Heck of a Ride

believe that labor unions are labor movement and with Local 400 in true justice for working families. the greatest social institution particular. But as I think about my time with ever created because they exist Since I went to work at A&P in 1966, Local 400—really, my entire adult life— I to help working men and I’ve been a proud Local 400 member. For what stands out is what hasn’t changed: women raise their living standards, gain 34 years, I’ve been a proud Local 400 the people. Members who work hard, care avoiceintheworkplace,createthe employee and officer. For the last 13 about their co-workers and customers, opportunity for a better years, I’ve had the are pillars of their communities, and con- future, and take control honor of serving as tribute to their union. A staff who recog- of their destiny. What stands Local 400 president. I nizes that working for Local 400 isn’t a Just think—without wouldn’t trade any of job—it’s a calling—and give of them- the labor movement, we out is what it—not for all the selves 24/7. Something else has stayed wouldn’t have a 40-hour money in the world— the same, too: the spirit of activism, work week or paid hasn’t changed: because every minute camaraderie and optimism that charac- vacations, we wouldn’t the people. has been devoted to the terizes our great union. have health benefits or cause of helping my That’s what I’ll miss more than any- pensions, and we would brothers and sisters thing when I retire in April. The members be at the mercy of profit-hungry employ- improve their lives. What could possibly and the spirit of Local 400. ers with no recourse if we were mistreat- be better than that? Ihopenottobeastranger.Through ed or exploited. From the late 1960s to the early my service on several boards and organi- However, with unions, anyone can get 2010s, it’s amazing what has changed. zations, I hope to play a role in lowering ajobasameatcutterorcashierata We’ve gone from manual cash registers health care costs and strengthening our supermarket, an associate at a depart- to computers with bar scanners, from members’ benefits. I also plan to volun- ment store, a nurse at a health care mimeographed flyers to the Internet. teer when I can. Like I said, this is a call- provider, or any of a host of other profes- Woodie’s and Hecht’s are gone, Macy’s ing, not a job, and the calling continues sions and be part of the great American is here, Giant is owned by a Dutch corpo- even when the job ends. middle class, with a decent income, ration and the days of local ownership So consider this not a goodbye, but a health and retirement security, and are largely past. Sadly, employers are a thank you for all that Local 400 members respect in the workplace. lot more brazen about violating labor have done for our union. It has been one That’s why I cannot imagine any laws and a lot more likely to get away heck of a ride serving with you. greater privilege—or any better luck— with it. Certainly, many more changes —C.JamesLowthers,President than to have spent my entire career in the need to take place before we can achieve International Vice President

2 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNITED FOOD & COMMERCIAL WORKERS LOCAL 400 C. James Lowthers PRESIDENT Thomas P. McNutt SECRETARY-TREASURER March/April/May 2010 Sue Gonzalez RECORDER EXECUTIVE BOARD Mike Boyle Jacqueline Bradley F E A T U R E S Gregory Burton Terry Dixon Mark Federici Lisa Gillespie The Lowthers Legacy Nelson T. Graham 8 Joanne Grimaldi Local 400’s President Leaves a Stronger Union as He Retires Mikki Harris James Hepner Michele Hepner Kaiser-Permanente Expands in Mid-Atlantic Phyllis Jackson 11 New Round of Bargaining Nears James M. Jarboe Mary Laflin Calvin McGuire Tony Perez Members Prepare for Kroger Bargaining Ken Pinkard 14 Richmond/Tidewater Contract Expiring Odis Price Jerry Rexroad Thomas D. Rogers 400UNITED! W. Christian Sauter 15 Carolyn Shebora Mobilizing for New Members in Virginia and Tennessee Vivian Sigouin Larry Southern Linda Sykes Victory for Chesapeake Shores Workers D. Rex Trabue 19 Vote Two-to-One to Keep Local 400 Representation Mary Vines Russell Wise EDITOR C. James Lowthers C O V E R S T O R Y ASSOCIATE EDITOR Thomas P. McNutt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Bill Burke The Growing Menace DESIGN AND LAYOUT 16 Workers, Communities Get the Royal Ahold Treatment Evans Design EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Bruce Kozarsky The Union Leader is published by the United Food & Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 400. Office A L S O I N S I D E of Publication: Kelly Press Inc., 1701 Cabin Branch Rd., Landover, Md. 20785. Editorial Office: Metro 400 Building, 4301 Garden City Dr., Landover, Md. 20785. 12 Faces of Local 400 28 All in the Family Main Office: (800) 638-0800. Subscriptions to mem- bers only. WEB SITES: www.ufcw400.org 20 Stewards Spotlight 30 Local 400 Retirees

28 Financial Report BC Bargaining Update

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 3 • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & Economic Stimulus is Working New Data Shows Millions of Jobs Saved and Created

The economic stimulus package my from falling into an abyss and provid- efited working families and the economy enacted by Congress and signed by ed a needed lifeline to tens of millions of overall by: President Obama one year ago has saved American families. Its food stamp Ⅲ Cutting taxes by $37 billion for 110 mil- or created approximately two million increases and middle class tax cuts have lion working families in 2009, creating jobs so far, according to several inde- kept money moving through the economy, an infusion of purchasing power to help pendent economic analyses. These stud- while its assistance to state and local compensate for reduced private sector ies document that the American governments and investments in our spending. Recovery and Reinvestment Act has suc- infrastructure have created jobs for tens Ⅲ Lending nearly $20 billion to more than ceeded in keeping the recession from of thousands of people in our area who 42,000 small businesses, providing slipping into a Great Depression; pre- would otherwise be unemployed.” them with resources to grow and create vented drastic cutbacks in schools, Indeed, the economic stimulus has jobs that otherwise would not have police, fire protection and other vital saved or created 48,000 jobs in Virginia, been available. state and local government services; and 36,000 jobs in Maryland and 10,000 jobs Ⅲ Funding more than 12,500 job-creating spurred a needed new boom in repairing in Washington, D.C., as well as 10,000 transportation construction projects and building roads, bridges and other jobs in West Virginia, 79,000 in Ohio, nationwide. key parts of our infrastructure. 27,000 in Kentucky and 40,000 in Ⅲ Providing urgently-needed relief for “Times are tough, but they would be a Tennessee to date, according to the state governments, with more than $50 whole lot worse if the majority in Council of Economic Advisers. More jobs billion to prevent cuts in Medicaid Congress had not responded to President will be created over the next year as programs and nearly $60 billion for Obama’s leadership and passed the additional infrastructure projects funded education—a move that governors say American Recovery and Reinvestment through the legislation get underway. created and saved over 300,000 educa- Act,” said Local 400 President Jim Over the last year, the American tion jobs in the last three months of Lowthers. “It has helped keep the econo- Recovery and Reinvestment Act has ben- 2009. Continued on page 27

S T I M U L U S H Y P O C R I S Y Members of Congress who voted against the American helped a telecommunications provider receive $16 million Recovery and Reinvestment Act are apparently counting on from the bill to promote broadband Internet access. the voters to have poor memories. That’s because their “no” Ⅲ Rep. Shelly Capito Moore (R-W.Va.) voted against the votes haven’t prevented 114 lawmakers from taking credit stimulus, yet praised a $1.5 million grant to her district for the spending and jobs generated in their district as a that only happened because she failed to stop the bill’s result of the bill’s passage, according to a study by the Center passage. for American Progress Action Fund. Several of these “stimulus “When voters go to the polls in November, they should hypocrites” represent Local 400 members: remember that every single member of the U.S. House from Ⅲ House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) voted against the the minority party voted against the economic stimulus,” said American Recovery and Reinvestment Act twice, yet recent- Local 400 Secretary-Treasurer Tom McNutt. “Had they pre- ly hailed a high-speed rail project in Virginia that only exists vailed, our nation would be in far more dire straits than it is because of funding from the economic stimulus. today. Ⅲ Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) opposed the economic stimulus leg- “Of course, that hasn’t stopped them from taking credit islation, yet last fall, he criticized then-Gov.Tim Kaine (D) for when local projects are funded through the very program being too slow to spend the money generated by the bill. they voted against,” McNutt said. Ⅲ Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) also voted against the “If hypocrisy was currency, these members of Congress American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, yet actively would be richer than Bill Gates,” he added.

4 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • L Perriello,Connolly StandUp for WorkingFamilies Praised as Models for Representatives From Vulnerable Districts

When Tom Perriello edged right-wing Rep. Virgil Goode (R) to one who has the honor of representing them in Congress to be win Virginia’s fifth congressional district in central and southern working at least that hard for them.” Virginia, it was considered one of the most shocking upsets of In addition, Perriello has taken a leadership role on key the 2008 election. That same night in Northern Virginia, Gerry issues. His legislation to repeal the anti-trust exemption for Connolly won the congressional seat that had been held by health insurance companies passed the House by a 406-19 vote retiring Rep. Tom Davis (R), a result that was less surprising but on February 24. He also sponsored a bill to ban political spend- still notable for having occurred in the 11th district, which had ing by corporations with foreign shareholders—a key step to been designed to elect Republicans. prevent unwarranted foreign influence in U.S. elections after the But what Reps. Perriello and Connolly most have in common Supreme Court ruled that businesses could spend unlimited is their consistent, uncom- amounts in politics. promising record of support “Tom Perriello does for Virginia’s working fami- what’s right and doesn’t lies since taking office, back down,” said Local 400 regardless of the risk to their Secretary-Treasurer Tom reelection prospects. McNutt. “He’s guided not by “Tom Perriello and Gerry what pollsters say but by his Connolly are profiles in inner moral compass. That courage,” said Local 400 alone makes him a rarity in President Jim Lowthers. Congress, but more than “Rather than running for the that, it means we must give hills or voting with the right- him our strongest possible wing minority, as too many support in November.” Above, Rep. Gerry Connolly Democrats in Congress have (D-Va.) bags groceries at the Like Perriello, Connolly cast a pivotal done, they are standing Safeway in Pan Am Shopping vote for health care reform even though tough and fighting for us. In Center in Vienna, Va., as part many of his Democratic colleagues from the process, they have of a fundraiser for breast Republican-leaning districts opposed the shown they are leaders of cancer research. bill, and he was a strong supporter of leg- principle and character who have never forgotten why they islation Congress enacted expanding the Rep. Tom ran or the voters who elected them. Perriello State Children’s Health Insurance Program “That’s why it’s especially important that Local 400 (D-Va.) (SCHIP). members living in their districts work to help reelect these Equally significant, Connolly is a two remarkable members of Congress this fall,” Lowthers said. cosponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation that “They’ve proven they’ve got our backs—now we must have would empower workers who want union representation to their backs, too.” achieve it, despite Virginia’s status as a “Right-to-Work-for-Less” Called “the most courageous man in D.C.,” by longtime polit- state. ical reporter Adam Clymer, Perriello voted for health care reform “Local 400 developed a long and positive working relation- and for legislation to stop climate change. He was the only one ship with Gerry Connolly during his years as chairman of the of 13 Democratic freshmen from districts won by Sen. John Fairfax County Board of Supervisors,” McNutt said, “and it’s only McCain to vote for both bills. grown stronger during his time in Congress. He’s a straight He also fights for his constituents who are suffering the most shooter and he’s someone Local 400 members can count on to in the recession, voting for the economic stimulus package, an be on our side. extension of unemployment benefits, and the jobs bill. “People “Control of Congress will be at stake in this fall’s election,” in this district are busting their backs to find a job or two to sup- McNutt said. “With these two races among others, Local 400 port their families,” Perriello told Politics Daily. “They want some- members will play a central role in deciding the outcome.”

