Spring 2016

‘Our voice is our power’ Stewards convene for educational conference

President’s Report: Changing our world for the better

Rosie’s Corner • Local 1167’s new organizers • Scholarships Union March 25, good Friday Contents March 31, Cesar Chavez Day offices May 30, Memorial Day President’s Report Organizing closed: 3 Changing our world — for the better 11 Quest workers join UFCW

What’s Happening Union Rep Report 4 Retirements, marriages, births 12 Union means family Next Quarterly In Memoriam Rosie’s Corner Membership Meetings: 5 Tony Perez 13 Dedicated to union women Wednesday, March 23, 2016 Steward Profile UFCW Local 1167 Scholarship 6 Rosio Thomas Rules Wednesday, June 22, 2016 14 New Staff Organizers UFCW Local 1167 Scholarship Meeting starts at 7 p.m. 7 Kenny Parada, Ana Cabral 15 Application new Member meetings Steward Conference ON THE COVER: held at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. 8 Education and inspiration Stewards at the recent Conference UFCW Local 1167 Auditorium 855 W. San bernardino Ave. bloomington, CA 92316 MAP New MeMbeR MeeTIngS DESERT EDGE Here to help Rick bruer editor MeMberSHIP ASSISTAnCe ProgrAM Are you a new member of UFCW Local 1167? Has one of your official quarterly publication of If you have Health Management Center co-workers recently joined our union? Local 1167, United Food and problems with : any time, day or night, Commercial Workers International Union 24 hours a day, Serving San bernardino, riverside and Alcohol, drugs, children seven days a week. get up to a $65 credit toward your initiation Imperial Counties, . & adolescents, family, emotional issues, All calls are confidential. fee when you attend a new Member Training Headquarters: gambling, marriage Meeting within six months of your hire date. 855 W. San bernardino Ave. Food Division bloomington, CA 92316 and/or financial/legal. call (800) 461-9179 Call (909) 877-5000 for dates, Mailing address: eligible active or retired P.o. box 1167 members can call the toll- Drug Division locations and answers to any questions. bloomington, CA 92316 free MAP number at the call (866) 268-2510 Union offices are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. The 2016 UFCW International UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship Program is available now until April 16, Closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 2016. This year, the foundation will award several scholarships of up to $8,000 each to UFCW members or business telephone: their unmarried dependents under the age of 20. The scholarship application is available online at: (909) 877-5000 www.ufcwcharityfoundation.org/scholarship. Toll-free telephone: (800) 698-UFCW Food and Meat Division insurance: Notice to all members: Your dues are now payable! (909) 877-1110 If you are one of the few members of the local who are noT YeT signed up for dues checkoff: YoUr DUeS Are noW DUe Drug & General Sales Division insurance: AnD PAYAbLe. IF YoUr DUeS Are noT PAID on or beFore THe FIrST oF eVerY MonTH, YoU WILL AUToMATICALLY SUS - (909) 877-2331 PenD YoUrSeLF. Telephone hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. With dues checkoff, all future dues can be deducted automatically from your pay check. If you do not have an authorization form, call the local and one will be sent to you immediately. Published by nonpayment or payment of the incorrect amount will automatically suspend you — a costly and inconvenient mistake. Although not required, the local, as a courtesy, normally sends billing notices by first-class mail to those not on dues checkoff. It is the 100% union shop member’s obligation to pay dues in a timely manner. not receiving a notice is not an excuse for failure to pay dues on time. www.ufcw1167.org Avoid suspension. Authorize dues checkoff today!

