 07013 Pension Fund may request a statement of his or her accrued benefit from the Pension Fund. The Attn: Pension Benefit Statement Request benefit statement is an estimate of the monthly If you need more information, you may call the benefit you have earned, based on the latest Pension Fund Office at (973) 778-5800 or (800) 522- information available to the Pension Fund. You 4161. may request such a benefit statement once in any 12-month period. REMINDER: Always keep the Fund Office This notice does not apply to you if you have informed of any changes in your name, address, or already retired from the Pension Fund, or are not marital status. Benefits cannot be paid if you can- currently employed by an employer who contrib- not be located. utes to the Pension Fund, or are not yet vested under the Pension Fund. Board of Trustees

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 2016 LOCAL 1262 QUARTERLY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS Monday, January 25 Monday, April 25 Monday, July 25 Monday, October 24 7:00 PM UFCW Local 1262 Headquarters, 1389 Broad Street, Clifton, NJ 07013. Please mark your calendars and make every effort to attend.