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 5 • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & Local 400 BacksMaryland Ini to Stop Corporate Tax Evasio Limit Corporate Influence on As the Maryland General Assembly worst budget crises in decades,” said pay them, no ifs, ands or buts. That’s all met for its 2010 legislative session, Local Local 400 President Jim Lowthers. this legislation does—restore tax fair- 400 played a leadership role in several “A company like Walmart avoids pay- ness. To date, 22 states have adopted key battles on behalf of its members and ing taxes by setting up a dummy Real Combined Reporting. For the sake of the the state’s working families, strongly Estate Investment Trust to own its prop- families who will suffer the most from backing legislation to stop corporate tax erties, then paying rent to itself and state budget cuts, it’s long past time that evasion and solve the state’s budget cri- deducting the rental payments from its Maryland joined them.” sis, to limit corporate influence on state taxes while the fake REIT’s profits go and local elections, and to strengthen untaxed,” Lowthers explained. “It is sim- Cleaning Up Elections worker protections. ply immoral for a corporation raking in When five Supreme Court justices $11 billion in annual profits to take our ruled in the Citizens United case that cor- Stopping Walmart-Style money while refusing to pay its fair porations are now free to spend unlimit- Tax Evasion share in state taxes to support our ed amounts on political campaigns, While Maryland, like all states, faces schools, police, fire, health care and Local 400 swiftly backed efforts to limit a budget crisis, corporate tax evasion other vital services. We must bring this the decision’s potentially devastating schemes are preventing the state from tax inequity to an end. By enacting the impact. collecting up to $170 million in urgently Combined Reporting Act, we will.” “The Supreme Court gave corpora- needed revenue. In addition to ending the REIT tions the green light to basically buy To help Maryland avoid draconian scheme corporations like Walmart uses, elections,” McNutt said. “They can liter- budget cuts that threaten public safety the legislation will also end what is ally throw billions of dollars into cam- and the well-being of residents, hold cor- known as a “trademark holding compa- paigns to defeat elected officials who porations accountable, and restore tax ny scheme,” where a chain sets up a stand up for working families. This is fairness, Local 400 has endorsed the subsidiary based in a state that does not nothing less than a threat to our democ- Combined Reporting Act. tax certain types of corporate income, racy and we are fighting back with The legislation would end the growing such as Delaware. The company pays everything we have.” practice of corporations transferring licensing fees to the subsidiary for That’s why Local 400 is supporting profits to subsidiaries created for the trademarks it uses and that money goes legislation before the Maryland General purpose of evading state corporate untaxed by any state, even though it ulti- Assembly that would: income taxes by requiring businesses to mately winds up profiting the parent Ⅲ Require corporate CEOs who want to file a single state tax return combining company. make political campaign expenditures profits from all of their subsidiaries. “Too many corporations feel entitled in Maryland to first obtain a vote of “There is never an excuse for corpora- to bend or break the rules in order to the shareholders to approve the tions to evade taxes, but it is especially maximize their profits,” said Local 400 expenditure. appalling when highly profitable busi- Secretary-Treasurer Tom McNutt. “If Ⅲ Prevent corruption by prohibiting cor- nesses do so at a time when Maryland they’re making money in Maryland, they porations with state contracts from and other states are suffering their owe state taxes and they’re obligated to spending money in state elections.

6 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • L itiatives Fighting Anti-Worker Measures in Virginia n, Elections have consequences—that elected officials take pride in this fact was the message in Virginia as Gov. is beyond me, and why they would try Bob McDonnell (R) took office and the to enact laws creating an even more General Assembly met for its 2010 leg- hostile environment for organizing is islative session. an outrage.The way to raise Virginians’ Elections Both the new McDonnell Admin- living standards is to ensure that all istration and certain state legislators workers have a free and fair choice Ⅲ Require complete disclosure of all cor- have been trying to adopt anti-worker about whether to join a union—not to porate campaign expenditures and policies that Local 400 and the Virginia make it even harder.” contributions alongside statements by labor movement are fighting to stop. Another major battle took place over CEOs that they “approve of this mes- Notably, one of McDonnell’s first the budget. Like most states, Virginia is sage” in TV and radio ads. actions was to replace the head of the facing a revenue shortfall due to the Ⅲ Institute “clean election” campaign Virginia Department of Labor and recession, but rather than try to balance financing in Maryland to reduce pri- Industry, a move likely to result in the budget in a way that is fair to all cit- vate-interest contributions and replace weaker enforcement of workplace izens, McDonnell proposed draconian them with clean public money. safety and prevailing wage regulations. cuts falling hardest on working and “Ultimately, we need a constitutional Rumors have also abounded that lower-income families. While limiting amendment to overturn the court’s mis- McDonnell is considering eliminating some of the damage the governor’s guided ruling,” McNutt said, “but in the the entire department. plan would have inflicted, the budget meantime, legislation like this will pre- In the General Assembly, a spate of passed by the General Assembly never- vent the worst abuses and limit the anti-worker bills were introduced, theless makes major cuts in health care potential for corruption.” notably legislation sponsored by Del. and education, while taking more than Guaranteeing Shift Breaks Dave Albo (R-Springfield) that would $620 million out of the state employ- make it a Class I misdemeanor for any- ees’ pension fund. For many years, Local 400 has been one to “knowingly and intentionally There was some good news out of fighting to pass state legislation that [fail] to provide full and complete infor- the legislature. Local 400 members would require employees in Maryland to mation regarding the consequences of working at Omega Protein won a receive shift breaks from their employers, a signature or a vote” on whether to major victory when bills that would but it has not yet been enacted due to be represented by a union. The bill was have transferred regulation of Virginia’s opposition from Big Business. This year, written so vaguely and loosely that it menhaden fishery from the General bills were introduced in the state House was apparent its real purpose was to Assembly to the Virginia Marine and Senate mandating that retail employ- intimidate workers trying to organize a Resources Commission were soundly ers with 50 or more workers provide a 15- union by threatening them with legal defeated. Instead, legislation was minute rest break if an employee works prosecution. Fortunately, this and other passed and sent to the governor that between four and six consecutive hours, anti-worker bills failed to pass. extends the annual menhaden harvest and a 30 minute rest break if any employ- “Virginia workers get paid a whole quota of 109,020 metric tons for the ee works more than six consecutive hours. lot less than workers in most other Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay “This is a simple common sense pro- states precisely because the common- for another three years. This will main- tection all workers should be entitled to,” wealth’s ‘Right-to-Work-for-Less’ law tain the members’ jobs fishing for men- said McNutt. “While Local 400’s con- means that only 4.7 percent are union haden, a small fish used commercially tracts provide for shift breaks, all corpo- members,” said Local 400 President for nutritional supplements, pet food, rations should be held to this minimum Jim Lowthers. “Why so many Virginia fish meal and other purposes. standard of decency.”

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 7 A S T R O N G E R U N I O N THE LOWTHE B E T

A pivotal era in Local 400’s history comes to an end in April as President George Mason University, receiving his Jim Lowthers retires after 13 years in the union’s highest office and 34 bachelor’s degree in business administra- tion in 1976—expertise that would later years as an organizer and official. serve him well in bargaining with employ- During this time, Lowthers addressed leader has to be how the members are ers. dramatic transformations in the economy doing,” Lowthers said. “How secure are After graduation, Lowthers joined and the retail industry, while keeping the their jobs? Are they maintaining or Local 400 as an organizer. One of his early union one step ahead of change, beefing up improving their standard of living? How campaigns became a great Local 400 suc- organizing and member services, good is their health and retirement securi- cess story, with Lowthers serving as one strengthening Local 400 staffing, and ty? Do they have a strong voice in their of four coordinators in helping 5,000 leading negotiations on a series of benefi- workplace and are their working condi- employees of the Woodward & Lothrop cial contracts. tions getting better? Are their rights being department store chain gain union repre- “Since the time I became a member in protected? How active are they in their sentation. It was the largest organizing 1966, Local 400 has been, in my opinion, union? victory in the history of the Retail Clerks one of the most dynamic, forward-thinking “Every step of the way, I’ve asked these International Union, which was in the Local Unions in the UFCW and throughout questions and tried to make sure they got process of merging with the Amalgamated North America,” Lowthers said. “When I the right answer,” Lowthers said. “That Meat Cutters to form the UFCW. became president, I was fortunate to doesn’t mean we win every battle—there “That was a model effort,” Lowthers are always developments beyond our con- said. “We were singularly focused, the trol and, of course, none of us is perfect. workers were energized, and it was a spir- But I’ve always tried as hard as I can to ited, successful campaign—one that got help our members improve their lives.” the UFCW off to a great start. I certainly “Every Local 400 member owes Jim tried to utilize the best elements of this Lowthers a debt of gratitude,” said Local effort in organizing campaigns that fol- 400 Secretary-Treasurer Tom McNutt. “I lowed.” know I do. For more than three decades, he Recognized for his leadership and has played a central role in building Local strategic skill, Lowthers soon became spe- 400 into the powerhouse we are today. He cial assistant to the president and then leaves a remarkable legacy.” collective bargaining coordinator, serving in these positions until his Organizing Success election as secre- Jim Lowthers explains the terms of the new Lowthers joined Local 400 some 44 tary-treasurer Shoppers Food & Pharmacy contract in 2008. years ago, when he went to work at the in 1988. inherit a strong union on the cutting edge old A&P supermarket in McLean, Va. In of the labor movement, and my goal has 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and always been to hand it off to my successor served for four years on submarines. After in even better shape. leaving the military, Lowthers attended “The bottom line for me or any union Northern Virginia Community College and