2 DESERT EDGE President’s Report RICK BRUER Changing our world — for the better

he only constant in our world joined the great American middle class. stick together to get what you deserve is change. And through our Now that middle class is in danger, in the contract. As we have done for our thoughts and actions we the victim of bad tax policy that favored Drug members, we aim to do T have the power to adapt to the rich and a misguided political phi - more than protect the existing standards the changes that come into our lives and losophy that has turned many people for wages, health care and working con - shape them to our will. against unionism. As a result, the rich ditions. We want improvements to the Let’s not be afraid of change, but have become very rich, the poor have current contract. seize it, embrace it and become it. become very poor and the great middle Here are some things you can do to As the author Gail Sheehy said: “If class has been stuck in a rut. make positive changes for our member- we don't change, we don’t grow. If we ship and others who work for a living: don't grow, we aren't really living.” • Support your UFCw negotiating team The fear of the unknown can be a in the Master Food negotiations. If you tremendous obstacle, but we have to work in a , let your man - take down that barrier. ager and co-workers know you support The history of the Labor Movement your union. Don’t pay attention to ru - is written by millions of brave men and mors and certainly don’t spread them. If women who took change into their you want factual information, ask your hearts and made the world a better Union Representative. You can also place. read the Desert Edge , visit our website Back in 1888, the average retail em - (ufcw1167.org) or check in with us via ployee earned $10 per week for 86 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t hours of work. That’s not a typo! Work - forget to look at your union bulletin ers had no holidays, no sick pay, no pen - board at your workplace! sions and no insurance. • Make sure we can reach you. UFCW Circumstances began to change Local 1167 may need to contact you via when the Retail Clerks National Protec - voice message or text to alert you of im - tive Union received its charter from the portant developments. If your informa - American Federation of Labor. That tion has changed, let us know union eventually became the Retail immediately by calling (800) 698- Clerks International Union before UFCW or (909) 877-5000 and asking merging with the Amalgamated Meat RICK BRUER for Membership Services. Cutters Union in 1979 to form the President • Attend membership meetings. We United Food and Commercial Workers. have regular meetings in Bloomington Our union’s achievements Now it’s time for our generation to and in outlying areas, including special Over the decades, the workers organ - step forward and bend change to our ad - meetings for new members. See page 2 ized and negotiated with their employ - vantage. It’s time for us to grow again, for details. ers by sticking together. They improved to organize again, to build a union that’s • Volunteer for Union organizing and their own lot and joined other unions in stronger than ever before. market-share protection. We need to demanding legislation to benefit all In sports terms, it’s time to stop play - grow stronger by organizing more working people: child labor laws, ing defense and carry the ball to the end workplaces and encouraging the public worker safety laws, the 40-hour work zone. to “shop union.” Talk to your Union week, the right to join a union. Soon, UFCW Local 1167 will join Representative about opportunities in And the world changed for the better. six other local unions in Southern Cali - these fields. In the wake of the Great Depression and fornia in bargaining with the major su - • Do your part to elect union-friendly the Second World War, retail workers permarket companies and we all need to Please see page 7

Spring 2016 3 What’s Happening IN MeMORIAM

Robert Dyckman , a retired meat cutter formerly em - res Rios worked for Stater Bros. in Fontana for ployed by Stater bros. , died on Sept. 13, 2015, at the Just Married 28 years. william Shewell Jr. worked for Stater age of 94. He had been a continuous member since July 1953. Teresa Aguilar , CVS , married Jose Bros. for 38 years. beverly Snyder worked for Raya on October 30, 2015 in Riverside. Stater Bros. for 34 years. Penny Ilizaliturri Olen Dansby , a retired drug clerk formerly employed Congratulations to our newlyweds! worked for Stater Bros. for 25 years. Phyllis by Thrifty Drug, died on Dec. 31, 2015, at the age of Spencer worked for for 32 years. 88. He had been a continuous member since october Lourdes Preciado worked for , 1964. Just Retired Lucky’s and Albertsons for 29 years. Pennee Allen emmerich , an affiliated member employed by Moore worked for Albertsons for 27 years. Lilly Albertsons, died on Jan. 17, 2016, at the age of 63. worked for Sav-on Drug for 11 The months of January, February and March De La Vega He had been a member since March 2004. years and then for Albertsons for 19 years. brought us several new retirees. Shari baker betty Jones , a retired food clerk formerly employed Debbie enriquez worked for and worked for Alpha Beta and for 32 by Thriftymart, AbC, Hughes & Lucky, died on nov. 19, Ralphs for 38 years. Teresa Canavan worked years. Ramon baquedano worked for Food 4 2015, at the age of 72. She had been a member since for Market Basket, Hughes, and Ralphs Gro - Less for 27 years. Charlesetta beasley worked october 1964. cery for 42 years. Mike bradley worked for for Ralphs for 41 ½ years. Keith bias worked Ralphs for 44 years. Marilyn Spero worked for Dale Little , a retired pharmacist formerly employed for Stater Bros. for 40 years. Genevieve Stater Bros. for 18 years. edward Diaz worked by Sage’s, Thrifty Drug and , died on nov. 27, Canedo worked for for 31 years. Robin for Albertsons for 34 years. Dayna bickmore 2015, at the age of 93. He had been a member since bates worked for Lucky, , Hughes and worked for Safeway and Vons for 24 years. April 1965. Ralphs for 41 years. Jacqueline bennett Congratulations to all of our new retirees! eddie Morales , a retired food clerk formerly em - worked for Vons for 37 years. Jill Stearns We wish you many healthy, happy years ahead ployed by Stater bros., died on nov. 2, 2015, at the (Douglas) worked for Market Basket for 8 to enjoy your well earned retirements. age of 79. He had been a continuous member since years. Henry (Hank) Mace worked for Alpha January 1955. Beta, Lucky, Albertsons and Stater Bros. for 36 years. barbara bittner Stout worked for Al - Just born Major McIntosh , a retired meat cutter formerly em - bertsons in Redlands for 42 years. Patti bow - ployed by Webster & Dart, Crawfords, Schaub’s and man worked for Vons for 39 years. Robert Tiffany Michelle beach’s, died on Dec. 2, 2015, at the age of 93. He had been a continuous member since August 1946. Calderilla worked for Stater Bros. for 44 Moore , Food 4 Less, years. Glen Case worked for Alpha Beta and says her son, Myron eugene Michaels , a retired food clerk formerly em - Ralphs for 43½ years. Kathleen Costa worked Ray Sykes IV, is her ployed by Michael's Markets, Mayfair Markets and for Alpha Beta, Lucky and Albertsons for 38 “first bundle of joy.” Alpha beta, died on oct. 5, 2015, at the age of 82. He years. Charla Cruz worked for Ralphs for 15 Myron was born on had been a member since August 1962. years. Rhoda Faumuina worked for Vons for Oct. 19, 2015, weigh - Tom Rea , a food clerk employed by ralphs, died on 29 years. Colleen Fitzpatrick worked for Alpha ing 5 lbs. 6 oz. and nov. 20, 2015, at the age of 60. He had been a mem - Beta and Stater Bros. for 27 years. Marlena was 18.3” long. ... Lynsey Lazzar , Stater ber since July 1973. Garewal worked for Thrifty Payless and Rite Bros., is pleased to announce the birth of Ardyce Sacre , a retired drug clerk formerly employed Aid for 21 years. Sande Gilbert worked for Paige Marie Lynde on Oct. 27, 2015. Paige by bush Drug, rexall Drug, and Thrifty Drug, died on Ralphs for 36 years. Karen Llewellyn worked weighed 7 lbs 6oz and was 21” long. ... oct. 30, 2015, at the age of 88. She had been a mem - for Safeway and Vons for 37 years. Katherine Veronica Saenz , Stater Bros, has a daughter, ber since november 1967. Magdaleno worked for Albertsons and Stater Sophia Isabella, who was born Oct. 30, David Shipes , a food clerk employed by Stater bros., Bros. for 25 years. Leslie Meadows worked for 2015, weighing 6 lbs. 13 oz. and was 18” died on Sept.1, 2015, at the age of 40. He had been Stater Bros. for 10 years. Donna Minter long. ... Autumn Page , Ralphs, has a new a continuous member since January 1999. worked for Albertsons for 29 years. Mark Nel - baby boy, Mason Vann, born Oct. 8, weigh - Matthew Springer , an affiliated member employed son worked for Lucky and Albertsons for 36 ing 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 20¾” long. ... Stephen years. Scott Patterson worked for Stater Bros. by Food 4 Less, died on Jan. 8, 2016, at the age of and Janet Schafer , both with Stater Bros., are 40. He had been a member since July 2000. for 26 years. blanca Perry worked for Hughes proud to announce the birth of Stephen M. and Ralphs for 28 years. Leonor Suarez Schafer III, born Nov. 29, 2015. Stephen Mary Tatum , an affiliated member employed by Al - worked for Safeway, Vons and Haggen for 28 weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz. and was 19” long. ... bertsons, died on Jan. 9, 2016, at the age of 52. She years. Jim Vanbeber worked for Albertsons for had been a member since october 2006. Chelsea Lopez , Rite Aid, has a new baby girl, 47 years. Leonor Villela worked for Lucky and Emily Rae Rojas, born Dec. 3, 2015, weigh - Larry Truex , a retired meat cutter formerly employed Albertsons for 25 years. Terry weir worked ing 7 lbs. 10 oz. and 21” long. ... by Vons, died on Feb. 1, 2016, at the age of 72. He for Alpha Beta and Ralphs for 45 years. Cyn - Daniel , Stater Bros., welcomed Matix had been a member since February 1971. thia whittemore worked for Stater Bros. for Sosebee 28 years. Jonathan Zorawicki worked for Boyd on Nov. 29, 2015. Matix weighed 7 David Vara Jr. , a retired food clerk formerly employed by Stater bros., died on nov. 20, 2015, at the age of Stater Bros. for 35 years. Don blouin worked lbs 14 oz. ... Kyle Vittoria , Stater Bros., has a 37. He had been a member since February 1997. for Stater Bros. for 32 years. brian branson new son, Archer, born Jan. 12, 2016, weigh - worked for Ralphs for 34 years. eduardo Gon - ing 9 lbs. 9½ oz and was 20” long. ... william west Jr. , a retired meat cutter formerly em - zalez worked for Stater Bros. Markets for Vanessa Munoz Alamo , Rite Aid, welcomed ployed by Market basket and Pantry, died on Aug. 4, 40½ years. Teresa Hernandez worked for Zaylani BreAnn Wagner, on Sept. 28, 2015. 2015, at the age of 93. He had been a continuous Stater Bros. for 10 years. John Kearns worked Zaylani weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. member since november 1946. for Stater Bros. for 37 years. Frank Lopez Congratulations to all the new mommies and worked for Ralphs for 38 years. Carmen Flo - daddies!

4 DESERT EDGE In Memoriam: Tony Perez

Retired Union Rep Perez remembered etired UFCW Local 1167 sentative/Organizer with Amalgamated Union Representative Tony Meat Cutters Local 439. Local 439 Perez passed away on Dec. merged with UFCW Local 1167 on R 12, 2015. He was 74. Feb. 1, 1995. Tony joined the food industry in Tony worked for Local 1167 as a 1961, when he was hired by Farmer Union Representative serving the man - John. He immediately joined Amalga - ufacturing plants until he retired in Feb - mated Meat Cutters Local 563. ruary 2007. He continued working with Farmer Alma, his widow, recalled the high - John after Local 563 merged with light of Tony’s career was filing and Local 274 in 1981. winning grievances against the com - Perez, 15. Alma said that Tony took Beginning in December 1985, Tony pany for violating the contract and get - care of her other children like they were worked almost a year with the Interna - ting money paid back to his members. his own. tional Union as an Organizer and from Tony and Alma were together for 20 Alma said Tony was her best friend there he was hired as a Union Repre - years. They have a son, Anthony Brian and she misses him terribly. UFCW names Esther López international secretary-treasurer

he United Food & Commer - In addition to electing López as sec - cial Workers International retary-treasurer, the UFCW Interna - Executive Board elected Es - tional Executive Board elected Shaun T ther López as the union’s Barclay as executive vice president new international secretary-treasurer. and director of organizing. Barclay The historic announcement was previously served as director of made at the Executive Board’s annual UFCW Region 8. winter meeting in Arizona. The Executive Board also elected “The election of Esther López re - Bryan Wynn the new director of UFCW flects the commitment by the UFCW, Region 8 and Tish Ramirez as executive as North America’s largest private sec - vice president and director of UFCW tor union with 1.3 million members, to help UFCW members become natural - Region 6. building a diverse and strong union ized and get on the path to citizenship. In another development, Robin family,” UFCW International Presi - She was the lead staff person on the Williams was elected as an interna - dent Marc Perrone said. UFCW Commission on ICE Enforce - tional vice president and director of Previously, López spearheaded the ment, which highlighted civil rights the International Union’s Civil Rights Union Citizenship Action Network to abuses in the 2006 Swift raids. Department.

14th Annual Leukemia & Lymphoma Golf Tournament May 3, 2016 Sierra Lakes golf Club Call (909) 877-5000 for details and reser - on Dec. 15, former President bill Lathrop read the oath of office to the offi - cers and executive board of UFCW Local 1167. vations. Members receive a discounted rate!

Spring 2016 5 Steward Profile Rosio Thomas stands strong with union family

osio Thomas is a steward visit him and bring him sandwiches. who believes in working to When the labor dispute began with live, not living to work. And Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons, “I saw all she is grateful to UFCW the members at Vons standing together RLocal 1167 for helping make her work as one family and we joined them,” an enjoyable part of her life. Thomas remembered. “Every company should be union,” “Afterward, I felt motivated to do she said. more, so I attended meetings. I did what “I feel sorry for workers who don’t I could to become a steward.” have a union, a sense of family like we She said she is proud of her fellow do, a sense of protection and security union members, including her co-work - out the union,” she said. “Our union va - you can’t find anywhere else outside of ers at Rite Aid and her Union Represen - cations, benefits and wages make it pos - a union.” tative. sible. Plus, when the time comes, we’ll Thomas, a cashier at Rite Aid 5697 in “My Rep has such a big heart,” she have a pension. the High Desert, is an 18-year union vet - said. “The union negotiated these things eran who has been a steward for the past Rosio and Brian Thomas have three for us. God bless the union!” two years. children: Stephanie, 22, who majors in As the current Master Food Contract She remembers vividly the strike and business at San Bernardino College and approaches expiration, she vows to help lockouts of 2003-04. That 141-day or - speaks three languages, including Chi - her sisters and brothers at the supermar - deal opened her eyes to the power of the nese; Oscar, 21, and Brian Jr., 13. kets get a fair contract. union. The family loves to travel, Thomas “We’re all in this together,” Thomas “My husband, Brian, worked for Uni - said. “We’ve traveled to Cancun, Hawaii, said. “They stood with us at Rite Aid in fied Grocers at the time,” she recalled, Mexico and the Bahamas. We took a our fight for a fair contract and we will “at a warehouse next to Vons. He now motor home to San Francisco and visited stand with them. works for Stater Bros.” the mountains. Absolutely beautiful!” “We will never stand alone,” she said. Brian worked nights and she would “We wouldn’t be to do all this with - “We are family.” Esther Scott celebrates 50 years in one union, one store ecretary-Treasurer Joe Duffle and Indio store on Oct. 12, 1965. For many years Union Representative Jerry Espinoza she was responsible for the cosmetic depart - handed out a 50-year service pin and ment. Later, she was promoted to Price Accu - Scertificate to Esther Scott on Jan. 7. racy Coordinator, a position she still holds as Scott is a Drug Clerk at Rite Aid 5670 in a Drug Clerk. Indio, where she has worked her entire career. During the early years of her career, Scott Duffle remembers going to the Thrifty had the great fortune to meet a “wonderful store when he was a kid and buying ice cream man” who was assistant manager at the store. from her. “She was always such a nice lady,” He soon became her husband and has held on he recalls. to that job for 37 years and counting. Over the years, several individuals, includ - “Esther is indeed a rarity in today’s world,” ing Steve Duffle, the late Richard Garcia, Joe Secretary-Treasurer Duffle said. “It’s nice to Duffle and now Jerry Espinoza, have had the know that people still value a good day’s work esther Scott receives from Secretary-Trea - privilege of serving as her Union Representa - and have loyalties that never waver. surer Joe Duffle a certificate commemorating tive. “Esther is a great member and we’re proud her 50 years of union membership. Scott began her career as a cashier at the she has reached this rare milestone.”

6 DESERT EDGE Welcome new staff organizers

Kenny Parada Ana Cabral

t age 25, Kenny na Cabral, one of Parada is UFCW UFCW Local 1167’s Local 1167’s youngest two new organizers, and newest organizer. is not a newcomer to Aunion activism. From a young age BAut don’t let his youthfulness fool you — he’s a skilled individual she has been involved in the Labor with strong experience in the field. Movement through volunteering, As a Special Projects Union pre cinct walking and picketing. Representative (SPUR), he spent Cabral has accomplished a lot much of the past year organizing in her 27 years. She began her Smithfield Foods workers in Iowa union career with an internship as on behalf of the UFCW International Union. the Orange County Labor Federation following her graduation “The workers there want a union so they can have protections from UC Irvine in 2011. There she worked on many cam - against mistreatment,” Parada said. “We’re helping them get the paigns on behalf of working families in California. dignity they deserve.” Her most notable campaigns, she said, included working As a SPUR he also helped organize phlebotomists at LabCorp with Warehouse Workers United, El Super workers and the and assisted El Super workers in their ongoing campaign for re - No on Prop 32 campaign. spect and a fair contract. She also worked intensively in the Fresh & Easy campaign In addition, Parada has worked on many Walmart “site fights,” that saw the non-union retailer close stores in her jurisdiction helping community groups educate the public about Walmart’s and eventually pull out of the altogether. damaging effects on local economies. Now, she is excited to embark on the next chapter of her He was hired by UFCW Local 1167 following his efforts for career by working with the members of Local 1167. the Warehouse Workers United campaign. “I can’t wait to meet with our members and discuss ways I “Warehouse workers need a union for protections against can help them,” she said. “We’re going to help grow this physical and verbal abuse,” Parada said. “Warehouse Workers union.” United looks out for them, citing safety and health violations in Cabral said she looks forward to helping the new phle - the warehouses.” botomist members at LabCorp and organizing potential mem - Parada also has a background in politics, working on the bers at Quest Diagnostics. (See page 11 for related story.) Proposition 30 and 32 campaigns. “Our biggest challenges involve communicating with and “It’s important for all members to be involved in politics, be - educating members,” Cabral said. “Many workers enjoy what cause politics determines laws that protect all workers on the they have today because of the efforts of the Labor Movement job,” he said. and we need to remind them of that.” His mother and father inspired Parada to become active in the Cabral traces her activist spirit to her parents, who emi - union movement. His mother was a warehouse worker and his grated from Mexico and had to work jobs in which they late father was a truck driver. weren’t allowed to organize. “Even though my father had no representation on the job, he “I saw early on how important worker protections are in would stand with other truck drivers,” Parada said. order to raise a family,” Cabral said. “My parents taught me “Workers’ rights were important to both of my parents, and how important hard work is and how hard it is to fight for what the only entity out there working for workers’ rights is a union.” you believe in.” President’s Report: Changing our world — for the better Continued from page 3 dates and propositions at all levels of government, from city candidates and enact worker-friendly laws. Visit your union’s councils to president of the United States. website, www.ufcw1167.org, for information on registering to I’ll leave you for now with another quote about change, this vote, contacting your local legislators and making your voice time from Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to heard on overtime rules and scheduling fairness. Contribute to see in the world.” the Active Ballot Club. And, most importantly, vote! In coming Take change into your heart and be a part of it — for your - months, your union will provide recommendations for candi - self, your family, your community and your country.

Spring 2016 7 Steward Conference ‘Your voice is our power’ Stewards educated and inspired at conference alifornia State enjoy the benefits of union Controller Betty membership.” Yee joined labor Next, Union Representa - C leaders in ener - tive Matt Bruno explained gizing UFCW Local 1167’s key provisions in the union stewards at the union’s contract some members for - Stewards Conference on get they are entitled to. Jan. 21 at the Orange Show “Jury duty is something in San Bernardino. we all have to do at one betty Yee rick bruer Local 1167 President point or another, and your State Controller President Rick Bruer opened the con - union contract protects you ference with a moment of in the event you receive a silence for the victims of the challenges workers face in system,” Duffle said. jury summons to serve on a Dec. 2 terrorist attack that right to work states. “These laws are written to scheduled work day,” Bruno claimed the lives of 14 peo - “’Right to work’ sounds reduce the power of unions said. “But you must let your ple and injured 22. great, right?” Duffle said. at the bargaining table and manager know in a timely He called on the stewards “Everybody should have the weaken us in general.” manner so he or she can to help union officials in right to work. But that Duffle cited facts show - schedule you properly so communicating with the phrase is misleading be - ing how union members do you can attend your jury membership. cause what it really means better than their non-union duty.” “Your voice is our power for workers is ‘right to work counterparts. He also explained guar - and we need your voices,” for less.’” “On average, union anteed minimum hours. Bruer said. “If everybody He provided examples of workers earn $1,000 more a “Don’t settle for less than does their part, it will make “right to work” states where month than their non-union the minimum guarantee of a huge difference.” workers can choose not to equivalents,” he said. hours,” he said. “Speak up Bruer introduced Secre - pay their union dues and re - “We need to ensure Cali - if you’re not getting your tary-Treasurer Joe Duffle, ceive the same benefits as fornia doesn’t fall victim to minimum hours and make who discussed the benefits workers who do. these ‘right to work’ laws so sure you are available to of working union and the “It’s basically a free-rider workers in this state can work those hours. Don’t set -

Joe Duffle Secretary-Treasurer

8 DESERT EDGE Steward Conference

and even death and retiree benefits. These are things that employers want to eliminate every single bar - gaining session, so never underestimate the value of your benefits.” Next, James Araby, direc - tor of the UFCW Western Matt bruno States Council, spoke about Yesenia gonzales Steve Smith Union representative political activism and public Lead organizer Cal Labor Fed policy. tle for less.” “People who vote dictate He then turned his focus cessful Fresh & Easy boy - Bruno finished by dis - what happens in the politi - to the coming presidential cott that began in 2007, con - cussing the importance of cal arena,” Araby said. “In election. tributing to two recording time, checking your local, you have ap - “A billion dollars will be bankruptcies of the non- identification and following proximately 17,000 mem - spent on this presidential union chain. through on company and bers, of which only 9,000 of campaign just in contribu - contractual policies. the membership is regis - tions,” Araby said. “What Misconceptions tered to vote. Out of those we can’t match in dollars of unions benefits, activism registered, only 29 percent we can outweigh with our and organizing Steve Smith, communica - voted.” voices.” tions director for the Cali - Benefits expert Joe Lead Organizer Yesenia fornia Labor Federation, Sweeney described defined- Gonzales reported on chal - discussed misconceptions benefit pension plans and lenges facing the union in about unions. how union members are the next couple of years. “Over the past 40 years, lucky to have them. “We need to invest in our the public has heard a domi - “Unlike 401(k)s, defined- own stores and spend time nant narrative that unions benefit plans offer workers organizing immigrant work - are no good,” Smith said. a set amount of retirement ers and look into new indus - “It started with President income and that helps work - tries,” Gonzales said. “We Ronald Regan’s cabinet, can start by talking to young ers plan adequately for their James Araby, UFCW which was a group of CEOs members. We need to edu - golden years,” Sweeney Western States Council whose purpose was to said. cate and get them involved shrink the size of govern - “You enjoy a great level to help us organize.” ment and decimate unions. of benefits in your welfare “You need to get in - “Immigrant workers out “Since then, union mem - fund,” he continued. “You volved and take an active there have a need for be - bership has declined from have health, dental, vision role in politics and encour - longing and family, so we one in three workers being age your co-workers to do need to encourage them to union to one in 10. Only 6 the same. We can make a belong to our union family percent of workers in the difference with our voices,” and we can do that by or - private sector today have he said. ganizing,” she added. the protection of unions on Araby discussed the re - Gonzales closed by up - the job.” cently-passed Assembly Bill dating stewards on the suc - “We can do our part to 359, known as the Worker cessful organizing drive to re-educate the public that Retention Bill, which pro - have phlebotomists from unions are simply working tects grocery workers from LabCorp join the union last people standing together. By Joe Sweeney being laid off for 90 days year and the organizing po - you saying it, the words be - benefits expert after changes in store own - tential at Quest Diagnostics. ership. She also mentioned suc - Please see page 10

Spring 2016 9 Steward Conference

President rick bruer addresses the Steward Conference.

Continued from previous page “We all know what we come a human face and we have to do,” she said. can change the anti-union “Across this nation, there narrative that’s been too is an attempt to silence the prevalent for too long,” he voice of working families said. and diminish the capacity of Next, Union Representa - union members.” tive Maria Perez described She urged stewards to the roles of a steward. stand together for dignity “You are the ears, eyes Maria Perez and respect so that Califor - and strongest voice of our Union representative nia’s union remain among union in the stores,” she the strongest in the nation. said. “We rely on you as voice for your co-workers, “It’s up to us to rebuild much as the membership so be responsible leaders in the middle class,” she said. does.” your stores.” “Workers should have the Perez urged stewards to California controller ability to raise a family introduce themselves to new California State Con - working at Rite Aid or a members, provide reliable troller Betty Yee was the .” information and set good keynote speaker of the con - “Remember why you be - examples for fellow em - ference. Just hours before, came a steward,” Yee said. ployees. she attended Gov. Jerry “It’s because of your pas - “Lead by example,” she Brown’s State of the State sion to do what’s right for said. “You are a strong address in Sacramento. working people.”

10 DESERT EDGE Quest Diagnostics workers vote ‘Union Yes!’ uest Diagnostics workers at 10 locations in Riverside County and the area voted “Union Yes!” on Feb. 5, choosing to affiliate with UFCW Locals 1167 and 135. Q Local 1167 will represent workers at six of the locations in contract negotiations with Quest, a leading med - ical diagnostics firm. Faces of the Quest Diagnostics has 45,000 employees nationwide and serves one in three adult Americans, as well as half of the Steward Conference physicians and hospitals in the United States. See more photos from the conference at The workers join a growing movement of phlebotomists www.ufcw1167.org — specialists in drawing blood — and lab technicians who have come together from the Northwest to the Southwest to raise standards in their industry. Phlebotomists at LabCorp, another medical diagnostics firm, recently organized in the area. “I voted yes because I wanted fairness and peace of mind in the workplace,” said Erica Torres, a Quest employee in Riverside. “I voted to make a better future for myself, my coworkers and phlebs to come,” said Nichole Nicholson of Moreno Val - ley. “We are all worth fighting for. It may seem hard or scary, but it will make a brighter future in the long run.” “I voted to join a union because we needed to have a voice,” said Mayra Castillo at Quest’s Hemet worksite. “Being part of a union has made me realize that we have rights and we have a voice. It makes me feel protected and I now sleep better at night knowing that I’m on the path to have a better quality of life for me and my family,” said Castillo.

CORReCT ADDReSS AND PHONe NUMbeR A MUST!

You lose out if there is no correct address and telephone number on file for you. We know the problem: people move frequently. but it only takes a phone call, a minute with the Union rep or a letter to our office. It could avoid a big problem with a hospital, medical claim or pension inquiry.

Diamond Valley Lake Marathon Come support the Hemet/San Jacinto Habitat for Humanity by participat - $6,915.37 $6,915.37 ing in a full marathon, 1/2 marathon, 5K Walk/Run around Diamond Valley Lake in Temecula. Habitat is a volunteer driven non-profit international organization building simple, 62 62 decent affordable housing for people living in substandard con - 145 145 ditions. Online registration at www.dvlrun.com.

Spring 2016 11 Union Representative’s Report Bill Collard Union means family hat is the true meaning of union? Union means family — a family that sticks together through thick or thin, better or worse. W That’s why we often call our fellow union members “sister” or “brother.” Sometimes there may be internal disagreements among family members, but we stand side by side with one another when we’re threatened from the outside. The struggle of one family member becomes the cause of the entire family. We watch each other’s backs. This is especially true during contract negotiations. Wher - ever we work — , drug stores, doctor’s offices, plants, etc. — it’s important to stand with our fellow union members when they need us. If an employer tries to take something away from any one of us, we band together to defend our union sisters and brothers. As the slogan goes: “An injury to one is an injury to all.” During negotiations, some mem - bers might be tempted to think only about themselves, forgetting the Bill Collard bigger picture. But that’s not what Union Representative a family does! I am proud to work for my family. At UFCW Local 1167, we take pride in uniting and fighting for what is right. