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We’re All In It Together

t’s indefensible—morally and not be there to help citizens in need. They government. We need Social Security to economically. believe government should not be there to keep retirees out of poverty. We need After the Virginia earthquake protect Americans from harm and bad Medicare and Medicaid so senior citizens, I and Hurricane Irene’s deadly luck. Government should not be there to the disabled and the poor get health care. flooding in late August, House Majority level the economic playing field, stop corpo- We need government inspectors to keep Leader Eric Cantor (R- rate abuses or ensure contaminated food off the shelves and make Va.) tried to hold the vic- equal opportunity. our workplaces safe. We need to rebuild our tims hostage. His ransom We need a Above all, Cantor and infrastructure, create jobs, retrain econom- in exchange for disaster his followers believe mil- ically dislocated workers, help the unem- assistance? More drastic strong, robust lionaires and billionaires ployed, and protect workers’ rights. cuts in government should not pay a penny These are essential government func- spending. and efficient more in taxes, even if it tions—and we must demand that the Just imagine—he government. means that children go wealthy and big business pay their fair wants Americans flood- hungry, workers lose share to ensure that we have a civilized, ed out of their homes, their jobs, the unem- safe, fair, democratic society. farms and jobs to get nothing unless his ployed run out of compensation, our high- Cantor wants an America where we’re personal demands are met. This includes ways crumble and bridges collapse, and on our own—where the wealthy and a 40 percent cut in funding to train and disaster victims are left destitute. lucky (usually one and the same) rule the equip first responders, which would leave Unbelievable. roost while the rest of us scrounge for a us frighteningly vulnerable the next time Even investor Warren Buffett cannot few spare crumbs. But as union mem- mother nature or terrorists strike. stomach these twisted priorities. “While bers, we want an America that recog- Lately, Cantor’s been in the hostage- the poor and middle class fight for us in nizes we’re all in it together—that each taking business. This summer, he and his Afghanistan, and while most Americans of us is responsible not only for ourselves colleagues held the full faith and credit of struggle to make ends meet, we mega- but for the good of the many, not just the the U.S. government hostage in exchange rich continue to get our extraordinary tax privileged few. That’s the principle the for cuts in programs that working fami- breaks,” he wrote in The New York Times. labor movement was built on—that we lies, senior citizens, children and the “My friends and I have been coddled long do better when we join together—and we poor desperately need during our econom- enough by a billionaire-friendly Congress. must use the ballot box to make this the ic recovery. It’s time for our government to get seri- defining principle of our government. What’s clear is that Cantor and his tea ous about shared sacrifice.” — Thomas P.McNutt, President party comrades believe government should We need a strong, robust and efficient International Vice President

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UNITED FOOD & COMMERCIAL WORKERS LOCAL 400 Thomas P.McNutt PRESIDENT Mark P.Federici SECRETARY-TREASURER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2011 Sue Gonzalez RECORDER

EXECUTIVE BOARD Mike Boyle FEATURES Jacqueline Bradley Terry Dixon Lisa Gillespie Obama Plan Would Create Jobs Joanne Grimaldi 5 Mikki Harris Put Money in Pockets of Working Families James Hepner Michele Hepner Virginia Senate at Stake in 11/8 Elections Phyllis Jackson 6 Neil Jacobs Must Remain a Firewall Against Anti-Worker Policies James M. Jarboe Mary Laflin Getting Americans Back to Work Calvin McGuire 8 Tony Perez An Interview with former Va. Gov. Tim Kaine Ken Pinkard Jerry Rexroad Guest Column by Doris Crouse-Mays W. Christian Sauter 14 Carolyn Shebora Let’s Keep Our Firewall Vivian Siguoin Larry Southern 15 So. Cal. Grocery Workers Ratify Contract Linda Sykes Mary Vines Win Victory on Brink of Strike Carol Wiszynski

EDITOR Thomas P. McNutt COVERSTORY ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mark P. Federici CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Stewards ACT to Prepare for Bargaining Bill Burke 16 DESIGN AND LAYOUT Activist Contract Teams Mobilizing Members Evans Design

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Bruce Kozarsky ALSOINSIDE The Union Leader is published by the United Food & Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 400. Office of Publication: Kelly Press Inc., 1701 Cabin Branch Rd., Landover, Md. 20785. Editorial Office: Metro 400 12 Faces of Local 400 28 All in the Family Building, 4301 Garden City Dr., Landover, Md. 20785. Main Office: (800) 638-0800. Subscriptions to mem- bers only. 20 Stewards Spotlight 30 Local 400 Retirees WEB SITES: www.ufcw400.org 28 Financial Reports BC Bargaining Update

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• LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & Republicans Take Economy Hostage, Get Ransom Working Families, U.S. Credit Rating, Pay the Price

In a reckless move unprecedented in size of government so they can preserve use this opportunity to take smart, sensi- U.S. history, extremist Republicans in obscene tax cuts for the wealthy and pre- ble, balanced moves that will help work- Congress held the U.S. and global vent the regulation of big business. It’s ing families reeling from the struggling economies hostage by threatening to let the middle class, working families and economy. For example, it could create an the United States government default on the poor who will pay the price for their infrastructure bank that will help finance its debt. The ransom they demanded— giveaways to a privileged few. urgently needed road and bridge repairs, and received—as their price for allowing “They got their way because the presi- highway and mass transit construction, the debt ceiling to rise was massive, dent and Senate Democratic leaders and water and sewage improvements, painful cuts to federal investments in the weren’t willing to allow tea partiers to creating millions of jobs in the process. It unemployed, working families, our infra- make the U.S. default on its debt and cre- could extend long-term unemployment structure and vulnerable populations ate another global economic crisis,” insurance, which is currently slated to These spending cuts, totaling approxi- McNutt said. “But by averting an out- expire at the end of the year. It could end mately $2.5 trillion over 10 years, will come akin to financial bankruptcy, the more than $1 trillion in outrageous tax result in a loss of 1.8 million jobs in 2012 result is moral bankruptcy inflicted by giveaways to Big Oil, corporate jet owners alone, according to the Economic Policy unscrupulous politicians doing the dirty and hedge fund billionaires. It could also Institute—at a time when the U.S. econo- work for greedy billionaires.” end the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, my appears to be sinking back into The deal enacted by Congress and lowering the deficit by $700 billion. another recession. signed into law on August 2nd—the date Steps such as these have the support “The number one problem facing our the government was scheduled to default of the American people. Recent polling nation is jobs,” said Local 400 President on its payments—cuts roughly $1 trillion shows that 72 percent of the public sup- Tom McNutt. “But instead of focusing on over the next 10 years. Two-thirds of port raising taxes on those making over creating jobs and raising living standards these cuts come from domestic discre- $250,000, 64 percent support raising for struggling working families, the tionary spending, including areas such as taxes on hedge fund managers, and 59 extremist leadership of the U.S. House held unemployment insurance, education, aid percent support ending tax breaks for Big America’s ability to meet its obligations to budget-strapped state and local gov- Oil. hostage, demanding job-killing spending ernments, and food safety. The remaining “I urge our members to call Congress cuts as the price for averting catastrophe. one-third will come from the defense at (202) 224-3121,” McNutt said, “and “They used these dangerous, undemoc- budget. demand that the super committee mem- ratic tactics not to get real deficit reduc- To make the other $1.5 trillion in cuts bers focus on creating jobs, spreading the tion, but to enact the narrow agenda of an required, Congress formed a “super com- sacrifice, and regaining our moral com- extremist minority to permanently prevent mittee” of six Republicans and six pass. Callers should also insist that our government from acting on behalf of Democrats.They must put together a plan Congress enact President Obama’s jobs working families,” McNutt charged. by late November, and then it will be plan.” “The simplest and fairest way to lower voted on by the House and Senate. If it is One harsh consequence of the debt the deficit is by tackling its main causes: disapproved, then automatic across-the- ceiling hostage-taking was the decision the Bush tax cuts, our unfunded wars, board spending cuts will be made, further by Standard & Poor’s to lower the U.S. and the struggling economy,” McNutt burdening working families and the government’s credit rating for the first said. “But the extremists won’t accept poor—everyone but the rich and big time in history—a move aptly named by any of these obvious solutions. That’s business. many “The Tea Party Downgrade.” because their real agenda is to shrink the However, the super committee could (Continued on page 25)

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& LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LO Obama Plan Would Create Jobs,Put Money Into the Pockets of Working Families Taking the lead in getting Americans Ⅲ Take other measures to encourage job “It’s essential to understand that the back to work and raising living stan- creation, including a $4,000 tax credit 2009 American Recovery and Reinvest- dards for working families, President to employers for hiring long-term ment Act did succeed in saving and creat- Obama is urging Congress to enact the unemployed workers, and a ing up to 3.5 million jobs,” McNutt American Jobs Act, legislation that “Returning Heroes” tax credit of explained. “But with the huge damage the would increase and extend the payroll tax between $5,600 to $9,600 for hiring Wall Street-created financial crisis did to cut in place this year, invest in job-creat- unemployed veterans. the economy, it just didn’t go far enough. ing infrastructure projects, and take Ⅲ Cut payroll taxes in half for 160 mil- The American Jobs Act will help remedy other measures to improve the struggling lion workers in 2012, putting an extra this and get millions of workers back on economy. $1,500 in the pockets of a typical their feet. Speaking to a joint session of household, while also halving the pay- “It’s equally important that the presi- Congress, the president urged passage of roll taxes businesses pay on their first dent’s plan asks the wealthiest this bold initiative to jump start the econ- $5 million in wages and entirely elimi- Americans and big business to start con- omy and create approximately 2 million nating payroll taxes on newly-hired tributing their fair share to the country jobs. workers or raised salaries. that made their prosperity possible,” “President Obama is right to make McNutt said. “As billionaire investor Ⅲ Prevent 5 million Americans from los- creating good jobs his top priority,” said Warren Buffett so eloquently stated, it’s ing their jobless benefits by extending Local 400 President Tom McNutt. “The an outrage that he gets taxed at a lower unemployment compensation and American Jobs Act takes many important rate than his secretary. steps toward reducing unemployment making innovative, work-based “If the Republicans who control the and strengthening the struggling middle reforms, such as providing unemploy- House and hold the Senate hostage by class. Given the harsh impact of the eco- ment insurance for workers whose abusing the filibuster fail to pass the nomic downturn, passing this bill is the employers choose work-sharing over American Jobs Act, it won’t be because minimum Congress should do. Surely, layoffs. the legislation won’t work,” McNutt said. this is far more important than their Ⅲ Enable more homeowners to avoid fore- “As President Obama noted, it includes recent brinksmanship on budget cutting. closure by refinancing their mortgages many ideas supported by Republicans in “Simply put, any member of Congress at today’s record-low rates, saving more the past. Rather, their opposition would who opposes this bill and who fails to offer than $2,000 a year for many families. reflect a cynical decision to let the econo- a concrete, credible plan to create as many The legislation would not increase the my fail because they believe that would or more jobs and increase wages clearly deficit because its total cost, $450 billion, enable them to defeat the president in stands against working families and does would be fully paid for by repealing tax next year’s election. not deserve re-election,” McNutt said. breaks for millionaires and billionaires “Every political party wants to win, Specifically, the American Jobs Act and by closing loopholes and subsidies but to base your strategy on increasing would: used by big businesses, oil companies, unemployment and suffering among Ⅲ Invest $140 billion in infrastructure hedge fund managers and private jet working families would set a new low in AMERICANand preventing layoffs. This includes owners. American politics,” McNutt charged. $50 billion for highway, transit, rail “The federal government needs to do “I urge our members to call Congress,” and aviation construction and repair, more to kick start a true economic recov- McNutt said, “and tell their representa- $30 billion for modernizing and ery—one that brings back prosperity tives and senators to pass the American upgrading school and community col- throughout our society rather than limit Jobs Act now.” lege buildings, and $35 billion for state it to the ultra-rich,” McNutt said. “The Members of Congress can be reached and local governments to keep up to American Jobs Act will help greatly in at the Capitol switchboard—(202) 224- achieving this urgent goal. 280,000 teachers from being laid off. 3121. JOB ACTSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 UNION LEADER 5 Edit Pgs Sept-Nov_2011:Layout 1 10/14/11 12:58 PM Page 6

• LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & Virginia Senate Control at Stake In November 8th Elections It Must Remain a Firewall Against McDonnell’s Anti-Worker Policies Four years ago, Virginia voters elected cut the Chesapeake Bay’s menhaden who are on our side and get our co-work- a pro-worker majority in the state Senate harvest and destroy our members’ liveli- ers, friends and neighbors to do the same, for the first time in many years. This hood and the Northern Neck economy. or we put our jobs, our wages, our rights remarkable victory for Local 400 mem- With a Senate majority, Local 400 and our and our futures at risk,” McNutt said. bers and all working familes paid impor- allies have been able to defeat these In addition to the state Senate, elec- tant dividends over the past two years, efforts and keep our members working. tions will be held on November 8th for because the Senate was a firewall Losing control of the Senate could the House of Delegates. Currently, there against extremist Gov. Bob McDonnell’s change this next year. are 59 Republicans, 39 Democrats and 2 (R) anti-worker, anti-union agenda. His “While the attacks on Omega workers Independents in the House, so a change worst plans and proposals never became are being made under the pretense of of control is unlikely. Nevertheless, re- law because the Senate majority blocked environmentalism,” McNutt said, “there electing our supporters and defeating our them. is a hidden agenda here—developers opponents is critical. Narrowing the mar- However, all that could change on may want to take over the Omega plant, gin of control would create new opportu- Tuesday, November 8th, when elections which sits on prime waterfront real nities for progress in that chamber, too. for the Virginia General Assembly will be estate, and they are doling out money to “I want to emphasize that this is not held. The Democrats’ four-seat margin is Virginia legislators to get what they just about playing defense and stopping in jeopardy, and with it, the opportunity want. We cannot let them get away with the anti-worker extremism of McDonnell to keep McDonnell’s most dangerous it, and this election is key to stopping and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli,” ideas at bay. their greed and keeping our members McNutt explained. “It’s also about being “Elections have consequences,” said employed.” able to do some good. For example, earli- Local 400 President Tom McNutt. “When One of McDonnell’s most vicious er this year, we helped pass legislation our allies and supporters won control of assaults on Virginia workers was an effort making long-needed improvements in the Virginia state Senate four years ago, to take the commonwealth’s notorious Virginia’s worker compensation system. we gained greater power to change state “right-to-work-for-less” law—which “With the election coming up, it’s time policies and budget priorities for the bet- forces unions to represent non-members to walk the walk—literally,” McNutt said. ter, as well to stop McDonnell’s attacks on who pay no dues and lowers wages “We strongly encourage our members to workers. We cannot let this slip away. across the state—and enshrine it in become activists by volunteering to walk Local 400 members should fight as hard Virginia’s Constitution. The Senate door to door, by calling voters through our as they can to keep the Senate in the stopped this noxious constitutional phone banks, by leafleting our worksites, hands of pro-worker forces.” amendment, but if Republicans regain and by helping people get out to vote on Also potentially at stake are control this fall, it could pass next year. election day.There is too much at stake to the jobs of Local 400 mem- In addition, legislation is do any less. bers working as men- expected next year to allow “Every little bit makes a difference,” haden fishermen alcohol to be sold by self- McNutt said. “Many of these seats are in at Omega Protein checkout—yet another swing districts and will be decided by a in Reedville, Va. attack on the jobs of handful of votes. To win statewide, we Every year, legisla- Local 400 members and must win the close ones.” tion is introduced most other retail workers. For a complete list of Virginia Senate in the Virginia “The choice before us and Delegate candidates recommended General Assembly is simple—either we get by Local 400, please see the opposite that would drastically out and vote for candidates page.

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& LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LO VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH! Local 400 Virginia Voters Guide 2STATE 0 SENATE 169 Betsy Carr* (D) 112 Don Langrehr (D) (Please note that for districts 70 Delores McQuinn* (D) 20 Laura Kleiner (D) HOW not listed, Local 400 has made 71 Jennifer L. McClellan* (D) 57 David J. Toscano* (D) no recommendation.) 74 Joseph D. Morrissey* (D) 59 Connie Brennan (D) Candidates Are 75 Roslyn C. Tyler* (D) Recommended Central Virginia COUNTY OFFICES Eastern Virginia (Please note that for districts and 9 A. Donald McEachin* (D) Local 400 recommends candi- offices not listed below, Local 400 10 David Bernard (D) 21 Adrianne Bennett (D) has made no recommendation.) dates for office only after an 16 Henry L. Marsh, III* (D) 64 William K. Barlow* (D) exhaustive process of getting to 17 R. Edward Houck* (D) 77 Lionell Spruill, Sr.* (D) Fairfax County 80 Matthew James* (D) know the candidates, analyzing 22 Bert Dodson (D) Sheriff: Stan Barry, Jr. 89 Kenneth C. Alexander* (D) Mason District: Penny Gross their records, and reviewing their Eastern Virginia 90 Algie T. Howell, Jr.* (D) Dranesville District: John Foust positions on issues such as jobs and 92 Jeion A. Ward* (D) 1 John C. Miller* (D) Hunter Mill District: the economy, workers’ rights, health 93 Robin Abbott* (D) 2 Mamie E. Locke* (D) Cathy Hudgins 94 Gary R. West (D) care, retirement security, workers’ 5 Yvonne B. Miller* (D) Mt. Vernon District: 95 Mamye E. BaCote* (D) compensation, education, and oth- 6 Ralph S. Northam* (D) Gerald Hyland 98 Andrew Shoukas (D) ers. Candidates judged to have your 18 L. Louise Lucas* (D) Braddock Rd District: best interests in mind are listed here Northern Virginia Northern Virginia Janet Oleszek At Large Chairman: as guidance. 13 Shawn Mitchell (D) 2 Esteban Garces (D) 10 David Butler (D) Sharon Bulova Here is how the process works: 29 Charles J. Colgan* (D) 30 Adam Ebbin (D) 13 Carl S. Genthner (D) Loudoun County 31 Roy Coffey (D) Local 400 compiles a list of all 31 Barbara A. Favola (D) Leesburg Supervisor: Kelly Burk 34 Pamela B. Danner (D) candidates running for office 32 Janet D. Howell* (D) Sterling Supervisor: 1. 35 Mark Keam* (D) 33 Mark R. Herring* (D) Alfonso Nevarez within their jurisdictions. 36 Kenneth R. Plum* (D) 34 J. C. “Chap” Petersen* (D) Broad Run Supervisor: 37 David L. Bulova* (D) Letters and questionnaires 35 Richard L. Saslaw* (D) Andrea C. McGimsey 36 Linda T. “Toddy” Puller* (D) 38 Kaye Kory* (D) are sent out to all who are Dulles Supervisor: 2. 39 Vivian E. Watts* (D) 37 Dave Marsden* (D) Larry Roeder, Jr. running. 41 Eileen Filler-Corn* (D) 38 Phillip P. Puckett* (D) Algonkian Supervisor: 42 Jack Dobbyn (D) 39 George L. Barker* (D) Denise M. Pierce The candidates who complete 43 Mark D. Sickles* (D) Ashburn Supervisor: and return their question- Western Virginia 44 Scott Surovell* (D) 3. Valdis Ronis 45 David L. Englin* (D) naires are contacted for per- 20 W. Roscoe Reynolds* (D) Blue Ridge Supervisor: 46 Charniele Herring* (D) sonal interviews. 21 John S. Edwards* (D) Jim Burton 47 Patrick Hope* (D) 23 Robert Short (D) At Large Chairman: Based on the questionnaires 48 Robert H. Brink* (D) 25 R. Creigh Deeds* (D) Thomas Bellanca and interviews, recommenda- 40 John M. Lamie (D) 49 Alfonso Lopez (D) 4. Prince William County tions are made to the execu- 52 Luke Torian* (D) HOUSE 53 James M. Scott* (D) tive boards of the respective Neabsco District: John Jenkins OF DELEGATES 67 Eric Clingan (D) Gainesville District: central labor councils. (Please note that for districts not 87 Mike Kondratick (D) Ann Wheeler listed, Local 400 has made no Woodbridge District: After acceptance, the recom- Western Virginia recommendation.) Frank Principi 5.mendations are communicat- 3 Vern Presley (D) At Large Chairman: Central Virginia ed to Local 400 members. 9 Ward Armstrong (D) Babur Lateef 63 Rosalyn R. Dance* (D) 11 Onzlee Ware* (D) * = incumbent

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• LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LO Getting Americans Back to Work An Interview with former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine As governor of Virginia from 2006 to 2010, Tim Kaine (D) was ernor. During a terrible economic downturn, I found ways to a consistent supporter of the interests of Local 400 members keep Virginia’s budget balanced by making targeted spending who put the well-being of the commonwealth’s working fami- cuts while investing in high-yield areas like education and infra- lies front and center. He left a remarkable record of achievement structure. My priorities in the Senate will be much the same. Our in creating good jobs even while the economy was taking a nation needs to get its financial house in order and I believe we nose dive, improving education, and strengthening Virginia’s fis- can find a balanced approach that reduces our long term obliga- cal health. tions while investing in key areas that will promote economic Today, Kaine is running for the U.S. Senate growth. seat currently held by Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) To me, a balanced approach means who is retiring. His likely opponent is former reducing spending in a wise, targeted fash- Gov. and Sen. George Allen (R), a divisive fig- ion and generating revenue to make the ure whose record was marked by doing the needed investments to grow the economy. bidding of the wealthy and big business, At this moment, when everyone is making embracing ideological extremism, and sacrifices to make ends meet, I see no need undermining the living standards of for expensive tax breaks for the wealthy and American workers. for extremely profitable oil companies. The Gov. Kaine recently sat down with the Bush tax cuts are a huge driver of our Union Leader to share his thoughts about deficits and mostly benefit a very few num- what’s at stake in next year’s elections and ber of extremely wealthy individuals. We the issues affecting Local 400 members’ need to let those tax breaks expire for the lives. Former wealthiest Americans to ensure that we pro- Virginia tect the middle class and make necessary Governor Q. Governor Kaine, why did you decide Tim Kaine investments that will create jobs. to run for the Senate? A. This is a critically important moment for our country. Too Q. Why do you think the economy continues to struggle? many Americans are out of work, wages have stagnated for the A. In many ways, this has been an economic lost decade for middle class, and our infrastructure has been badly neglected. I the middle and working class. Wages have stagnated and costs think this is a moment where anyone who can contribute to on everything from health care to college have continued to rise. finding solutions to our challenges has an obligation to do so. If we take a balanced approach to reducing our deficits and debt My experience as governor of Virginia during the worst reces- through targeted cuts and increased revenues, and couple that sion since the Great Depression has prepared me in a unique with investments in infrastructure, education, and other areas way to work with folks from different parties and different parts that give us a good bang for our buck, we will see this economy of the country to find balanced solutions. America has chal- move in a positive direction. lenges, but Virginia has answers to share with the nation. Q. If elected, your first year in office will be the year Q. What do you see as the most pressing issues facing many key provisions of the health care reform law are Virginia and the nation, and what will your priorities be as implemented. At the same time, the law will likely be sub- senator? ject to continuing attacks. What’s your position on imple- A. My first priority as senator will be to get our economy mov- mentation of the Affordable Care Act and what do you ing again and get Americans back to work. That should be the want to see it achieve? priority of every elected official. My approach to turning the A. The Affordable Care Act was a critical first step in expanding economy around is simple and it is based on what I did as gov- access to health care, reducing costs, and improving outcomes.

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• LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LO Getting Americans Back to Work No one should go bankrupt in America simply because they got tant balance against legislation and budgets passed by the sick or injured. Some of the key protections from that law are House of Delegates which would make Virginia less competitive already in effect: no more pre-existing conditions for children, economically. I’d encourage all of Local 400’s Virginia members closing the Medicare Part D donut hole, children can stay on to find out who is running to represent them, what they stand their parents’ insurance until age 26, and insurance companies for, and what they can do to make sure the voices of working are spending more on care instead of administration. I am com- people are heard in Richmond. mitted to preserving these important protections, but the Affordable Care Act was the first step in what will be a long Q. When you were governor, you helped protect the jobs process to increase access and affordability. of our members who work at Omega Protein in Reedville. Can you explain how you will handle similar situations as Q. Please contrast your record and your positions on the a Senator? issues that affect our members’ lives with those of your A. I’m a person who believes we can find a balance between likely opponent, former Sen. George Allen. the regulations needed to protect our environment and health A. Senator Allen and I have very different visions about how to and the need to protect jobs. When I heard that proposed state rebuild the middle class and create good paying jobs in America. regulations were going to have an adverse affect on your mem- His time in the Senate showed that he is a believer in growth from bers at Omega’s Reedville facility, I brought together both sides the top down. He voted for the Bush tax cuts which mostly bene- and forged a compromise that protected the health of the men- fited the very rich and produced little job growth, but when I was haden fishery and kept 275 UFCW members on the job. It was a governor, I signed a bill to eliminate state income taxes on many moment which showed that protecting Virginia's environment low-income Virginians, putting more money in their pockets. and supporting our economy can go hand in hand. That is the I also reject the notion that we have to solve our federal kind of balance I’ll seek as a senator. deficits on the backs of the vulnerable, like children and seniors. Even when forced to make unprecedented budget cuts as gover- Q. What should Local 400 members do nor, I preserved our safety net. In the Senate, things like Social to make their voices heard in the Security are seen as targets for those looking to make huge cuts. 2012 elections? I’m a big believer in preserving the Social Security program, A. The 2012 elections will be a critical though I think some small changes will be needed to ensure its moment for this country. On one side success. In contrast, Sen. Allen voted to put Social Security funds will be candidates who stand with into private accounts. If we had Social Security monies in the working Americans, who are con- stock market during the 2008 crash, seniors would have been cerned about the well being of the wiped out of their retirement savings. middle class, and want to find a bal- anced approach to solving our Q. While you’re no longer governor and are running for nation’s problems. On the national office, you possess a unique perspective on this other side will be a slate of November’s Virginia General Assembly elections. What is candidates with extreme at stake and why should Local 400 members in Virginia views on the role of govern- get out to the polls? ment, on privatization of A. I’d love to have Local 400 members’ support in November Social Security, and ways 2012, but this November is an absolutely critical election for to get our economy mov- Virginia. Every state legislator is up for election and control of ing again. Take a close the State Senate will be determined by the outcome. While I was look at the folks who governor, Democrats took control of the State Senate and served are asking to represent as a great legislative partner to move Virginia forward. Over the you and see whose val- last few years, the Democratic Senate has served as an impor- ues line up with yours.

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• LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LO NLRB Ruling Protects Workers’ Right to Vote Makes Representation Elections More Democratic

In a long overdue first step toward addressing challenges on voter eligi- “Imagine if in our political elections, giving workers a more free and fair vote bility after the election, rather than one candidate could meet with every about whether to empower themselves before—today, this is a frequent man- voter as often as he or she liked, while through union representation, the agement delaying tactic—and the other candidate was only able to meet National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) by consolidating all appeals into one some of the voters once or twice,” McNutt recently issued a proposed rule to expand post-election process. said. “We’d be outraged, we’d call it a workplace democracy and create a more Ⅲ Improve communications between rigged election, and we’d be right. level playing field. unions and workers by requiring “Well, that’s exactly how we should feel The proposed rule would shrink or employers to give unions not only the about today’s representation election eliminate many of the obstacles currently names and addresses of workers eligi- process,” McNutt explained. “Employers used by most employers to stack the deck ble to vote, but also their telephone require all workers to attend captive audi- against unions by streamlining and mod- numbers and email addresses in elec- ence meetings, where they spread anti- ernizing the election process, and by giv- tronic format. union lies, and they hold as many of these ing unions more opportunities to “The right to vote is central to our as they like. Of course, the longer manage- communicate with workers. democracy,” said Local 400 President ment delays an election, the more captive Its key provisions would: Tom McNutt, “and the NLRB is working audience meetings they have. By contrast, Ⅲ Speed up elections, primarily by to restore it. unions cannot enter the workplace, cannot require attendance at any meeting, and have far fewer opportunities to meet and Tomblin Wins W.Va. Governor’s Race talk with workers. With backing from Local 400 and the West Virginia “Thankfully, the NLRB is finally doing labor movement, Earl Ray Tomblin (D) won an October something about this travesty of justice 4th special election to serve the remainder of ex-Gov. and bringing more balance to this vital (now Sen.) Joe Manchin’s term as governor. decision-making process,” McNutt said. Tomblin defeated businessman Bill Maloney (R), an “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he anti-worker millionaire with out-of-state roots who had added. “Today, workers who want a union retired in Georgia before deciding to run for governor of have to wait months or even years to West Virginia. have their rights recognized and upheld. Since becoming acting governor last November after By the time they win union representa- West Virginia Gov. Manchin resigned upon his election as senator, Tomblin tion and gain a first contract, many have Earl Ray Tomblin has compiled a strong record, keeping the state’s unem- moved on to other jobs or even retired. ployment rate below the national average and making West Virginia one of the This is wrong, it has to be fixed, and the few state governments with a budget surplus. He has worked as a consensus- NLRB rule will help do it. I urge our builder and has enjoyed the support of both labor and business. members to call Congress and tell them “Governor Tomblin’s victory is good news for our members and West Virginia’s to allow this rule to go forward so that working families,” said Local 400 President Tom McNutt. “It means we’ll contin- workers’ rights are restored.” ue to have a leader in the state house who is working to create good jobs, to Senators and representatives can be build the middle class, and to enact policies that make life better for all.” reached at the U.S. Capitol switch- board—(202) 224-3121.