8 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 ERSLEGACY T E R L I V E S F O R M E M B E R S

A Steady Hand in Changing Times Jim Lowthers discusses the new Giant and Over the next nine years, Lowthers Safeway contracts at served in Local 400’s number two leader- the D.C. Armory in 2008. ship position under the presidency of Thomas R. McNutt, playing a key role in strengthening the union’s financial stabil- ity, overseeing organizing campaigns, negotiating contracts, and reinvigorating

Jim Lowthers speaks at a 2003 rally in support of the striking California Safeway workers.

political, legislative and community outreach efforts. In 1997, Lowthers was elected Local 400 president and a UFCW international vice president, while Thomas P. McNutt was elected sec- retary-treasurer. Local 400 was During his tenure as president, growing and had become the largest Lowthers had to deal with dramatic local union within the UFCW, as changes in the industries employing Local Lowthers worked to take the 400 members. The locally-owned Giant union’s power to improve mem- supermarket chain was sold to the Dutch- bers’ lives to new levels. based multinational Royal Ahold NV in 1998. Similarly, Shoppers Food Warehouse, as it was then known, was bought by Richfood Holdings in 1998, which was then acquired by the national conglomer- ate Supervalu in 1999. The retail industry was under- going similar upheaval. The May Company-owned Hecht’s depart- ment store chain had merged Continued on next page

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 9 lenge they present only grows THE LOWTHERS through each round of negotia- tions,” Lowthers said. LEGACY “On the health care side, that is a Continued from page 9 function of our nation’s continuing with Woodward & Lothrop in 1995. Ten failure to reform a system which years later, Federated Department Stores, works for no one except the for-prof- Inc., owner of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, it insurance and drug companies,” acquired May and soon thereafter, convert- Lowthers said. “Fortunately, we are Jim Lowthers discusses ed Hecht’s stores to Macy’s. now on the verge of passing the Labor-Management Meanwhile, the booming economy of the President Obama’s health care Partnership in a meeting late 1990s ended, leading to the recession reform plan and if the legislation is of Kaiser stewards in 2005. of the early 2000s, a period of stagnant enacted as it should, a giant road- growth in mid-decade in which the middle block will be removed from future negotia- CareFirst of Maryland and the Maryland class continued to fall behind, and the tions. Citizens Health Initiative financial meltdown of 2008 and 2009. “On the pension side, the economic “Health care is a special issue of con- Throughout these turbulent times, downturn of the last several years has cern for me, since I’ve seen up close and Lowthers led each round of bargaining, posed problems for all funds,” Lowthers personal what a problem it is, both from my which ranged from the highly contentious explained, “and we’ve had to persuade our time at the bargaining table and my service 2003-2004 supermarket negotiations, when employers to increase contributions in on the boards of our health and welfare 3,300 Kroger members in West Virginia, order to maintain benefits. plans,” Lowthers said. “I hope that my Kentucky and Ohio went on strike for nine “Despite the growing scope of these experience and insight can be of some use weeks to protect their health benefits, to challenges, we have been able to meet in helping the labor community, employers, the less acrimonious though still challeng- them because of the advent of coordinat- policy makers, health care providers and ing 2007-2008 round. ing bargaining in the 2007-2008 round,” others increase quality, access and afford- “Protecting our members’ health and Lowthers said. “The entire UFCW was ability all at the same time. retirement benefits has been the greatest united, giving us the strength to match “Despite the many challenges we con- struggle in bargaining and the chal- that of our employers. If one Local Union tinue to face, I see an incredibly bright anywhere hit a roadblock, all UFCW Local future for Local 400,” Lowthers said. During the 2003 Kroger strike, Unions representing that employer’s “We’ve got very highly skilled officers and Jim Lowthers rallies Local 400 workers joined the fight. Local 400 helped staff, and, more importantly, an engaged, members in Charleston, W.Va. our brothers and sisters win good agree- informed and active membership. That’s ments and when it was our turn, they the key to the success of any union and stood by us, too. This is the kind of that’s why we are well-positioned for any- approach we must expand in the future— thing and everything that comes next. not only within the UFCW in North “Secretary-Treasurer Tom McNutt will America but internationally, too.” succeed me and our union will be in great hands,” Lowthers said. “I know that A Bright Future under Tom’s leadership, we will keep While Lowthers is retiring from his moving forward, keep making progress, “day job,” he will keep on fighting for and keep reaching new heights for our Local 400 members in the future. He will members. continue his service as a commissioner “It has been a great ride for me person- on the Maryland Health Services Cost ally,” Lowthers added. “Empowering Review Commission, where he is workers to improve their lives is the cause involved in efforts to lower of a lifetime and I’ve been very fortunate health care costs. He will also to make this cause my career. It has been remain on the boards of the a privilege to serve our members and I International Foundation of hope I’ll be able to keep making contribu- Employee Benefit Plans, tions toward this cause in the future.” K s l m f i f m t b r w f l m L p t i c h S W m a h i p p r t h r o e h a w K o s i n o r o h h n e o o n p n e a e n n l u e a e l s o i o t c e r e e e e o r a c o e e a r u s v e a a i s d e t s v r c g d d a n a m n d “ “ T P n r u m m t e y c t t n r t o l a l o e e e o p a ‘ o t e t I h h i a t t t t n t i h e o h l r P h y u d b c l e - c c f t , s a h t h l a r a u u s e d e o d l s e w u e a a s a a d f e a a g e r e e , i f l s 4 r p - n o o o b v n L u u r t l e h c n r r i h a c l f l o p w i e e 0 l f y t f h f a s s o e c t e a i h e e l b n c l a e n W t - a c l , d i o r r r r f n 0 p f i i n n a s u i c a t b t n i u w r e - e a i i o i s b e n i a t e e h i i o c h e r e e n l n a t e l a e s n n q i d l t h t f n r n d P l m o s r n v C t , m e r g e l s u h a e h r f g i r e e u t s h d s c g m e t r p f v a d n r n s a s g e t m i s se ono Bar Roundof AsNew e r m o d o e a i h i h h l a i - d b e d i r a o l i i s g r c t p c u a n n r t e M u c t c v - o e i s e t n l o s r e y i e s e a i n i w d i h e a h p i d d A i g y o e s a i o n n e t a t t f t m w c d e n t r w a d d ’ i a i o e a o o o t c n n n l i i t y w s t l e r i c g n w i c u a e n s e i s s a i o b l c r o p t c r , o h n o c a h a d s t m a g n t d i s o n e d r r y - i e h a o r e y m e H c g e l h o l e i g n o r g , o d k i f t o o p a r , t d a s C l p v a o g m o n o v e c a h d r i i e e n s m f l t r e , p e t p l t e s g w l v e n J e n b - e e e e e h - l , e o e o n l l x h s p m r i , m p w ” Permanen l e t p l m d i K n n a . i y a a a t , e o n w m o p o n . y m h r a p r a i i i i b t v n l L t a I n D a a t i t p a o r m o n r e i f f t g t n s e e e t i e t n e t l h o i h u d k u t L e i o e a s k m e v a n n e r r , r h . r . r u s r L - d e m a n e e e t c w w r i C f i v o t l c t r o d a t a a e u n t d e e i o I r s n r t t c o ’ h h e e n h o c r o K c s r . s t i h t e a l t n c s n r e e i r e u g o u w a l l , P e y o w e o m h f n e a x t x e . r . e t l d n t a s p r o g o s s r w s h o a e g p . t e s , p r l T g a n i d t p e a i L n h e y e t o h u r r n a . m s e e r s e r e i e n h e c m e r t i a f t s d e o a s p m r l t s 4 v r e r t o i T s w m w n o s e t e a o l r a v e n t e t i c i t n o o y e r c 0 s c o e i u s i n e r p a h c e m r , n n f b h a r n l e p w r e a s o g r 0 ” h e . n o v h g o a n e m d u t i e e g r a n l e t v r i m e e n i e r p c e s w p i i e “ d t x e i s n n d t i s o t r v a l n o e a t g e d t i h n O b 4 c n e n l h . o r i h o p h a d e t o e o v i b v d w e l t e n e m 0 a o n h e e o u c u b r t r u i a e i i h n o e w w e l e s t n n r h a d p g 0 t s s y y h e e e e e r r r f t t f l - - - - - , , , h t e b e h n a s r i n i t U k u t n a C s K w A t w s m g i r d c s p C C a m b 2 b g o u s n n i h h g h e e y u v u a e a e e r n 0 e e n e n e e t e l a v i e e i p a n e n s e e i t a s l e r a p o p s i n i n t 1 t l d a i i t d d a n e W T A n t n t a t s r t l i h t w c l t s o h i p l e h i t 0 t e f g e e i i h s n r n e r i n h i e n e e b i o r n o c c r l t e r h . c m o c a e n m , o n t o a r e o t t r r e e r e e o i o u i a o r w i m s a n o i f . i s e e o g e f n d e f F w a b d t s l a n l c v f l t t n n e u g t n l a U d r o e F n e M n c e e a o e e d e i w t r C i a g r t d b t g r o i a t t r r h t s e s e y R n B D i t n e r e p e a q o m s t o o i l u y r i t s i i w i o c t n o i a a K i m i r i p i r e i f l g t l u e d e g c n n h o h t o n f o r s s l f o o e e c l e l g b r p r c n T s o , a a e a n - g e l n e n e n g p e l u d t d o p t t v e f i e i o , A B e o e r r o l m a i a r a h a a l o o a s t i , d a i s i i s s r Ex d S i t s m g s e t a c h c r t t f t k n l l d c e i a b n l a e r v e s b a a c o e o l s y y h o n K e t l a i t e e e a B a a l i i o f n , a r s a W a a t l r l g s r e s o n e b c l e W r l a h i i t n o t h a g g o u p t r t a i i , h c n t z n H e e t i e l a e h n e v i i l i g y o y t r c a u o e l h a C a i n a - a s o o u a t d o g n s t s t a e o e e f e s w a e n s t e r w n t w k n o s p e a g i h i n h l r a o h g e c w t c n h i e i i d w s p c n t r , c r , y r y p i d v f o n n m o e i u - l o e i o t i i w - r n i , o t t i t a i s i i t l p i n s i m n o a a K m s e t i r n l h — r e t b s a t e g c l t o s n s n s p l e s l e o r l r g . e t h o c e u P — i e e n a o a y c t t e e w r s t l a t g s e h x g n t t b o i h h l k d t l g g t s I c k s v t i a e a o n , l t , p t f w e i c e n a d n i , s . e u t b l y i e a i a o i i a n o a r H n l r c i c e e o e i e e m t , c w o l a e a r e r L r n n s m , t a l t K e m h a n n l p c r a a D i o e i u e t e n n e e . p o . o d e o l i l t n D r e s t o e a m n d n a y m n n d t l h . d a d g l c b t e l g y C g i g h i i a a . s d d n t e d a h o e a t n s p y s C n m n p s m e C L o . o i o t c l i , b w t m e e e , t u r d s e a u . p t h i t e I o e e t p K e t , e r o m e l p o O a d i t , r b i h a n a r i o h r e t e e n c d a a n h o d c i c a a K r v l e a e e w c e c n l f w r i a e s a o i d n t y o l i e o e t l u m i a t n r n h t a a a e e c l n e s s n d m e d a y e , i e M o h p a i s c b t c e l i s r t d i i g o e r i e 4 d o z r e u . v b i e i i s e o n u l e c . a f f a e g r j i m o n o 0 n e s e v e i o o r r e e o s s a a d o i e r ’ r r I n a y n n s a d 0 o n s s s s s e e e e r r r r t t t f f - - - - - l - , , i M A n i e i b e c u A r a s c t a d a L i s “ m a v M a r t a s t r t t e p M c e m i R n t n i h h h h e e i x x l a u e i i i o e e e r r n n n n g o gN ng m s o s n e C g d o c e c a d c s g e e a a p p o e f r m r r u m r d d d d c c N n n N f n t e “ U “ “ H o e o - d h u g e r c t e e e t e o s e a p t f a N w I K i a u a t e i r e w e e m u c c e s K u / u Mid- r e r n a c v r e m f t r r . w i K n l A t n m f s l t t r t o o a i m m l a e t ’ u t t x e i t l o a f o l s o e o c r e c s s o t t o w d P t n n t o s t i a t h i