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• LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LOCAL 400 POLITICS & LEGISLATIVE WATCH • LO Social Security Is Sound Don’t Be Fooled by Talk of Crisis

You’ve probably heard it many times than on those making six-figure of weakening, privatizing or eliminating a before—“Social Security is going broke. salaries. program that has done more to lift senior It won’t be there for you when you retire. Ⅲ Social Security is actually reducing the citizens out of poverty than any initiative It’s the main cause of the deficit.” deficit. Over the past several decades, in U.S. history,” said Local 400 President Guess what? That’s wrong, wrong and Social Security has brought more Tom McNutt. wrong. money in than it has “We saw that with Extremist politicians, media pundits paid out. The Social President Bush’s privati- and others have been spreading many Security Trust Fund actu- “The idea of zation scheme and now myths about Social Security, doling out ally lends money to the increasing the we’re seeing it as tea false information. This matters a lot government to help the partiers use a manufac- because the so-called congressional Treasury pay its bills. This retirement age … tured debt crisis to try to super committee that is charged with cut- will change in coming is especially cut benefits and raise the ting the deficit by $1.5 trillion over the years as the baby boom retirement age through next 10 years as part of the debt-ceiling generation retires and dangerous.” the back door,” McNutt deal might decide to target Social starts drawing benefits, charged. “This would be — Local 400 President Security, even though this is not neces- but even then, Social yet another way for them Tom McNutt sary to fulfill its mission. Security will not be a to send working families Here are the most important facts you primary cause of future on the road to poverty in need to know about Social Security: deficits. our so-called ‘Golden Years.’ Ⅲ Social Security will be able to pay Ⅲ Social Security benefits are a founda- “The idea of increasing the retirement benefits in full through 2037. After tion of your retirement income. Today, age, often mentioned by politicians who that point, it would pay 75 percent more than half of senior citizens in are out of touch with the realities of life of current benefits if nothing is ever America rely on Social Security for the for working people, is especially danger- done. In other words, it’s a problem majority of their retirement income, ous,” McNutt said. “Let’s face it—if you that needs to be fixed over time, not according to the Center on Budget work at a desk in a nice white collar job, an urgent crisis. and Policy Priorities. This is unlikely to maybe you’ll want to put off retirement Ⅲ The fix is simple. Today, Social be the case for most Local 400 mem- until you’re 70 or older. But if your job Security taxes are imposed on earn- bers thanks to the defined benefit involves hard physical labor, like Local ings up to $106,800. If we eliminate pensions negotiated through collective 400 members working at supermarkets, this cap and impose Social Security bargaining. Nevertheless, Social food processing plants and health care taxes on all earnings while keeping Security will be important. Benefits are facilities, you may need to retire much benefits for high-income retirees at progressive, replacing a higher per- earlier. You might not have a choice. But current levels, that will guarantee full centage of past income for lower- you would be the ones paying the price, funding of Social Security for the income retirees than those who not CEOs or millionaires. foreseeable future. Only upper- earned more, and they rise with the “That’s why I urge you to call your rep- income taxpayers would bear the cost of living. Without Social Security, resentatives and senators,” McNutt said. burden for protecting Social Security 45 percent of senior citizens would be “Tell them not to cut Social Security in any benefits for all Americans. Equally living in poverty, compared to 10 per- way. Tell them to repeal the cap on Social important, the Social Security tax cent today. Security taxes instead, to protect retire- would no longer be regressive as it is “Right-wing Republicans opposed the ment security in a fair and just way.” today, imposing a greater burden on creation of Social Security in the 1930s Members of Congress can be reached middle- and lower-income workers and they’ve never given up their dream at (202) 224-3121.

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Daniel O. Weber Produce Kroger #772 Charleston, W.Va.

Carla Bernal Customer Service Giant #301 Aspen Hill, Md.

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Aklog Aseffa RN/Lead Nurse Kaiser Prince George’s Medical Center Hyattsville, Md.

Kevin Belle Mechanic Boar’s Head Petersburg, Va.

Dave Herron Meat Manager Shoppers #2366 College Park, Md. Estelle O’Shields Cashier Safeway #2661 Waldorf, Md.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 UNION LEADER 13 Edit Pgs Sept-Nov_2011:Layout 1 10/14/11 12:59 PM Page 14 Let’s Keep Our Firewall Guest Column by Virginia AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays On behalf of the Virginia AFL-CIO, I vacation, the ability to go to a doctor and want to thank the leadership and to one day retire with dignity. We believe that people should be able members of UFCW Local 400 for to work hard at one job (not two or the work you do every day. You three) and be able to make it in this work tirelessly to serve your mem- country. bers and the community and I Despite the struggles of the last year, we accomplished a lot. We helped want to thank you for your com- strengthen Virginia’s workers compensa- mitment to making their lives bet- tion system for the first time in 20 years, ter and fighting the good fight day and UFCW Local 400 got a strong and comprehensive Big Box bill passed in after day. Loudoun County. Twenty-eleven has been quite the year In Virginia we have an election every to date. year. This November, we must hold on to We’ve experienced unprecedented the Virginia State Senate. attacks on our unions, on our members, Quite simply, the Democrats in the and on the very things that working peo- Senate have been our firewall. They’ve ple depend on and care about. protected us from a lot of disastrous leg- The things we all thought were a islation that would have weakened work- given, the things that keep our country ers’ rights and protections. If we were to strong and fair—these are the things lose the Senate, the opposition will win they seem the most intent on destroying: “We must elect their attacks on workers. workers’ rights and protections, job train- leaders who stand Elections matter and these races are ing programs, Social Security, Medicare, often decided by dozens of votes. Eileen Medicaid, OSHA, the Fair Labor Standards up for working Filler Corn is in the House of Delegates Act, and our country’s public education people.” because she won 37 more votes than her system and infrastructure. opponent, while our brother Bobby At the same time, they are trying to Matheison is not in the House of orchestrate a scheme that Robin Hood’s evil twin would come Delegates because he lost by 14 votes to his opponent. up with: transferring wealth from working people and handing it Now more than ever, we must elect leaders who stand up for directly over to the rich. Congressman Paul Ryan’s budget is but working people and who care about the survival of the middle one example—it would slash programs working families rely class. on and hand the savings over in the form of tax cuts to million- The Virginia AFL-CIO has a labor program that consists of aires, billionaires, and massive corporations. worksite leaflets, phone banking, local union mail, and labor to Honestly, it’s pretty surreal. labor walks. Everyone should know that what a member does Their plan is to weaken the voice of millions of working and to volunteer for the program matters. For example, in a walk middle class families. packet you can reach 30 households, an hour of phone bank- It is a dark vision that flies in the face of what we believe this ing enables you to reach 40 or more union voters, and 60 min- country is about. We belong to the labor movement because we utes of leafleting your worksite ensures that you reach all your believe in fairness and justice. co-workers. We believe that people who work for a living deserve to have So the Labor 2011 program will work and we will hold on to safe and fair workplaces, family sustaining wages, days off for the Senate, but we have to be on the front line.

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Southern California Grocery Workers Avert Strike,Win Bargaining Victory After 10 months of talks and on the verge of going on strike, members of UFCW Locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 working at Ralphs (a Kroger banner), Vons (a Safeway banner) and Albertsons (a Supervalu banner) in Southern

California reached agreement on a Members of strong new contract. UFCW Local 770 march for a fair con- Negotiations were so heated and con- tract on September 9th. tentious that the members voted to authorize a strike and on September emphasized how their hard work makes about the very survival of the American 16th, they gave their employers 72 hours their employers profitable, demanded a middle class,” McNutt explained. “They notice of their intent to walk out. The fair share of the wealth they create— showed how jobs in the growing retail contract agreement was reached on and they won,” McNutt said. sector of our economy can support a fam- September 19th just as the strike was The Southern California bargaining ily, provide health and retirement securi- about to start. This victory for 62,000 battle was marked by an aggressive ty, and give workers the purchasing workers—the largest UFCW bargaining online and social media campaign waged power to create a lasting recovery from unit nationally—was a tribute to their by the workers, with thousands of mes- the Great Recession. involvement, activism and unity. sages sent by union members, customers “Their experiences will be invaluable “I want to congratulate our sisters and community supporters via email and to Local 400 as we prepare for our next and brothers in Southern California for Facebook to the grocery companies. round of bargaining this coming spring their Solidarity, their strength, their These efforts paid off with a three- with Giant and Safeway,” McNutt said. courage and their tenacity in winning year contract that increases wages and “Be assured, we will have the same first-class agreements that will improve protects health care and pension bene- Solidarity and spirit as we demand that their lives in the years to come,” said fits. these profitable, growing companies do Local 400 President Tom McNutt. “This battle was about more than the right by our members, whose hard work “Facing a difficult environment and living standards and futures of 62,000 and extraordinary productivity makes management attacks, they stood firm, Southern California workers—it was their success possible.”

UFCW LOCAL 23 MEMBERS RATIFY KROGER CONTRACT More than 1,100 members of Local 23 who work at more a Facebook “flash mob” and many demonstrations. than a dozen Kroger stores in Ohio and West Virginia over- “In today’s toxic economic and political climate, nothing whelmingly ratified a new contract that includes pay increas- comes to workers without a fight,” said Local 400 President es and continued health care and pension protections. Tom McNutt. “Our brothers and sisters in Local 23 took the As in Southern California, these negotiations were also fight to management and won. In our bargaining with Kroger long and difficult. Over months of bargaining, Local 23 mem- this fall and Giant and Safeway next spring, we will seize the bers stood together, taking dozens of actions to garner public offensive, set the terms and take the lead. It’s our turn to support and send a message to management. These included make a stand, and that we will.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 UNION LEADER 15 Edit Pgs Sept-Nov_2011:Layout 1 10/14/11 1:00 PM Page 16 Stewards ACT to Prepare for Bargaining

Activist Contract Teams Mobilizing Members Stewards respond to the call to action. Pledging to mobilize members through Activist Contract Teams (ACTs) organized in each store, Giant and Safeway stewards recently met to prepare for what will likely be a tough and contentious round of bargaining in the spring of 2012. “We must get off the defensive and take the offensive,” Local 400 President Tom McNutt told the stewards, “because we will not be dictated to by management, we will not tolerate their usual tricks, we will not be lectured about how our employers somehow can’t compete, and we will not accept the notion that retail workers don’t belong in the middle class. “We are going to be firm, we’re going to stand in Solidarity, and at the end of the day, brothers and sisters, we are going to win!” McNutt McNutt with Local 400 member activists said. (from left to right) Larry Cease, Michelle At the seminar, held at the National Redmond and Jeremiah Garner, who discussed why they are forming Activist Labor College, stewards heard presenta- Contract Teams (ACTs) in their stores. the equivalent of $5,286 an tions on Ahold’s attacks on Virginia hour. In a single work day, he workers through its non-union Martin’s earns $42,285—more than banner, the new contract won by many of our members make in Southern California grocery workers (see an entire year. So if he comes page 15), the battle to protect members’ and tells us to accept lower benefits, and the truth about Giant’s and wages or fewer health bene- Safeway’s finances. fits or to pay more for our “Here’s what we need to know first and foremost,” McNutt retirement, we’re going to remind him of this fact—Safeway is said. “This is not about keeping Giant and Safeway profitable. profitable because Local 400 members make Safeway prof- They’re doing just fine. And they’ll still be doing fine under the itable!” contract we want to negotiate.” Giant-Landover is Ahold’s Profit Center Safeway is Profitable In the case of Giant-Landover, owned by the Netherlands- McNutt noted that in 2010, Safeway’s total sales were $41.5 based multinational corporation Royal Ahold NV, it’s the compa- billion, up from $40.85 billion in 2009, and its operating profits ny’s unionized U.S. operations that are the conglomerate’s profit totaled nearly $1.2 billion. centers, accounting for more than half of its volume and net In the first quarter of 2011, Safeway’s total sales rose 4.8 income. percent to $9.8 billion, compared to $9.3 billion in the same In its 2010 Annual Report, Ahold reported 29.5 billion Euros quarter of 2010. In the second quarter, sales hit the $10.2 billion in total sales, but Ahold USA accounted for 17.8 billion Euros mark—a 7.1 percent increase over the previous year’s quarter. —60 percent. This reflected an increase of 5.1 percent in the Notably, Safeway CEO Steve Burd received nearly $11 million U.S., while sales in Europe declined by 3.5 percent. in total compensation last year. In the first quarter of 2011, Ahold continued to thrive overall, “Just think about that,” McNutt commented. “He’s making but with its unionized American operations leading the way.

16 UNION LEADER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 Edit Pgs Sept-Nov_2011:Layout 1 10/14/11 1:00 PM Page 17 Stewards ACT to Prepare for Bargaining Overall sales were up 5.9 “We are launching a powerful contract campaign,” he percent over the first explained. “One that’s proactive, that fires first, that shapes the quarter of 2010, but the debate, that reaches out to the community, that mobilizes our increase was 7.4 percent members, and that sets the stage for success. in the U.S. “We’re going to build a grassroots army throughout the DC Of Ahold’s 213,000 gro- area,” McNutt said. “An army of members fighting for their cery workers employed future, joined by community allies fighting for a better quality of worldwide, Giant-Land - life and a stronger local economy.” over and Stop & Shop in The framework for this grassroots army will be Activist New England employ Contract Teams set up in each Safeway and Giant store. Local 86,000 workers—most of 400 ACTs will recruit volunteers among members and communi- them members of Local ty supporters, participate in actions, and make the case for a 400, Local 27 and the strong contract not only to the company, but to customers and UFCW’s New England the public at large. locals. “With our Activist Contract Teams as our front line troops, What complicates mat- we’ll be going on the offensive,” McNutt said. “We’ll be staging ters is the fact that its powerful actions in advance to define the terms of the debate, to Giant-Martin’s banner is get the public and opinion leaders behind us, and to put manage- trying to deny its 30,000 ment on the defensive. workers the same right to “We will send them a message that we’re prepared,” he said, union representation enjoyed by the company’s other employees “that we’re unified, and that we will bargain hard for what our in the U.S. and around the world. Ahold is deploying union-bust- members have rightfully earned. ing tactics against its Martin’s workers that are similar to “We will leave no stone unturned, and with the involvement those used by chains like Walmart and Wegman’s. and activism of our members, we will get the best contract pos- Not coincidentally, Giant-Martin’s is losing money. Ahold sible,” McNutt said. reported a loss of $11 million late last year from its purchase of the Ukrop’s chain in Richmond, now operating on a non-union A Larger Cause basis as Martin’s. This caused Ahold’s net earnings to drop by “A lot is riding on what we do,” McNutt told the 8.6 percent, and Ahold USA’s operating income to plummet by stewards. “First and foremost, what’s at stake is 16.2 percent in the third quarter of 2010. your standard of living, your health and retirement “It’s the USA that’s keeping Ahold in the black,” McNutt security, your working conditions, and your future said, “it’s Giant-Landover and Stop & Shop that are keeping prospects. Ahold USA profitable, and it’s time for our members to receive “But we’re also part of a larger fight,” he more of the wealth their hard work is generating!” explained. “A fight for the very survival of the American middle class. Because retail Taking ACTion is where the jobs of the future are. McNutt emphasized to the stewards that in these negotia- Retail is where there will be the great- tions, Local 400 will seize the initiative. “We’ve accepted their est growth in employment over the next arguments about how hard it is to compete against non-union decade and beyond. groceries,” he said. “We’ve made sacrifices in exchange for hol- “We are low promises about future growth. Worst of all, we allowed here to prove them to divide us one from another. “We’re done playing defense,” McNutt said “We take offense (Continued Local 400 at their attacks—and we are going on the offensive. on page 25) President Tom McNutt fires up stewards for the battles to come. Edit Pgs Sept-Nov_2011:Layout 1 10/14/11 1:00 PM Page 18

Flash Mob Takes Over Laurel Walmart Demands Respect for DC, Respect for Workers Singing, “All we’re asking is for Respect (Prove you mean it),” more than Coalition is spreading the message that 100 DC residents and members of the Living Wages, Healthy Communities Walmart should respect DC or stay out. This flash mob was a brilliantly creative Coalition held a flash mob at the Laurel, Md., Walmart. Accompanied by a way to expand support for an enforceable brass band and chorus, they took over the store to colorfully demonstrate community benefits agreement and to let the depth of support for an enforceable community benefits agreement the world’s largest retailer know that workers and community residents will before the world’s largest retailer is allowed to enter the nation’s capital. not be ignored.” The event left a pow- This flash mob erful—and positive— marked another step in impression on all who growing grassroots- witnessed it. based pressure on the “When I saw the world’s largest retailer large crowd, heard the after a DC rally the pre- band and the words, I vious month where 200 couldn’t believe it,” people demanded that said Alan Barber, an Flash mob members sing for the community have a associate at the Laurel respect at the Laurel Walmart. seat at the table in Walmart. “But then to negotiations between listen to their words—that associates it will treat its employees and DC commu- Walmart and Mayor Gray. should be respected, too—that really nities with respect by paying a living “Respect isn’t shown by making one- touched me, because we don’t get the wage, and improving the quality of life in time contributions to buy off the support respect we deserve at work. Management surrounding neighborhoods. of DC politicians and others,” said overworks and underpays us, and then “Respect is what it’s all about,” said Mackenzie Baris, lead organizer at DC makes things worse by creating a climate Local 400 President Tom McNutt. “It’s Jobs With Justice. “It’s shown by always of fear so most associates are too afraid what every worker deserves, it’s what paying your workers enough to lift them to demand better treatment.” every union member receives, and it’s out of poverty and by supporting the com- Shoppers were also surprised as the what Walmart utterly fails to provide its munity and small businesses every day flash mob took over the store, especially associates and the communities it serves. your store is open. We want fair treat- once they heard the coalition’s message: I am very pleased that the broad-based ment, and that is a binding commitment Walmart must guarantee, in writing, that Living Wages, Healthy Communities to do right by DC.”

Walmart Job Training Deal Shows Company Can’t Be Trusted Walmart’s disrespectful approach to the Washington, DC, refused to consult with or even notify the DC Jobs Council community—buy people off with one-time donations but and other organizations working to end unemployment in make no commitments to act as a force for good in the the city. future—was on full display recently. “Under the Respect DC agreement, Walmart would be Walmart announced it will help fund a “Retail Academy” required to train and hire DC residents, and to pay them a at the Community College of the District of Columbia to living wage,” said Local 400 President Tom McNutt. “This train DC residents for careers in the industry—while at the hollow, cynical gesture by the company provides further same time refusing to guarantee that graduates would proof that Walmart will neither make nor keep any promises receive any hiring preference at its DC stores. In addition, it without an enforceable community benefits agreement.”

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Local 400 Members Ratify Fresh & Green’s Contract, Keep Jobs and Membership After SuperFresh Closes Natural Foods Supermarket First in U.S. to Be Unionized

For SuperFresh employees in Washing ton, continue to be empowered through union repre- DC, their membership in Local 400 enabled sentation,” said Local 400 President Tom McNutt. Fresh & Green’s is operating as a natural foods them to avoid the fate of so many other supermarket and its unique structure will enable workers when the chain’s owner, A&P, many members to gain new skills and career declared bankruptcy and went out of busi- opportunities. “I urge residents of Northwest DC and else- ness. After their store at 4330 48th Street, where in the metro area to shop at Fresh & NW, was purchased by Natural Market Green’s,” McNutt said. “Our members provide Restaurants Corporation of Toronto, unparalleled customer service and I believe shop- As the front door decal pers will find Fresh & Green’s far superior to non- Canada, and reopened as the first Fresh & makes clear, Fresh & union competitors like Whole Foods. In addition, Green’s is a union shop! Green’s in the nation’s capital, they not only their purchases will support the kind of quality kept their jobs—they also negotiated and ratified a con- retail jobs Washington, DC, needs, which in turn will give the city’s economy a boost. tract making them the company’s first U.S. facility to “This win-win agreement demonstrates that Washington, DC, operate as a union shop. remains a union supermarket city,” McNutt said. “We will keep “I couldn’t be more pleased that our members fighting for our members and for all retail workers who have the will stay employed, keep their health benefits, right to a voice in the workplace, a family-supporting job, health maintain their retirement security, and and retirement security, and career opportunities in their field.”

Local 400 President Tom McNutt explains the Fresh & Green’s contract to members.

After the ballots were cast, Local 400 members tallied the votes, deter- mining that the contract was overwhelmingly ratified. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 UNION LEADER 19 Edit Pgs Sept-Nov_2011:Layout 1 10/14/11 1:01 PM Page 20

Spotlight Heather Willis Steve Epperly Customer Service Produce Clerk Donald Jackson Kroger #401, Roanoke, Va. Giant #127, Olney, Md. Seafood Clerk Safeway #1177, Washington, D.C. Years in Union: 2 Years as Steward: 1

Family: Daughter

Enjoys Most about Being a Steward: Recruiting employees and helping with any problems they have

Hobbies: Music, art, interior design, the outdoors (hiking, fishing, snow- “Our union gives boarding) us representation.” “Our union provides protec- Future Plans: Graduate from tion from random firings and Hollins University, go to medical Years in Union: 18 guaranteed pay raises.” school and join Doctors without Borders Years as Steward: 1 Years in Union: 4 Family: Five children Years as Steward: 1 1/2 Enjoys Most about Being a Enjoys Most about Job: Helping Steward: Helping others people who need it Hobbies: Music, hiking, fishing, and Hobbies: Writing poems and study- just about anything outdoors ing the Bible Future Plans: Open a coffee shop Future Plans: To be a part-time “Our union means we have writer a strong organization that will Favorite Place on Earth: The zoo back me up.”

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Geraldine Porter Richard Lasky Sharon Glaser Deli Clerk Produce Associate Food Clerk Giant #793, Fredericksburg, Va. Kroger #501, Richmond, Va. Safeway #1956, Gaithersburg, Md. Years in Union: 34 Years in Union: 26 Years as Steward: 4 Years as Steward: 1 Family: Three daughters Enjoys Most about Job: Helping Enjoys Most about Job: Meeting employees and seeing our great cus- people tomers

Enjoys Most about Being a Enjoys Most about Being a Steward: Telling people about good “Our union keeps us Steward: Helping employees learn things organized in the store and about our union Hobbies: Reading, shopping and on top of work issues.” Hobbies: Going to the beach, trav- cooking eling, spending time with my family Years in Union: 4 Future Plans: Working at Safeway Years as Steward: 3 as long as I can and looking forward to retirement Enjoys Most about Job: Interacting with customers

Enjoys Most about Being a Steward: People person

Hobbies: Civil war relics—history, “Our union makes sure people NFL football, golfing, family!

are treated right.” Future Plans: Retirement and spend time with grandkids “Our union negotiates good benefits for us.”

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THE 2011-12 FELRA & UFCW HEALTH AND WELFARE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ARE:

Ngoc Duong of Fairfax, Va. A 2011 graduate of Chantilly High School, Ngoc served as president of the National Honor Society EIGHT and vice president of DECA, an association of marketing stu- dents. In competitions sponsored by DECA, she won first place in Virginia and finished in the top 10 nationally. She is attending the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia this fall, where she expects to major in economics, with the idea of possibly pursuing a career as a management consultant. Her father, Phuong Duong, works at Giant #758. “I FELRA was really excited to receive the scholarship,” Ngoc said. “It meant a lot because it’s coming from the union and they’ve sup- SCHOLARSHIP ported my parents so much.”

Kelly Jones of Shady Side, Md. Kelly graduated from Southern High School WINNERS in Harwood, Md., this past spring, where she played tennis, and was a member of the Student Government ANNOUNCED Association and the Interact club. Showing a diversity of talents, she was chosen Homecoming Queen and Class Clown as her senior superlative. Kelly is Kelly Jones Eight children of Local 400 members were attending Salisbury University this fall and plans to major in psychology, with an eye toward eventually seeking a masters or doctoral degree in the field. Her mother, awarded FELRA Scholarships to help fund their Susan Jones, works at Safeway #1129. “I was shocked at first because I’m sure there were so many other entries, and I couldn’t higher education for the 2011-12 school year. 8 believe that I was a scholarship winner,” she said. The FELRA & UFCW Health and Welfare Scholarship Kirill Korsak of Leesburg, Va. Kirill Fund provides $2,500 scholarships to help defray the cost attended Heritage High School in of college tuition for Local 400 members who work at Leesburg, where he graduated last spring in the top 5 percent of his class. Giant, Safeway or Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, and their Today, he is a first-year student at families. It is funded through the union’s collective bar- James Madison University in gaining agreements with these employers. Harrisonburg, Va., though he is actually “The scholarship winners are a fine group of young a sophomore due to the number of advanced placement credits he men and women who do our union proud,” said Local 400 Kirill Korsak received and dual enrollment courses President Tom McNutt. “I am especially pleased for their he took. The recipient of a physics merit scholarship, Kirill plans parents, because their membership in Local 400 has to major in the subject and has a special interest in the sub- fields of electronics and acoustics. He is teaching himself to play helped them help their children achieve their dreams. the piano and to produce electronic music, and is considering That’s what unions are all about.” becoming a researcher or engineer in these areas. His mother,

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Tatyana Korsak, works at Giant #799. “WOW,” he said of receiv- Raymond Ng of Rockville, Md. A ing the FELRA scholarship. “It’s more than what I thought I 2011 graduate of Rockville High would get.” School, Raymond had straight A’s all four years there and received the high- Amber Lee of Centreville, Va. A June est grade point average of his gradu- 2011 graduate of Thomas Jefferson ating class. He also played on the High School for Science and Technology volleyball team. He now attends the in Alexandria, Amber was president of University of Maryland at College Park the Assistive Technology club, which and expects to major in biology. His Raymond Ng uses technology to create videos, father, Tak Lee Ng, works at Giant books, and powerpoint presentations #127. “I was very happy and grateful to receive the scholar- tailored to the needs of children in spe- ship,” Raymond said, “because it will help me pay for college cial education classes. She also helped and that will help me later on in life.” Amber Lee conduct research on childhood asthma at the Children’s National Medical Center, co-authoring several Mariam Sankoh of Woodbridge, Va. research papers, and volunteered extensively to help children Mariam graduated from Gar-field Senior with disabilities. Amber is also an accomplished pianist, having High School in June 2011, where she played since age four, and won a competition enabling her to received an International Baccalaureate perform at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. She is now Diploma and was a peer diversity trainer attending Harvard College in Cambridge, Mass., and is consider- and member of the National Honor ing a career in the medical field as a surgeon and/or researcher. Society. Mariam is now a freshman at Her mother, Sung Lee, works at Safeway #0002. “I was thankful Virginia Commonwealth University in to my mother who has provided me the resources to perform Richmond. She is interested in the sci- Mariam Sankoh well at school and the chance to apply for this scholarship,” ences and exploring the possibility of Amber said. “I was also thankful to the union for recognizing becoming a medical research scientist. Her father, Idriss Sankoh, me among other deserving applicants and providing my family works at Shoppers #2358. “I was surprised to hear I received this with financial help for my education. I hope to reach a position scholarship and overjoyed that I would be able to go through col- where I can provide the same type of help to future students.” lege without putting a financial burden on my dad,” she said. “I also thought about the help my mom (who recently passed away Jennifer Lu of Derwood, Md. Jennifer May 17th of breast cancer) provided in getting the information graduated from Col. Zadok Magruder so that I could apply for this scholarship.” High School in Rockville this past May. There, she participated in the Math and Wilson Tang of Alexandria, Va. Wilson Chemathon Teams, and was a member graduated from Thomas A. Edison High of the Spanish, Science, Math, and School in Alexandria last fall. He partici- National Honor Societies. She won pated in Science Olympiad, Key Club many honors, including the AP Scholar and National Honor Society, and won with Distinction Award for completing the Science Department and Math Jennifer Lu seven advanced placement tests in Department Awards. He is currently a 2010, the National Center for Women & Information Technology freshman at the University of California Award for Aspirations in Computing, and the Harvard Book at Berkeley, where he plans to major in Wilson Tang Award. Today, Jennifer is a freshman at Johns Hopkins University electrical engineering and computer sci- in Baltimore, where she plans to major in chemical and biomole- ence with a minor in physics and mechanical engineering. cular engineering with a possible minor in computer science. Her Wilson would like to eventually pursue a doctorate in aerospace father, Chien Jung Lu, works at Giant #301. “I was glad to engineering and to work in the aviation industry. His mother, receive this scholarship,” she said, “because it will provide great Jenny Tu-Tang, works at Giant #748. “This scholarship will cer- support towards my educational career.” tainly help me along my path,” he said.

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THE 2011-12 LOCAL 400 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ARE:

Rachel F. Davis of Alexandria, Va. A June 2011 graduate of West Potomac High School in Alexandria, Rachel was football manager, and a member of the Marching Band, the Young Demo crats and a women’s leadership program. FIVE She currently attends Northern Virginia Community College and plans to transfer to Longwood University in LOCAL 400 Rachel F. Davis the fall of 2012 after she receives her associate’s degree. There, Rachel will work towards a doctorate SCHOLARSHIPS in Psychology with the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist who helps returning soldiers suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. “I have grown up in an age of terrorists and AWARDED war, snipers and elevated terror alerts,” she said. “I want to use my education to help heal.” Her mother, Emily Franks Davis, is a food clerk at Safeway #1019. “I was thrilled when I received the letter about winning the scholarship,” Rachel said. “I asked my mom to read it also to make sure I was reading it correctly! As a central part of its commitment to help There are so many costs associated with college. Finances shouldn’t be a deterrent to anyone’s continuing education. This members improve their families’ lives, Local will help a lot!”

400 awards $1,000 scholarships to five Thomas Doggett of Fredericksburg, Va. A 2008 graduate of Stafford Senior deserving members or their children annually. High School in Falmouth, Va., Thomas went on to receive an associate’s For the 2011-2012 school year, one member degree of arts & sciences and a general education certificate from Germanna 5 Community College, where he made and four children of members are receiving Academic Honors and the Dean’s List, and received an Academic Award in this assistance from their union to help defray Thomas Doggett the Spring of 2011. This year, he is attending James Madison University as a junior. He plans to the cost of college. graduate with a B.B.A. in finance and pursue either an M.B.A. or “This is about family,” said Local 400 President Tom a J.D., with the goal of ultimately starting his own company. His mother, Vicki Lynn Pritchett, is an assistant front end manager at McNutt. “We’re here to help our members’ families, but Giant #243. “When I got news of the scholarship, I got a feeling equally important, our union is one big family. We do what of accomplishment, like what I was doing was actually starting we can for one another and we help provide for every- to pay off,” Thomas said. “Paying for college is very expensive one’s future. I am especially proud of this year’s Local 400 and every bit of help is fully appreciated. My family is a typical middle class family who are suffering from the down economy. Scholarship winners—they are an impressive group of This scholarship will help cover tuition and give me the motiva- young men and women with big things ahead.” tion to keep working hard… One day I would like to be in a

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position to give back to the scholarship programs and educa- tional foundations which have been instrumental in helping Republicans Take me to obtain my educational goals.” Economy Hostage Alexandra Fox of Huntingtown, Continued from page 4 Md. A Local 400 member, Alexandra worked as a cashier at Safeway In explaining its move, S&P wrote, “The political #1731 from 2009 through this year, brinksmanship of recent months highlights what we while attending Huntingtown High see as America's governance and policymaking School, where she graduated this becoming less stable, less effective, and less pre- past June. Despite working 20 to 25 dictable than what we previously believed. The statu- hours a week at Safeway during the tory debt ceiling and the threat of default have school year and longer hours during become political bargaining chips in the debate over Alexandra Fox the holidays, she was still able to fiscal policy.” The company noted the Republicans’ participate in the Future Business Leaders of America, com- obstinate refusal to raise taxes or revenues of any kind plete the Academy of Finance program, and win the AP as another reason for the downgrade. Scholar Award last year. She succeeded by managing her While the impact of the ratings downgrade is unclear time effectively and because Safeway was supportive of her at this point, one likely outcome is higher interest rates, education, letting her leave early from work when she had which would further burden the economy. to study for exams. Alexandra currently attends Salisbury “What this low point in American political history University, where she plans to major in accounting, but is demonstrates is the urgent need to stop negotiating also considering history, her favorite subject. “I want to have with hostage-takers and to make the voices of America’s a career that allows me to help people,” she said. “I am very working families so loud that we drown out the cries of passionate and want to be able to make a positive differ- big business, the wealthy, and the extremists desperately ence in someone’s life.” She recalls being “absolutely trying to get even more,” McNutt said. “We must speak shocked” when she learned of receiving the scholarship. “I out more forcefully to demand every American’s right to am so thankful!” a good job, living wages, health and retirement security and respect in the workplace. We must hold politicians Garrett Grubb of Germantown, accountable for their actions. Ultimately, our activism is Md. Garrett graduated this spring the only way out of this morass.” from Northwest High School in German town, where he was a mem- ber of the National Science Honor Society, the Academy of Biotechnolo- Stewards ACT (Continued from page 17) gy, and Students for Change in Darfur. He is now a freshman at that you can work in retail, own a home and support a Towson University and is already family,” McNutt said. “We’re here to prove that you can Garrett Grubb involved in the rock climbing club, work in retail and retire in dignity, have a voice on the volleyball and other activities. His mother, Dee Grubb, is a job, be treated with respect, and have your health and front end clerk at Giant #320. “I was very happy to hear I won safety protected. We’re here to prove that you can work this scholarship,” he said. “It will be in retail, live the American dream, and provide a better extremely useful to me by helping future for your kids and grandkids.” me to afford my education.” Stewards left the seminar with a clear plan in place to build ACTs store by store and to have them ready to Paul Ryan Stephens of mobilize for action whenever needed. From their partici- Bristow, Va. His father, Paul Eric pation in workshops that were part of the seminar and Stephens, is assistant manager at in their questions and statements, they made clear that Safeway #1801. Efforts to reach him they are dedicated to Solidarity and energized for were unsuccessful. action. Paul Ryan Stephens

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 UNION LEADER 25 Edit Pgs Sept-Nov_2011:Layout 1 10/14/11 1:01 PM Page 26

Workers Helping Workers – You Make a Difference

Reachto local working families Out in need

Workers helping workers in their own communities – that’s what The Community Services Agency is all about.

To contribute through the United Way, use designation number 8253.

of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO

“It’s wonderful to know Your donation will: that people can be there for • Help laid-off or striking workers and families in financial each other when someone is in crisis buy groceries, avoid utility cutoffs, evictions and need. Your kindness in getting me and my family through this rough other emergencies. time will always be appreciated • Provide holiday baskets of food, clothes and gifts to and remembered in our home. families that would otherwise go without. Thank you for caring!” • Educate youth about careers with good wages and Union member benefits, and help adults needing job training. from Verizon And so much more! To find out more: www.dclabor.org • 202.974-8220 • Email: [email protected] Edit Pgs Sept-Nov_2011:Layout 1 10/14/11 1:01 PM Page 27

Attention: Employees of Giant & Safeway 2012 Annual Scholarship Awards f you work for a company listed above, under the provisions of your employer’s bargaining Icontract, you and your dependents may be eligible to apply for a scholarship from the UFCW and FELRA Scholarship Fund. Entry Deadline: December 31, 2011 Just fill out the preliminary application below and mail it to the Fund office postmarked by December 31, 2011. In January of 2012, eligible applicants will be sent additional information from the Fund.

Cut and mail PRELIMINARY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Employee Information SCHOLARSHIP FUND Name ______he Scholarship Fund expects to be awarding scholar- Social Security Number ______Tships to a select number of eligible participants and Employer ______their dependents who will be attending college or a uni- Home Address ______versity as full-time students in the fall of 2012. Participants City, State, Zip Code ______and their dependents are eligible to apply for a scholarship Home Phone Number______award if the participant completes at least one uninter- E-Mail Address ______rupted year of Service as of December 31, 2011 and is actively employed as of that date. In addition, Applicant’s Information dependent applicants must be under the age of 24 on Name ______December 31, 2011. Social Security Number ______Date of Birth ______Applicants who submit preliminary applications and meet (If Dependent of Employee) the initial scholarship award requirements will be mailed the full application form in early January 2012. Mail applications to: PRELIMINARY IMPORTANT: If your dependent does not have medical APPLICATIONS UFCW & FELRA coverage through the Fund office, please include a copy of MUST BE POSTMARKED Scholarship Program a marriage certificate (if spouse), or birth certificate or cus- BY DECEMBER 31, 2011. 911 Ridgebrook Road tody order (if child) with the preliminary application. Sparks, MD 21152-9451

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 UNION LEADER 27 Edit Pgs Sept-Nov_2011:Layout 1 10/14/11 1:01 PM Page 28

2011 AREA MEETINGS SCHEDULE * July Monday, October 24 Thursday, Nov. 3 CLARKSBURG CHARLOTTESVILLE Fiscal Report Best Western Holiday Inn 100 Lodgeville Road 1901 Emmett Street 1 BALANCE IN CASH ACCOUNT Bridgeport, WV 26330 Charlottesville, VA 22901 AT BEGINNING OF MONTH 705,183 (304) 842-5411 (434) 977-7700

2 RECEIPTS (from all sources): * All meetings are at 6 p.m. DUES 1,625,270 MISCELLANEOUS 54,698 2011 QUARTERLY MEETINGS SCHEDULE * 3 TOTAL RECEIPTS 1,679,968 Tuesday, Nov. 1 Monday, Nov. 7 Tuesday, Dec. 20 4 TOTAL OF LINES 1 AND 3 2,385,151 NORFOLK CHARLESTON LANDOVER Norfolk Office Holiday Inn – Civic Center Local 400 Headquarters 5 DISBURSEMENTS 3620 Tidewater Drive 100 Civic Center 4301 Garden City Drive for current months 1,501,058 Norfolk, VA 23509 Charleston, WV 25301 Landover, MD 20785 (304) 345-0600 (301) 459-3400 Wednesday, Nov. 2 6 CASH ACCOUNT BALANCE RICHMOND Wednesday, Nov. 30 at the end of current month 884,093 Holiday Inn-Central ROANOKE 3207 North Boulevard Central Labor Council 7 BALANCE AT END OF MONTH Richmond, VA 23230 2101 Dale Ave. SE as shown on Bank Statement 920,604 (804) 359-9441 Roanoke, VA 24013 (540) 345-4561 * All meetings are at 6 p.m. 8 DEPOSIT IN TRANSIT 0

9 TOTAL OF LINES 7 AND 8 920,604

10 LESS: Checks included ALL IN THE FAMILY in item 5 not returned Robert & Henry McCain, DanChem, Loss of with bank statement 36,510 Condolences Brother Zoe Jones, Giant 798, Loss of husband Family of Earl L Smith Sr, Omega Protein 11 BALANCE Sandra Besecky, Giant 791, Loss of granddaughter Banks Stamps, DanChem, Loss of mother (Should agree with Line 6) 884,093 Jackie Denholm, Giant 775, Loss of aunt Family of Richard Camirand, Giant 251 12 PETTY CASH FUND 750 Mark Underwood, Giant 788, Loss of mother Congratulations Family of Odis Price, Safeway 1702 & UFCW Margaret G Levitan, Safeway 1089, Birth of 13 TOTAL OF ALL LOCAL UNION’S Local 400 Executive Board Member Grandson SAVINGS ACCOUNTS at the end of month 2,383,315

14 DEPRECIATED VALUE OF Real Estate, Furniture, Have You Moved? Then Let Us Know! Equipment, Automobiles, etc. 817,741 Please fill in the information below.

15 OTHER ACCOUNTS NAME ______OR INVESTMENTS (Bond, Stocks, Credit Union, Building Funds, etc.) 931,689 NEW ADDRESS ______

16 LESS: LIABILITIES CITY______(other than Rent, Utilities, Withholding STATE ______ZIP ______and Per Capita Tax) 1,029,706

17 TOTAL WORTH OF LOCAL UNION PHONE NO. ______COMPANY & STORE NO. ______(Totals of lines 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 minus line 16 3,987,883 Mail this information to: UFCW Local 400, 4301 Garden City Drive, Landover, Md. 20785.

28 UNION LEADER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 Edit Pgs Sept-Nov_2011:Layout 1 10/14/11 1:01 PM Page 29

Attention: Employees of Shoppers Food Warehouse 2012 Annual Scholarship Awards If you work for a company listed above, under the provisions of your employer’s bargain- Iing contract, you and your dependents may be eligible to apply for a scholarship from the UFCW and FELRA Scholarship Fund. Entry Deadline: December 31, 2011 Just fill out the preliminary application below and mail it to the Fund office postmarked by December 31, 2011. In January of 2012, eligible applicants will be sent additional infor- mation from the Fund.

Cut and mail PRELIMINARY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Employee Information SCHOLARSHIP FUND Name ______The Scholarship Fund expects to be awarding scholar- Social Security Number ______Tships to a select number of eligible participants and Employer ______their dependents who will be attending college or a uni- Home Address ______versity as full-time students in the fall of 2012. Participants City, State, Zip Code ______and their dependents are eligible to apply for a scholarship Home Phone Number______award if the participant completes at least one uninter- E-Mail Address ______rupted year of Service as of December 31, 2011 and is actively employed as of that date. In addition, Applicant’s Information dependent applicants must be under the age of 24 on Name ______December 31, 2011. Social Security Number ______Date of Birth ______Applicants who submit preliminary applications and meet (If Dependent of Employee) the initial scholarship award requirements will be mailed the full application form in early January 2012. Mail applications to: PRELIMINARY UFCW & FELRA IMPORTANT: If your dependent does not have medical APPLICATIONS coverage through the Fund office, please include a copy of MUST BE POSTMARKED Scholarship Program a marriage certificate (if spouse), or birth certificate or cus- BY DECEMBER 31, 2011. 911 Ridgebrook Road tody order (if child) with the preliminary application. Sparks, MD 21152-9451

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 UNION LEADER 29 Edit Pgs Sept-Nov_2011:Layout 1 10/14/11 1:01 PM Page 30

LOCAL 400 RETIREES AM Briggs Carol A Woods, Reston, Va., 25 years Esperanza G Goico, Lorton, Va., 21 years Stacey Richardson, Cheverly, Md., 13 years William E Wuyek, Ruther Glen, Va., 32 years Rose M Goldston-Coehins, Capitol Heights, James R Stewart, Lanham, Md., 6 years Sheilah M Wyatt, Laurel, Md., 30 years Md., 18 years Evelyn D Hampton, Alexandria, Va., 25 years Boars Head Provision Kroger Lynne M Hardesty, Mechanicsville, Md., Capron, Va., Paulette W Harrison, 22 years Annie M Bates, Richmond, Va., 5 years 18 years Commodore Homes Richard E Towe, Portsmouth, Va., 6 years Patricia A Hayes, Mechanicsville, Md., 9 years Danville, Va., Dennis A Jones, 21 years Safeway Evelyn L Hearn, Stafford, Va., 24 years Travis A Henderson, Fredericksburg, Va., Giant Food Mohbub Ali, Winchester, Va., 9 years 20 years Richard G Aquilino, Greenbelt, Md., 39 years Lynette G Briggs, Waldorf, Md., 10 years Jorge Herrera, Annandale, Va., 11 years Kenneth J Ayers, New Market, Md., 39 years Jean A Fario, Ashburn, Va., 24 years Dennis M Houser, Bealeton, Va., 12 years Charles L Beale, Landover, Md., 33 years Deborah L Lancaster, Arlington, Va., 30 years Sonja E Humphrey, Takoma Park, Md., 13 years Deborah A Bland, Forestville, Md., 31 years Ronald D Latham, La Plata, Md., 30 years St Clair Hunter, Ft Washington, Md., 12 years Michael W Carter, Locust Grove, Va., 27 years Heloise G Makel, Rockville, Md., 24 years Ni T Huynh, Chantilly, Va., 19 years David K Denniston, Madison Heights, Va., Clarence A Purcell, Woodbridge, Va., 15 years 33 years Christopher L Seubert, Gaithersburg, Md., Sue A Keller, Greencastle, Pa., 23 years Mary L Divver, Owings, Md., 29 years 30 years Minh N Le, Gaithersburg, Md., 16 years Sharon L Doores, Warrenton, Va., 34 years Ilene L Tillman, Capitol Heights, Md., 13 years Mary E Leissler, Germantown, Md., 16 years Frank A Dubas, Huntingtown, Md., 10 years Hilda J Tucker, Galax, Va., 22 years Rafael A Mantilla, Alexandria, Va., 11 years Charles P Facini, Waldorf, Md., 32 years John J McDermott, Charles Town, W.Va., Shoppers Food & Pharmacy 22 years Jean A Fario, Ashburn, Va., 6 years Priscilla A Adams, Dumfries, Va., 26 years Calvin L McGuire, St Stephens Church, Va., Kathleen L Goodman, Herndon, Va., 23 years Donna A Arnold, Gaithersburg, Md., 31 years 15 years Kathleen L Goodman, Herndon, Va., 8 years Deborah J Atkinson, Huntingtown, Md., Josie S McKenzie, Silver Spring, Md., 26 years Phyllis A Hailstock, Washington, D.C., 22 years 35 years Dennis W Moore, Washington, D.C., 40 years Horace A Hall, Mitchellville, Md., 38 years Patricia A Beavers, Clinton, Md., 25 years James Moore, Capitol Heights, Md., 18 years Mildred L Hyman, Clinton, Md., 30 years Cherri L Benjamin, Rockville, Md., 37 years Alexander G Morris IV, Woodbridge, Va., Brian J Kapuscinski, Silver Spring, Md., Wilma A Bentley, Purcellville, Va., 19 years 24 years 11 years David E Blackett, Ruther Glen, Va., 37 years Bai V Nguyen, McLean, Va., 17 years Robert J Keeler, Nokesville, Md., 32 years Robert L Bogie, Linden, Va., 39 years Luy V Nguyen, Alexandria, Va., 16 years Charles E Kretzing, King George, Va., 41 years Virginia M Buckley, Finksburg, Md., 26 years Joseph L Peebles, Brookeville, Md., 22 years Eveline Y Li, Centreville, Va., 20 years Carl E Bumbry Jr, Adelphi, Md., 24 years Thomas J Ping, Woodstock, Va., 28 years Franklin G Marsh, Gaithersburg, Md., 9 years Gary E Burkhammer, Wheaton, Md., 11 years Judith L Powell, Dumfries, Va., 26 years Michael D McLain, Washington, D.C., 36 years Vernell O Carter, Lorton, Va., 6 years Ronald W Pugh, Stafford, Va., 11 years Sharon Morningstar, Kensington, Md., 32 years Judith A Catlin, Grasonville, Md., 35 years Cecil A Pullen, Flint Hill, Va., 16 years Milton A Mosley, Clinton, Md., 11 years Ida R Colvin, Broad Run, Va., 23 years Elizabeth L Riggs, Front Royal, Va., 25 years Roberta A Nichols, Alexandria, Va., 31 years Larry F Comer, Manassas, Va., 15 years Ronnie L Shumaker, Bluemont, Va., 29 years Glenn A Northrop, Woodbridge, Va., 38 years Paul Coulliette, Stephens City, Va., 23 years Curtis L Simpson, Frederick, Md., 20 years Paul G Ostrowski, Burke, Va., 15 years Vernita M Coulliette, Stephens City, Va., Mary J Smith, Fredericksburg, Va., 12 years James H Pennington Jr, King George, Va., 27 years Richard A Sutton Jr, Forestville, Md., 12 years 31 years William F Cunningham, Nokesville, Md., Stillman D Terry, Stafford, Va., 26 years Carol E Pollak, McMinnville, Ore., 32 years 11 years Oscar G Vidal, Annandale, Va., 19 years Jon F Roth, Fredericksburg, Va., 28 years Jensoma S Darego, Upper Marlboro, Md., James B Zello, Silver Spring, Md., 20 years Glen A Savoy, Capitol Heights, Md., 31 years 18 years Jackie R Stover, Rockville, Md., 23 years James A Davis, Odenton, Md., 23 years Super Fresh Fitz A Thomas, Silver Spring, Md., 11 years Paul E Deleon, Hanover, Md., 42 years William F Fitzpatrick Jr, La Plata, Md., 45 years Shuja U Warraich, Germantown, Md., 23 years Brian P Fallon, Olney, Md., 28 years Genevieve M Holt, Landover, Md., 40 years Betty L Williams, Woodbridge, Va., 34 years John W Fewell, Spotsylvania, Va., 13 years

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What Happened To Respect For the Law?

ince when has following the cited four other instances in which law. It’s radical. Extremist. Perhaps even law—and enforcing it—been Boeing officials made clear that the threat treasonous. controversial? of strikes in Washington state was their Anti-worker senators are even trying to S Only since tea party extrem- prime motivation for the company’s block the confirmation of NLRB General ists took control of the U.S. House—and actions, which the NLRB charged were Counsel Lafe Solomon, a career public ser- only when that law protects the rights of “inherently destructive of the rights guar- vant whose only agenda is to follow the working Americans. anteed employees” law. The case I’m talk- under the law. Not surprisingly, Boeing is a major ing about is the There are Seems like it ought donor to congressional Republicans. National Labor Rela- to be an open and shut Evidently, they not only bought politicians’ tions Board (NLRB) two political case, right? A corpora- votes on bills before Congress; they also ruling against tion violates the law bought the corporate equivalent of a get- Boeing’s planned move and legal systems and it must suffer the out-of-jail-free card. of a 787 production in America. consequences. It’s bad enough that there are two line from its unionized Not according to economies in America—one for corpora- Washington state facil- tea partiers, members tions and the rich that is producing ities to a non-union operation in “right-to- of Congress trying to get into their good unprecedented levels of wealth, and anoth- work-for-less” South Carolina. graces, and the recipients of Boeing’s er for the rest of us that is in the worst The NLRB alleges that Boeing acted to campaign largesse. shape since the Great Depression. It retaliate against its workers’ union for They have introduced legislation that seems there are two political and legal past strikes against the company. Without would forbid the NLRB from ever again systems, too. The wealthy and big busi- being reversed by the NLRB, Boeing would enforcing the law by ordering a company ness get to spend what they want and do be undermining its workers’ right to to reverse outsourcing plans, to reinstate what they want, while the rest of us get strike—a right enshrined in the law. work in existing operations, or to require the shaft from politicians and fewer pro- There is ample evidence supporting the investment in a plant where work was tections under the law. NLRB’s decision. In 2009, Boeing taken away due to union retaliation. Our best chance—indeed, our only Chairman and CEO Jim McNerney told a In other words, they want to make the chance—to undo this dire threat to our quarterly earnings conference call that law meaningless, and let violators like democracy is to fight back in Solidarity the South Carolina move was due to Boeing get off scot-free. through our union and the labor movement. “strikes happening every three to four There’s nothing conservative about Mark P.Federici years in Puget Sound.” The NLRB also having such a cavalier attitude toward the Secretary-Treasurer

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 UNION LEADER 31 Covers 1-4 Sept-Nov_2011:Layout 1 10/18/11 1:13 PM Page 4

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

BARGAININGUPDATEBYW.CHRISTIANSAUTER

A.M. Briggs Clearon Corporation Healthcare Services Group 40 employees, contract expired 70 employees, contract expires (Elizabeth Adam Crump Manor) 8/31/2011; Negotiations in 12/1/2011; Negotiations in progress 20 employees; contract expired 6/15/10 progress/contract extended Ratified 3 year agreement Clearon Corp. Lab Techs Andrews Air Force Base 4 employees, contract expires Kroger Farmville/ Barber Shop 12/1/2011 Appomattox 12 employees, contract expires 140 employees, contract expired 2/16/2012; Negotiations in progress Clinton Nursing 10/22/2011; Negotiations in progress & Rehabilitation Andrews Air Force Base 435 employees; contract expired Kroger West Virginia Beauty Shop 4/30/2011; Ratified 3 year agreement 3,500 employees, contract expired 5 employees, contract expires 10/15/2011; Negotiations in progress 2/16/2012; Negotiations in progress Commodore 97 employees; contract expired 1/31/11 Omega Protein Belpre Police Ratified 3 year agreement 90 employees; contract expired 13 employees, contract expired 4/17/2011; Ratified 3 year agreement 9/17/2011; Negotiations in Dr. Pepper/7-UP progress/contract extended 35 employees; contract expired Randy Wright Printing 5/14/2011; Ratified 3 year agreement 5 employees; contract expired 7/31/10 Bestway 45 employees; contract expired 6/30/10 E.M.D. Sales Takoma Park Police Negotiations in progress/contract New Employer; Negotiations in Progress 25 employees; contract expired extended 6/30/2011; Ratified 3 year agreement Gino Morena Enterprises Bethesda Co-Op (Aberdeen Proving Ground) Todd Enterprises 20 employees, contract expired 12 employees; contract expired 6/4/10 20 employees; contract expired 2/14/10 4/30/2011; Negotiations in progress Contract extended Negotiations in progress/contract (Ft. Meade Barber) extended Boar’s Head Jarratt 6 employees; contract expired 2/16/09 431 employees; contract expires Negotiations in progress/contract 2/22/2011; Ratified 3 year agreement extended