d p i c s — r d , i a y t a e . a , c n e h v u h k r f s s t r i R t 4 s s c i e e k e e r n a - . n i e c e L r - n n e - s a t r , e e e b a e “ o l n s e d c t 0 e b I i l a e n y r c s e r a t e o i E t h t r n i I L r t u o n s s h i n c m a 0 a w a , s o n n c a p i t r d u c l h t t o a s . / g c i t t v n r n c s l s t M i a g w h h r d e s o M e i . t n r r e e y e e t n a B e h y w e i o s g s h a n e c w e , i c i a l “ d s h s a n i m S i w e i A d l e l n e e l m u o b r e m B d i i w d l c n i i o e e t c m n a h t a v z Y a a l g l c n e e 4 a i t u t h a i e - a i g b i s g g a a l u u l t

e n a e e i e n n A a l g t s c d i l 0 p i a j 2 a s w l y n a b c i s r l s c w n m n t i r l t f d o u g d l w h r t i , t A a i 0 w y l 0 s g t d o o h i r e i h g n r t l o g r h e v n r o 1 a t s l a r g t K b n a a i i t n w a a e i r a s y i r a s m t i 0 n o a n e u s h i t g a o e h t m i p n t n e y n l a a a a e t a a t n C f q y c n n t e i h g i c l r a f e i o a w . i r s t e w e a i g a n ’ i t l l t t o r n t u o p t s h s v i i s s i t s s o e o r w s m m i t h m U n a s t p n r u c y n — s . i r e e , t s h b e h s i f n f t , i n a d e a m o g p i o N n e - i e i t r r o lanti o m s r i b b T u e f c t a u e l f

r i s g r i g s l s v e y s e s o y g e I n s s l n i u s e a o i e e n i n g l n r a ” a a O e e e s b r c m a i s r c n p l n a e a i s s r l r i e t n u o m i r a d r i e i a t a o N t t h k q t e t i h a e t y o c o s e h l d o n a a s p e s u t h g e n e o e o r n r n e u s h f f l n e e n i a i d e t d L s s r l g r p e m s i h w t f a i K a t m l t t n r e a h i o t t w v w m a e r h t t n E o u o a e t o e b e l h e s o t n t s e o y e o P s e u o o q l t m c e p a v t i A r a a h , i h . , o s e n s h r b e n d n n h u a e r n o u e o p a p e r D l f o i g t i s , i C r e E m t i n k . t f a l t c a n r t p d g a o r m p r r n , m r n t a r d E c u p h i , o t ” h s o i a n f t q a s e a l a a o r s e c e o t o g t a o u r t n R p i n u g o r i n u i e c t , i r a g g l u t i t n o h n e n n s e c a T s n p r o e g d n r r a e y e t h t w r a e t c r f a t a a e a o t a t i e n - i i u t t t o e a e i e c e e e i e n o l n n h h c h , a 2 v v v s s r r 1 i i i n o a i s t o m c h l i s s e i , f l n h a d g g g 7 s s s s s y y e e e e e e e ” 1 r t I t t f f - l - - - l - Permanen. te Elliot Friedman Women’s Shoes Bloomingdale’s Chevy Chase, Md.

Elise Ventura Support Brooks Brothers Washington, D.C.

Quintin Dubose Produce Safeway #2737 Washington, D.C. 12 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 William Kraus Assistant Produce Manager Kroger #509 Richmond, Va.

Teresa Di Franco Seamstress Syms #18 Rockville, Md.

Anita Weakley Meat Manager Giant #786 Charlottesville, Va.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 13 Local 400 Members Preparefor Richmond/Tidewater Kroger Bargaining Amid a volatile grocery industry market in Virginia, nearly 2,500 Local 400 tiators shared a few proposals already members working at Kroger in the Richmond and Tidewater areas are pre- drafted to improve working conditions, transfer rights, union security, health and pared for bargaining a new contract and are engaged in an effort to mobi- safety, and to create joint labor-manage- lize themselves, grow membership and stay united throughout the process. ment committees to address problems and Major focuses of the negotiations are like Walmart and Ahold/Martin’s. ideas of mutual concern. likely to include expanding Kroger’s mar- “Every rank-and-file member can play “We want to expand the union share of ket share in these markets to counter the a role in growing our membership, build- the grocery markets in Richmond and growth of non-union chains, including ing our union and protecting our jobs by Tidewater, and we hope and expect that Ahold/Martin’s, Harris Teeter and Weg- expanding our market share,” Lowthers Kroger has the same goal,” McNutt said. mans, and to preserve the members’ health added. “It’s the responsibility of all of us “We’ve already seen how well this and pension benefits. The current contract to encourage membership among our co- approach worked when Local 400 stepped expires on March 27, with extensions likely workers.” in to offer Krogers’ locations for Girl if no agreement is reached by then. Members prepared for bargaining Scout troops whose cookie-selling loca- “Unity means everything,” said Local through a series of meetings in Richmond tions were taken away from them when 400 President Jim Lowthers. “The more and Norfolk with top union officers and Ahold/Martin’s bought out Ukrop’s. We we stand together, the more likely it is that staff negotiators. should be taking more of these kinds of bargaining will result in a positive out- At these meetings, Local 400 Secretary- positive initiatives in the future. come for our members and for the compa- Treasurer Tom McNutt presented results of “At the same time,” McNutt added, ny, as well. a membership bargaining survey that “members can rest assured that we will be “Protecting our jobs isn’t just about allowed members to voice their sugges- doing everything in our power to protect bargaining,” Lowthers said. “A strong tions for improving wages, benefits, vaca- their health and retirement security, im- membership base gives Local 400 the tions, holidays and working conditions. prove their standard of living, and ensure resources to help defend Kroger’s market Specific contract proposals are still better working conditions.” share—and our own job security—from being formulated on major issues such as the invasion of non-union retail predators wages and health benefits, although nego-

Local 400 Secretary- Treasurer Tom McNutt answers questions from members at a recent Richmond meeting. 14 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 Local 400 members working at of the wide array of financial benefits, Kroger have launched a new discounts and services provided by Union Plus,” McNutt added. “From campaign, 400UNITED, to reach 400UNITED college scholarships and education out to co-workers who have not loans to credit and budget counseling, yet joined the union and explain MOBILIZING from savings on credit cards to special how much they will benefit from deals on computers and cell phones, there are thousands of dollars worth membership. of reasons why joining the union is the Because Virginia is a “right-to- FOR NEW best investment you can make.” work-for-less” state which allows The 400UNITED campaign builds employees of unionized companies to MEMBERS on the fact that all Local 400 contracts not join their union yet still benefit at Kroger now have a provision requir- from collective bargaining, it is impor- ing management to introduce new tant that all opportunities are taken to AT KROGER workers to a shop steward their first expand membership at every store in week on the job. Kroger stewards are the commonwealth where Local 400 INVIRGINIA requiring management to abide by the represents workers.The same is true of collective bargaining agreement, and Tennessee. taking the time to inform their newly The need for more members is &TENNESSEE hired co-workers about all the union especially urgent with the invasion of “No Better Investment has to offer and how their member- non-union retail predators such as in Your Future” ship makes a powerful difference. Walmart and Ahold/Martin’s (which Patricia Whitehurst, a Kroger shop recently purchased the Ukrop’s chain steward in Virginia Beach, noted that, in Richmond, Va.), because market share—the percentage of all “New employees often don’t even know that a store is union- workers in an industry who belong to unions—is the single ized. The new-hire provision in the contract guarantees that most powerful influence on the strength of each union contract. new employees learn about the union and their contract right “Our members at Kroger can count on wages you can raise a away. family on, comprehensive health care coverage and pension “We let them know that their wages and benefits come from benefits all because of the power of collective bargaining,” said collective bargaining,”Whitehurst said. “If they don’t sign up for Local 400 President Jim Lowthers. “The more members we have membership right away, I know they'll come looking for me in each store, the stronger position we’re in when it’s time for before long when they have a problem, and then they’ll usually negotiations and the more our members will gain at the bar- become a member.” gaining table. Whitehurst and her two fellow stewards have tripled mem- “This is proven out by the fact that we’re able to win better bership at their store in just three years through making it “our contracts in Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and the mission” to sign up every new hire and also maintain close com- District of Columbia, where all workers represented by Local 400 munications with all employees. “Our message is, a strong are members,” Lowthers observed. membership means fewer problems in the stores and a better “The reverse is also true,” Lowthers said. “If our membership union contract,” she said. was to stagnate or decline, there would be a race to the bottom, With the Kroger Richmond and Tidewater contracts expiring with the likes of Walmart and Ahold/Martin’s dictating wage and on March 27, 2010, the 400UNITED campaign comes at an benefit levels in Virginia.” especially critical time. “Our members are impressing on all Kroger employees cov- “There’s no such thing as a free ride,” Lowthers said. “If ered by our contract that it more than pays to belong,” said you’re benefiting from union representation without contribut- Local 400 Secretary-Treasurer Tom McNutt. “What you get back ing your fair share, you’re undermining the source of your good in income and benefits, in better working conditions, in a voice fortune. But if you join and do your part, you’re giving yourself in the workplace and in health and safety amounts to many the power to shape your destiny in ways that non-union workers times the cost of dues. will never be able to have. With this message—the simple facts “Another reason why all Kroger employees in Virginia and about what union membership does—Local 400 will keep on Tennessee should join is that only members can take advantage growing.”

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 15 TheGrowingMenace Workers, Communities Get the Royal Ahold Treatment

Royal Ahold NV is a Netherlands-based multinational corporation. Local the temptation is always to shrink the 400 members working at Giant in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, union side of the business while expanding the non-union side. Moreover, Ahold/ D.C., know it well because Ahold bought the supermarket chain in 1998, Martin’s is in direct competition with the and control shifted from local owners in Landover, Md., to Dutch execu- fully unionized Kroger chain, where Local 400 represents employees throughout tives in Amsterdam. Virginia and West Virginia. Ahold is fully unionized in its home Giant Food Stores in Pennsylvania, and “Though it is unionized in the country and throughout Europe. Giant is a under the name of Martin’s Food Markets Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe, it union shop, as is the Ahold-owned Stop & in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and has become apparent that Ahold sees the Shop chain in New England. western Pennsylvania. All but two of the United States as a place where it can take Now, here’s where it gets confusing— locations (Lewistown and Burnham, advantage of weak U.S. labor laws to make Ahold also owns Giant-Carlisle, a sub- Penna.) are non-union. more money by paying American workers sidiary that operates under the name of Ahold is a classic “double-breasted” cor- less,” said Local 400 President Jim poration—one that has Lowthers. both union and non- “When Ahold acquired Giant, the power union arms. It is try- of Local 400 made sure the workers’ union ing to have its cake representation stayed intact and we have and eat it, too—cre- been able to successfully negotiate a series ate the veneer of of good contracts with management,” being a responsible, Lowthers said. “But Ahold’s periodic unionized corpora- attempts to skirt the boundaries of our col- tion while squeezing lective bargaining agreements, combined out extra profits by with aggressive moves by Martin’s, make exploiting the work- clear the company’s long-term goal.” ers at its non-union This menace recently grew larger when arm. Ahold/Martin’s purchased the locally- Over the long run, owned, Richmond-based Ukrop’s chain. As this is a menace to soon as the transfer of ownership took Local 400 members, place, management began implementing a b e c a u s e series of anti-worker policies in an effort avoid collective bargaining. Moreover, Ahold is not the only threat to Local 400 members. LOCAL 400 MEMBERS RESCUE GIRL “Ahold’s moves are only the tip of the SCOUTS FROM AHOLD/MARTIN’S iceberg,” Lowthers explained. “Wegman’s Purchase First 100 Boxes of Cookies and Harris Teeter are moving aggressively For many years, the into Virginia, joining Walmart and Food locally-owned Ukrop’s Lion in trying to expand the non-union seg- chain in Richmond wel- ment of the grocery industry. Our members comed Girl Scouts to sell working for Giant in Northern Virginia and cookies in front of their Kroger elsewhere in the state must stay stores. united to defeat this menace and increase But as soon as Ahold/ our market share, which in turn will give Martin’s took control of us greater bargaining power.” Ukrop’s, the Girl Scouts Ukrop’s No More learned that they were Girl Scouts Autumn Just, Suzanne Donaldson, and Nicole no longer wanted. Girl Soiland proudly display the check they have just received Ukrop’s had long enjoyed a reputation Scout troops had pur- from Local 400 for the purchase of the first 100 boxes of in and around Richmond as a community- cookies sold outside Kroger #515 in Mechanicsville, Va. chased many boxes of oriented store that treated its workers cookies expecting to sell them at their placed troops to sell cookies in front of and customers well, while providing sig- local Ukrop’s and were suddenly left in Kroger stores, and to buy the first 100 nificant support to local charities. It was the lurch. boxes sold.” known for its own version of the Golden However, Local 400 members “We’re proud to support the excel- Rule: “treating customers, associates, and employed at Kroger in Richmond and lent work of the Girl Scouts and all suppliers as they personally want to be throughout Virginia came to the rescue. they do to build girls of courage, confi- treated.” They invited Girl Scouts to sell cookies dence, and character,” said Local 400 But when Ahold/Martin’s acquired in front of Kroger’s Virginia stores and Secretary-Treasurer Tom McNutt. “I Ukrop’s 25 stores, it did not take long to pledged to purchase the first 100 boxes know that the former owners of see just how different the directives from of cookies from a displaced troop. Ukrop’s felt the same way, and it’s a the Netherlands would be. Within weeks, Local 400 members fulfilled this real shame that the new owners of the “no solicitation” signs were posted in pledge on March 11, buying the first chain decided to give the Girl Scouts front of all Ukrop’s stores and in the park- 100 boxes of cookies from Girl Scout the Royal Ahold treatment. I just hope ing lot. “Picketing, wearing or carrying troop #57 in front of Kroger #515 in that, in the wake of this controversy, placards, handbilling, solicitation, demon- Mechanicsville. Richmond-area Girl Scouts sell more strating and loitering by non-employees “Girl Scouts do so much good in our cookies and raise more funds than ever are prohibited on the sidewalks, loading communities,” said Local 400 President to support their efforts. zones, parking lot, driveways and islands Jim Lowthers. “Our members work to “This really highlights the difference of this shopping center,” read the signs. make their communities better places between a community-oriented, family- The very first victims of this policy were to live and many have daughters who owned business and a multinational local Girl Scout troops who had sold their are in the Girl Scouts, themselves. It corporation where foreign executives cookies in front of Ukrop’s for many years call the shots with no knowledge of (see the sidebar). This caused a public was only natural that our members local traditions,” McNutt said. relations disaster for Ahold/Martin’s. So jumped at the chance to welcome dis- why did they do it? The answer was obvious. When Ukrop’s employees would empower themselves are all getting the Royal Ahold treatment,” was put on the market, a number of through Local 400 representation that it said Local 400 Secretary-Treasurer Tom Ukrop’s employees realized they had no one was willing to incur the wrath of Girl McNutt. “They are learning that Ahold to protect them in the event of a sale—and Scouts and their supporters in the com- treats its workers and the communities that their treatment by any new employer munity, just so long as union handbillers where it operates as sources of profits to be would surely get worse. So they contacted could be legally kept off the property. exploited, not as good neighbors and fellow Local 400 and sought to organize. “Ukrop’s employees, Richmond shop- citizens. Ahold is sucking their money out Ahold was so fearful that its new pers, Girl Scouts and community residents Continued on page 25

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 17 Donna Edwards Honored At Minority Coalition Ball Benefits Faces of Our Children Praising her as a fighter for economic and social justice, the UFCW received the Civic Organization of the Minority Coalition recently honored Congresswoman Donna Edwards of Year honor. Maryland’s Fourth District as legislator of the year at its annual gala ball, As it does every year, proceeds from the Minority Coalition Ball benefited which raised funds for sickle cell research, treatment and prevention. Faces of Our Children, Inc., a charity ded- Local 400 Secretary-Treasurer Tom Ⅲ Max Bruny of UFCW Local 888, who icated to raising awareness, support and McNutt presented her with the award, was presented with the Local Union of funding for the fight against sickle cell saying, “We need more members of the Year award. disease worldwide in cooperation with Congress with the courage and commit- Ⅲ Glen Williams of the Laborers the Howard University Center for Sickle ment of Donna Edwards. She’s a leader International Union, who was honored Cell Disease. Faces of Our Children pro- in battling for good jobs, for health care as Labor Leader of the Year. vides education on the risks of sickle cell reform, for financial reform, for strong Ⅲ Mackenzie Baris of D.C. Jobs with disease and the need to get tested for the civil rights protections, and for the well- Justice, who received the Community sickle cell trait, and it informs medical being of all working families. The UFCW Partnership Award, providers, schools and caregivers on how is proud to count her as a strong ally and to reduce pain for affected children. It Ⅲ Samuel Staten, Sr., of Laborers Local 400 is proud to call her our friend.” also engages in public advocacy to Local 332, who was presented with The UFCW Minority Coalition cited increase funding for research and better the Roland B. Scott Award. Rep. Edwards’ support for the Jobs for treatment to improve the lives of families Main Street Act which will save and cre- Ⅲ Janice Mathis of Rainbow Push, with sickle cell disease. ate new jobs, for extending unemploy- who received the Addie Wyatt Award, Local 400 is a longtime supporter of ment benefits, and for comprehensive Ⅲ Rev. Nelson Johnson of Faith Faces of Our Children, which was found- health care reform. She is playing a key Community Church, who was named ed by Don Cash, Sr., the former executive role in cracking down on financial abus- Religious Leader of the Year. assistant to the president of Local 400 es, inserting three provisions in the Wall Ⅲ Rev. J. Rayfield Vines, Jr., of the and current president of the UFCW Street Reform and Consumer Protection Hungary Road Baptist Church, who Minority Coalition. Act that would give state regulators the tools they need to limit risky financial transactions, prevent predatory lending, and protect consumers, homeowners and investors. She is also a longtime cospon- sor of the Employee Free Choice Act and a strong advocate for beefing up work- place health and safety protections. In addition to Edwards, the UFCW Minority Coalition honored other labor, civil rights and religious leaders. They include: Local 400 Secretary-Treasurer Ⅲ Wendell W. Young, III, past president Tom McNutt (center) presents the of UFCW Local 1776, who received the Legislator of the Year Award to Person of the Year award. U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.), accompanied by former Local 400 official and current UFCW Minority 18 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 Coalition President Don Cash, Sr. Chesapeake Shores Workers Vote Two-to-One To Keep Local 400 Representation Defeat 11-Year-Long Management Union-Busting Schemes Local 400 members working at the Chesapeake Shores Care Center and it took until November 2006 for the (formerly known as Bayside) in Lexington Park, Md., dealt management a full NLRB to affirm that the company’s devastating defeat when they voted recently by a two-to-one margin to withdrawal of recognition violated the law. Chesapeake Shores then appealed to continue union representation, culminating an 11-year battle to gain and the U.S. Court of Appeals. It took until keep their right to collective bargaining. March 2008 for the court to uphold the From the time Local 400 was certified the union have gone for naught, it’s long NLRB ruling. Yet it would still take 11 as the employees’ collective bargaining past time for them to bargain in good faith months of bargaining before management representative in October 1998, manage- and come to swift agreement on a multi- agreed to a new contract—again, for just ment has waged a relentless effort to year contract.” one year—which was rati- delay and deny workers their democrati- After winning union fied in February 2009. cally-chosen rights. This has included representation, the em- “This is yet As the short length of refusals to bargain in good faith, unlaw- ployees endured three another example the agreement suggested, fully withdrawing recognition from the years of management of why we need management was still union, and various unfair labor practices intransigence. Local 400 determined to break the as affirmed by the National Labor filed unfair labor practice the Employee union and soon launched Relations Board (NLRB) and the courts. charges that the company Free Choice Act.” another effort to decertify “The experience of our members at was bargaining in bad Local 400. Last December, — Local 400 President Chesapeake Shores provides yet another faith. In August 2001, the this attempt was rebuffed Jim Lowthers example of why we need the Employee NLRB ruled for the work- as the employees over- Free Choice Act,” said Local 400 ers, finding that Chesa- whelmingly voted to keep President Jim Lowthers. “It is inexcusable peake Shores was delaying proposals, their Local 400 representation. and unacceptable that they have had to withdrawing from tentative agreements “Justice delayed is justice denied,” said endure more than a decade of rampant and making regressive offers. Four months Local 400 Secretary-Treasurer Tom lawbreaking by management to win later, under NLRB order, the company McNutt. “It’s an outrage to think of the what should have been granted them in agreed to a one-year contract. number of our hardworking members 1998. By imposing binding arbitration on Chesapeake Shores soon made clear it who won union representation in 1998 first contracts and toughening penalties had not changed its colors. In September and never worked there long enough to on unfair labor practice violations, the 2002, management sponsored an “anti- enjoy its full benefits. Employee Free Choice Act would prevent union” petition and one month later, “Chesapeake Shores needs to put the other workers from enduring what our claimed it had secured enough signatures interests of its patients ahead of the com- members have been through. to withdraw recognition from the union. pany’s greed for profits,” McNutt said. “Chesapeake Shores management In response, Local 400 filed a new set of “That will happen when management apparently thought they could break the unfair labor practice charges against the agrees to a multi-year contract that workers’ will and spirit, but they learned company. Despite having the full weight empowers its employees to provide first- that Local 400 members respond to adver- of evidence on their side, it took two long class care by paying a living wage, provid- sity by strengthening our Solidarity and years for an NLRB administrative law ing a safe workplace, and improving standing strong for our rights,” Lowthers judge to find in favor of the workers. working conditions. The time for that is said.“Now that all their efforts to decertify Chesapeake Shores appealed the decision now.”

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 19 Spotlight Dawn McKenna Gary Burkhammer Urology/Pulmonary Lead RN Receiver Robert Quarles Kaiser #35, Fairfax, Va. Shoppers #2335, Olney, Md. Customer Service Years in Union: 21 Giant #233, Falls Church, Va. Years as Steward: 2

Family: Married with two daughters and a stepdaughter

Enjoys Most about Job: Getting a member’s problem solved Hobbies: Travel (beaches), tennis, “ The union provides reading better working conditions union means you have nefits.” “ The when Future Plans: Get my girls through and be e in your corner college; retire in Longboat Key, someon Years in Union: 10 you need it the most.” Florida Years as Steward: 4 Years in Union: 2 Family: Married with two children Years as Steward: 2 and two grandchildren Family: Three children Enjoys Most about Job: Enjoys Most about Being a Keeping busy and all the fun Steward: Bring able to assist others people I work with

Hobbies: Golf, fishing and bowling Enjoys Most about Being a Steward: Doing what I can Future Plans: To continue helping “ The union makes sure to help associates others whenever I can have a v we oice and that everyone Favorite Place on Earth: is treated fairly.” The beach

20 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 Vivian Vernette Ronald Eakin Karen Wentz Peterson File Maintenance Clerk Weigher/Wrapper Head Cashier Kroger #210, Blacksburg, Va. Safeway #1606, Burke, Va. Shoppers #2371, Wheaton, Md. Years in Union: 13 Years in Union: 9 Years as Steward: 11 Years as Steward: 1 1/2 Family: Five children, three grand- Enjoys Most about Job: Helping children customers Enjoys Most about Being a Enjoys Most about Being a Steward: Helping people Steward: Helping employees with “ The union Hobbies: Spending time with my their rights offers strength in nu grandchildren mbers; without that, you’re Hobbies: Reading at the merc y of the company.” Favorite Place on Earth: Home Future Plans: Retire and enjoy my Years in Union: 17 grandchildren Years as Steward: 2

Family: One son

Enjoys Most about Being a Steward: Helping others with issues when they don’t know where to turn Hobbies: Coaching, playing golf, “ The union gives us softball, umpiring and officiating job security.” “ The union means I have Favorite Place on Earth: Lane someone fighting Stadium on Thursday nights in the for my rights.” Fall

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 21 Planned Walmart Development Threatens Historic Civil War Battlefield In a move that has outraged neigh- groups is trying to block construction. joined the fight to stop Walmart. Its direc- bors, Civil War buffs, conservationists “Walmart’s like an elephant in a China tor, Jonathan Jarvis, warned that if the and many others, Walmart is trying to shop,” said Local 400 President Jim proposed Walmart is built, “Hills would build a massive 238,000 square-foot Lowthers. “Just like the company tram- be leveled and roads widened so that the development in Orange County, Virginia, ples on workers’ rights, it smashes into Piedmont landscape would be unrecog- just a quarter of a mile from the location neighbors, parks and small businesses nizable.” of the historic Battle of the Wilderness. everywhere it goes, leaving a mess in its “Slash and burn is no strategy for Part of the Fredericksburg and wake. The last thing that belongs near a running a giant retail operation,” said Spotsylvania National Military Park, the national park and a major historic site is Local 400 Secretary-Treasurer Tom site is where Ulysses S. Grant and Robert a giant Walmart big box. That is hardly a McNutt. “Walmart has no respect for the E. Lee met on the battlefield for the first way to honor the tens of thousands of communities it tries to bully its way into; time in a bloody clash which left 26,000 courageous soldiers who lost their lives it looks at a map and all it sees are con- soldiers injured or killed in 1864. in that pivotal battle.” sumers for cheap, foreign-made products. In August, the Orange County Board of This is not the first time Walmart has The idea of sacrificing U.S. history and Supervisors gave formal approval for the generated controversy with plans to build an irreplaceable national landmark for a Walmart development, but a coalition of stores near national monuments. In the store selling cheap imports is appalling. landowners, the National Trust for mid-1990s, the company tried but failed This Walmart must be stopped.” Historic Preservation, the Civil War to open an outlet at George Washington’s The challenge to the planned develop- Preservation Trust, the National Parks boyhood home near Fredericksburg. ment is pending before Orange County Conservation Association and other The U.S. National Park Service has Circuit Court.

SAM’S CLUB CONTRIBUTES TO UNEMPLOYMENT CRISIS Though Walmart claims its stores are mart?” asked Local 400 President Jim no apparent arrangements to have the benefiting from the recession because Lowthers. “How is it that $12 billion in laid-off workers hired by Shopper of their reputation for low prices and annual profits is somehow too little for Events. the company is still making profits of the Walton family? Why do they feel The layoffs were done in classic more than $12 billion a year, its sub- compelled to keep squeezing their Walmart style, according to many of sidiary, Sam’s Club, nevertheless laid off workers through layoffs, and continued the workers, who report that they more than 10,000 employees in low pay and inadequate benefits? were called into mass meetings and January. When it comes to our struggling econ- offered boxes of tissues as they were The laid-off workers’ jobs, which omy, Walmart is quite obviously a huge told their services would no longer be mostly involved handing out free prod- part of the problem and not part of any needed. uct samples in the stores, are being out- solution.” “This appears to have been a sys- sourced to an Arkansas-based company, The Sam’s Club layoffs—many of tematic attempt by Walmart to rid its Shopper Events. Based in a town next to which involved part-time workers— payroll of many employees who were Walmart’s Bentonville, Ark., headquar- raised serious questions about whether earning higher wages than their ters, this privately-owned company’s they were designed to remove from the younger counterparts,” Lowthers said. only clients are Walmart and Sam’s payroll older and more senior employ- “If so, that would be unethical and Club, raising suspicions that it may be ees, because Walmart said it would only probably unlawful. It’s time for all another arm of the world’s largest pay severance to those workers who Americans to just say no to Walmart’s retailer. agreed not to pursue age discrimination continued lowering of worker and com- “How much is enough for Wal- claims. In addition, the company made munity standards.”

22 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 Rev. Dr. Milton Reid, a confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., addresses the Black History Month celebration.

Black History Month CelebratedBy Local400Members inNorthern Neck For the 10th year in row, Local 400 members in the schoolchildren could ride to their school on the bus, too. Eight Northern Neck of Virginia and the Northumberland years later, when he was 15, they got their school bus—and he was the driver! County NAACP commemorated Black History Month Dr. Reid also talked about how when he was first licensed as with a celebration involving talks by a hero of the civil a preacher in Virginia, he had to sign a bond that he would not rights movement and the presentation of awards to marry interracial couples, in noting just how far our society has come in his lifetime. area residents for exemplary community service. Four area residents were honored for their service: This year’s celebration took place on February 28 at Shiloh Ⅲ Leah Hudnall, a Reedville, Va., woman who each year just Baptist Church in Burgess, Va., and featured Rev. Dr. Milton before school starts holds a huge picnic to raise money for Reid, a close confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who spent school supplies for local students. time in jail with him and founded the Virginia Chapter of the Ⅲ Henry Page, 80, who has run the first black-owned garage in Southern Christian Leadership Conference at the request of Dr. the Northern Neck for more than 60 years and still repairs King. cars today. “Our members in the Northern Neck have established a great Ⅲ Dorothy Scott, a senior citizen and cancer survivor who will tradition in honoring the proud history of African Americans in graduate from college this May with an associate of arts our country and carrying on the legacy of struggle for civil degree. rights and workers’ rights,” said Local 400 President Jim Lowthers. “Their efforts are a prime example of how our union Ⅲ Cecil Taylor, recipient of the Keeper of the Flame Award, who is dedicated to community and part of the broader struggle for travels around the country delivering Dr. King’s “I Have a social justice and equal opportunity.” Dream” speech to church congregations, schoolchildren, and At the celebration, Dr. Reid told a story about how he was other audiences. walking to school one day in Norfolk in 1937 and a school bus “Local 400 is proud to support Black History Month,” said carrying white children came along. Some of the students in the Local 400 Secretary-Treasurer Tom McNutt, “not only because of bus spit on him as they drove by. On that day, as a mere seven- what it means to our members but because of the invaluable les- year-old, he decided to do everything he could to see that black sons it holds for the battles we still face today.”

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 23 ULLICO Gift Cards Support Local 400 This past holiday season, ULLICO—the labor-owned family of compa- cards went far beyond that. Members of nies that offers quality insurance and investment products and services ULLICO’s senior management teams donated their gift cards to So Others to the American labor movement—gave a gift that has kept on giving. Might Eat (SOME), an interfaith, com- To help ULLICO workers through earned dollars, we should support our munity-based charity helping homeless these tough economic times, company brothers and sisters whenever possible. I and extremely poor citizens in leadership presented each employee am very pleased that ULLICO not only Washington, D.C. In a letter acknowl- with a $75 gift card to Giant food stores. adheres to the same philosophy but also edging ULLICO’s donation of $2,000 and This was a not only a means of helping puts it into action.” three large boxes of canned food, Father ULLICO families eat well and make ends “ULLICO’s ‘Shop Union’ policy does so John Adams, president of SOME, meet during the holidays—it was also a much good for so many,” said Local 400 thanked the company’s employees for way to support Local 400 members Secretary-Treasurer Tom McNutt. “We their generosity and helping to “break working at Giant. are so appreciative of ULLICO’s support the cycle of homelessness in our nation’s “We have always said to shop union of our union and more importantly, the capital.” during the holidays,” said Local 400 company’s ongoing commitment to help- “This was a model effort,” McNutt President Jim Lowthers, “because union ing union members and their families said, “one I hope ULLICO and other shops provide better value and service achieve financial security.” organizations serving the labor move- and because when we spend our hard- However, the benefits of the gift ment follow in years to come.”

From left to right: Giant Store Manager Ernest Vincent, Shop Steward Evelyn Graham, ULLICO President Ed Smith, Shop Steward April Williams, and Local 400 Secretary- Treasurer Thomas P. McNutt present the check to Giant for ULLICO’s gift cards.

24 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 B E N E F I T AVA I L A B L E O N LY F O R L O C A L 4 0 0 M E M B E R S FirstChoiceLendingPresents:

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new campaign, 400UNITED (see page 15 Scout cookie catastrophe enable us to TheGrowingMenace for more information), designed to help show shoppers how patronizing Kroger Continued from page 17 members mobilize, increase membership and our other stores is the best way to of Richmond and across the Atlantic and and expand the unionized portion of get first-class customer service and sup- in return, all Virginians are getting is Virginia’s retail food sector. port the community at the same time. the back of their hands.” “Attempts by Ahold/Martin’s and the “We can and must expand our market In addition to helping employees of other non-union grocers to grow in share.” McNutt added, “The more that we the former Ukrop’s organize and reach- Virginia are a clear threat to our mem- do, the better contracts we’ll be able to ing out to the community in Richmond bers, but they’re also an opportunity,” negotiate—and the more Ahold will have and elsewhere, Local 400 has launched a McNutt said. “Missteps like the Girl to rethink its double-breasted strategy.”

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 25 26 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 jobs last fall. In late February, the Senate Economic passed a smaller-scale jobs bill. At the time Stimulus this article was written, the House and Savings Continued from page 4 Senate still had to iron out the differences between their two bills before passing final andSolidarity legislation and sending it to President Special discounts on wireless Ⅲ Helping to keep police in their jobs devices and save 10% on and on the streets with funding cover- Obama for his signature. monthly service charges ing three years of salary and benefits “Local 400 members should call their through unionized AT&T.* for more than 4,600 law enforcement representatives and senators at (202) 224- 3 Easy Ways to Save! officers in over 1,000 communities 3121 and urge them to pass the strongest 1. TAKE this ad to your local AT&T store. To find the store nearest you, visit att.com/ through the COPS program. possible jobs bill immediately,” Local 400 find-a-store and show union identification As much as the stimulus has achieved, Secretary-Treasurer Tom McNutt said. (Reference FAN# 00113662). more must be done with unemployment still “We’re not out of the woods yet and so long 2. ONLINE at UnionPlus.org/ATT Purchase hovering around the 10 percent mark. That as the private sector is lagging in creating services and find specials on phones. 3. CALL 1-800-897-7046. Use Discount FAN# is why the U.S. House passed legislation good jobs, we need our government to help 00113662 when you speak to the customer investing another $154 billion in creating make up the difference.” service operator. *Credit approval and new two-year service agreement required. The non 3G iPhone, unlimited and unity plans, in addition to additional lined for family plans are not eligible for the discount. Current AT&T customers can switch to the Union Plus AT&T Wireless discount pro- ical costs,” McNutt said. “The new con- gram by having the FAN applied to their current account and signing Kaiser tract, the new medical centers and what I up for a two year agreement. Other conditions and restrictions apply. Continued from page 11 hope will be health care reform have the Kaiser are forging an innovative model of potential to converge and put our members care based on doing what’s best for their front and center in solving the nation’s Visit UnionPlus.org/ATT patients while lowering skyrocketing med- health care crisis.” UFCW

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 27 2010 A R E A M E E T I N G S S C H E D U L E * January Monday, May 3 Tuesday, May 11 Tuesday, Sept 14 Tuesday, October 5 BRISTOL HUNTINGTON HUNTINGTON BLUEFIELD Fiscal Report Holiday Inn Hampton Inn Hampton Inn Quality Hotel & 1 BALANCE IN CASH ACCOUNT Exit 7 off 3442 US Route 60 East 3442 US Route 60 East Conference Center AT BEGINNING OF MONTH 1,247,244 of Interstate 81 Barboursville, WV Barboursville, WV Route 460 Bypass 3005 Linden Dr. (304) 733-5004 (304) 733-5004 3350 Big Laurel Hwy 2 RECEIPTS (from all sources): Bristol, VA 24202 Tuesday, Sept. 7 Wednesday, Sept. 15 Bluefield, WV DUES 1,399,540 Tuesday, May 4 CHARLOTTESVILLE DANVILLE 24701 MISCELLANEOUS 2,921 BLUEFIELD Holiday Inn Holiday Inn Express (304) 325-6170 3 TOTAL RECEIPTS 1,402,461 Quality Hotel & 1901 Emmett Street 2121 Riverside Dr Wednesday, Conference Center Charlottesville, Danville, VA 24540 October 6 4 TOTAL OF LINES 1 AND 3 2,649,705 Route 460 Bypass VA 22901 (434) 793-4000 BRISTOL 3350 Big Laurel Hwy (434) 977-7700 Monday, October 4 Holiday Inn Bluefield, WV 24701 5 DISBURSEMENTS Monday, Sept. 13 PARKERSBURG Exit 7 off of for current months 1,315,574 Thursday, May 6 BECKLEY Comfort Suites Interstate 81 DANVILLE Holiday Inn 167 Elizabeth Pike 3005 Linden Dr. 6 CASH ACCOUNT BALANCE Bristol, VA 24202 at the end of current month 1,334,131 Holiday Inn Express 114 Dry Hill Road Mineral Wells, WV 2121 Riverside Dr Beckley, WV 25801 26150 (276) 466-4100 7 BALANCE AT END OF MONTH Danville, VA 24540 (304) 252-2250 (304) 489-9600 * All meetings are at 7 p.m. as shown on Bank Statement 1,397,895

8 DEPOSIT IN TRANSIT 0 2010 Q UA RT E R LY M E E T I N G S S C H E D U L E * 9 TOTAL OF LINES 7 AND 8 1,397,895 Wednesday, May 5 Monday, August 2 Monday, Sept. 13 Wednesday, Nov. 3 10 LESS: Checks included ROANOKE CHARLESTON ROANOKE RICHMOND in item 5 not returned Holiday Inn Holiday Inn–Civic Center Holiday Inn Holiday Inn-Central with bank statement 63,764 450 Litchell Road 100 Civic Center 450 Litchell Road 3207 North Boulevard Salem, VA 24153 Charleston, WV 25301 Salem, VA 24153 Richmond, VA 23230 11 BALANCE (540) 389-2424 (304) 345-0600 (540) 389-2424 (804) 359-9441 (Should agree with Line 6) 1,334,131 Monday, May 10 Wednesday, Sept. 8 Tuesday, Sept. 21 Monday, Nov. 8 CHARLESTON RICHMOND LANDOVER CHARLESTON 12 PETTY CASH FUND 750 Holiday Inn–Civic Center Holiday Inn–Central Local 400 Headquarters Holiday Inn–Civic Center 100 Civic Center 3207 North Boulevard 4301 Garden City Drive 100 Civic Center 13 TOTAL OF ALL LOCAL UNION’S Charleston, WV 25301 Richmond, VA 23230 Landover, MD 20785 Charleston, WV 25301 SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (304) 345-0600 (804) 359-9441 (301) 459-3400 (304) 345-0600 at the end of month 2,118,478 Tuesday, June 15 Thursday, Sept. 9 Tuesday, Nov. 2 Wednesday, Dec. 1 LANDOVER NORFOLK NORFOLK ROANOKE 14 DEPRECIATED VALUE OF Local 400 Headquarters Norfolk Office Norfolk Office Holiday Inn Real Estate, Furniture, 4301 Garden City Drive 3620 Tidewater Drive 3620 Tidewater Drive 450 Litchell Road Equipment, Automobiles, etc. 732,977 Landover, MD 20785 Norfolk, VA 23509 Norfolk, VA 23509 Salem, VA 24153 (301) 459-3400 * All meetings are at 7 p.m. (540) 389-2424 15 OTHER ACCOUNTS OR INVESTMENTS (Bond, Stocks, Credit Union, Building Funds, etc.) 135,367 A L L I N T H E F A M I L Y 16 LESS: LIABILITIES (other than Rent, Condolences Family of Walter H Spivey, Safeway 1425 Utilities, Withholding Linda Dawson, Shoppers Food 2355, Loss of Family of James (Jimmy) Beall, A&P Company and Per Capita Tax) 1,157,397 Father Joey Withers, Safeway 1428, Loss of Father 17 TOTAL WORTH OF LOCAL UNION Ashley Dawson, Shoppers Food 2344, Loss of Family of Yvonne Eppolito, Giant 770 (Totals of lines 11, 12, 13, Grandfather Lavoris "Mikki" Harris, Local 400 staff, 14, and 15 minus line 16 3,164,306 Family of Edimae R Whyte, Giant 366 Loss of son

28 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010

L O C A L 4 0 0 R E T I R E E S Giant Jerry W Hall, Springfield, Va., 41 years Pamela S Haines, Purcellville, Va., 37 years Noor Ahmad, Manassas, Va., 11 years Thai D Hong, Burke, Va., 9 years Robert C Toney, Oxon Hill, Md., 41 years Jean A Alexander, Falls Church, Va., 32 years Mary A Lightkep, Leesburg, Va., 31 years Meladean C Coon, Laurel, Md., 22 years Joseph M Casamento, Lorton, Va., 31 years Windell L Mullins, Culpeper, Va., 32 years Cheryl A Dearie, Waldorf, Md., 32 years Carroll E Forbes, Capitol Heights, Md., Rosie M Roe, Temple Hills, Md., 45 years Michael G Ford, College Park, Md., 30 years Richard A Tandski, Harpers Ferry, W. Va., 44 years Norma J Granville, Myrtle Beach, S.C., 27 years Brian L Gammon, Glen Burnie, Md., 31 31 years Sybil Willis, Bowie, Md., 39 years years Charles L Jakola, Edinburg, Va., 30 years Steven P Kemp, Fredericksburg, Va., 37 Curtis W McFarland, Sterling, Va., 30 years Kroger years Glenn L Muck Jr, Gaithersburg, Md., 44 Patsy C Goffins, Rustburg, Va., 24 years Daniel M Scott, Laurel, Md., 40 years years Dana A Lester, Christiansburg, Va., 38 years Laura J Slater, Bryantown, Md., 35 years George E Nichols, Alexandria, Va., 33 years Melvin H Martin, Lynchburg, Va., 28 years Barbara Wright, Stephens City, Va., 28 years Vera T Perkins, Stockbridge, Ga., 9 years Gerald D Minter, Ridgeway, Va., 38 years Shoppers Norma Santiago, Woodbridge, Va., 28 years Wanda R Thomas, Radford, Va., 35 years Deborah K Fulcher, Dumfries, Va., 22 years Florence M Speiss, Alexandria, Va., 22 Nancy R Williby, Princeton, W. Va., 33 years Audrey L Oliver, Washington, D.C., 24 years years Roanoke, Va., 43 years Owen D Craig, Patsy J Rigney, Arlington, Va., 37 years Ignacia D Talbert, Stafford, Va., 25 years Wytheville, Va., 37 years Clyde F Nichols, Marion L Dohawk, District Heights, Md., Lillian V Taylor, Washington, D.C., 22 years Joyce A Oaks, Kingsport, Tenn., 32 years 19 years Martin C Taylor Sr., Herndon, Va., 40 years Kenneth L Sawyers Jr, Bluefield, Va., 38 Patricia A Wilson, Fort Washington, Md., Khang D. Bui, Falls Church, Va., 12 years years 23 years George T Finnell III, Front Royal, Va., 22 Robert W Scruggs, Roanoke, Va., 36 years Wesley A Clem III, Hyattsville, Md., years Harrison P Younce, Bristol, Tenn., 31 years 39 years Richard L Jones, Falls Church, Va., 39 years Safeway Lawrence C Evans, Eldersburg, Md., Maria Laourakis, Vienna, Va., 24 years 15 years Tang T Le, Falls Church, Va., 16 years Linda A Conley, Rockville, Md., 34 years Victor Bustos, Silver Spring, Md., 7 years Charles W Wertz, Port Republic, Md., 9 years Ronald Harrison, Oxon Hill, Md., 44 years Patsy A Dye, Alexandria, Va., 18 years Betty J Allen, Bowie, Md., 21 years Agnes G Mitchell, Centreville, Va., 8 years Cheryl L Hein, Leesburg, Va., 29 years Dennis J Carter, Rockville, Md., 41 years Jonathan E Sanders, Lanham, Md., 40 years Marlene J Sweeney, Woodbridge, Va., Helen W Christian, Gaithersburg, Md., 17 Patsy A Stauffer, Valley Lee, Md., 34 years 19 years years Paula P Sutphin, Centreville, Va., 30 years Syms Kenneth A Day, Severn, Md., 31 years Frank H Bell, Arlington, Va., 9 years Otis M Belk, Alexandria, Va., 12 years Karen F Dean, New Market, Md., 33 years Nancy M Gimmi, Dale City, Va., 10 years Thomas R Gunner, Gaithersburg, Md., Hector J Gomez, Silver Spring, Md., 24 Magruders 21 years years Stanley B Green, Alexandria, Va., 33 years

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PHONE NO. ______COMPANY & STORE NO.______TELÉPHONO NO.______COMPAÑIA Y TIENDA NO.______Mail this information to: UFCW Local 400, 4301 Garden City Drive, Envíe esta información a: UFCW Local 400, 4301 Garden City Drive, Landover, MD 20785. Landover, MD 20785.

30 UNION LEADER MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 AClear &Present Danger

or Local 400 members and all Ukrop’s will be sent across the Atlantic to not just Ahold. The rapid growth of the union members, market share Amsterdam. non-union, anti-worker Harris Teeter and matters. The greater the per- How can Ahold do this? By operating in Wegman’s chains in Virginia add to the F centage of workers in an indus- a“double-breasted”fashion,wallingoff threat, along with the continuing presence try who belong to unions, the stronger our its unionized operations from its growing of Walmart. If these stalwarts of corporate bargaining power becomes. The reverse is non-union sector, like the Carlisle, Penna.- greed can grow through a race to the bot- also true—if union market share shrinks, based Ahold subsidiary that has been tom, then our union employers will try to downward pressure is flooding Virginia with do the same and bargaining will become placed on wages and its Martin’s Super- more adversarial and problematic. benefits. We must markets—and that now The question is, what do we do in This is the challenge has swept up Ukrop’s 25 response? Here, the answer is crystal Local 400 and our build on our stores. clear: By strengthening our Solidarity and Kroger members in market share For Ukrop’s employ- by building our union through organizing. Richmond face in the ees, this is a nightmare. We need you to take every opportunity to aftermath of Dutch through Ukrop’s long maintained explain to your co-workers in Virginia why mega-conglomerate apaternalrelationship union membership is the best investment Royal Ahold’s purchase organizing. with its workers and they can make, and to engage workers at of the family-owned took pride in its local Ahold/Martin’s, Harris Teeter, Wegman’s Ukrop’s grocery chain. roots, supporting many community service and other non-union markets in a discus- On the surface, this might not seem a projects over the years. Employees, cus- sion about how much they will benefit threat. After all, Ahold owns the Giant tomers and the community have already from collective bargaining. We also need chain in the Washington, D.C., area where seen a far different attitude from a multi- you to be ambassadors in your community, thousands of Local 400 members work national corporation whose executives to make the case why a well-paid, fully- empowered by a strong collective bargain- command an empire of more than 6,000 empowered union workforce improves ing agreement. supermarkets worldwide from their head- your neighborhoods and the local economy. But Ahold is going into Richmond with quarters in the Netherlands. With our market share and our mem- the same predatory aim as Walmart—to For Kroger workers in Richmond and bers’ futures on the line, we’re gearing up squeeze every last cent of profit out of non- around the region—and for all of us—the for the fight of our lives. Through unity and union American workers. Only instead of Ahold/Martin’s incursion is a clear and resolve, this is a fight I know we can win. flowing into Arkansas, the hard-earned present danger, placing union jobs and Tom McNutt money of Richmond residents shopping at working conditions in jeopardy. And it’s Secretary-Treasurer

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2010 UNION LEADER 31 United Food and Commercial Nonprofit Org. Workers Local 400 U.S. Postage 4301 Garden City Drive PAID Landover, MD 20785 Hyattsville, MD Permit No. 4084

Change Service Requested

BARGAINING UPDATE BY W. CHRISTIAN SAUTER Annapolis Police Healthcare Services Group 85 employees; expires 6/30/10; (Elizabeth Adam Crump Manor) Negotiations in progress 20 employees; contract expires 6/15/10

Associated Administrators Kaiser Permanente 12 employees; expired 10/29/09; (National Agreement) Ratified 4 year agreement 984 employees; contract expires 12/11/12

Bestway Kroger (Richmond/Tidewater) 45 employees; contract expires 6/30/10 2600 employees; contract expires 3/27/10; Brooks Brothers Negotiations in progress 25 employees; expires 3/31/10; Negotiations in progress Smithsonian 185 employees; contract expired 12/31/09; Chesapeake Shores Ratified 1 year agreement 85 employees; expired 2/20/10; Negotiations in progress/contract extended Sunbridge Nursing Home 45 employees; contract expires 4/14/10 DanChem 82 employees; expired 12/31/09; Syms Corporation Ratified 3 year agreement 80 employees; expired 4/30/09; Negotiations in progress/contract extended Elizabeth Adam Crump Manor 89 employees; contract expires 5/2/10 Todd Enterprises 20 employees; contract expired 2/14/10; Gino Morena Enterprises Negotiations in progress/contract extended (Aberdeen Proving Ground); 12 employees; contract expires 6/4/10 (Ft. Meade Barber) 6employees;contractexpired2/16/09; Negotiations in progress/contract extended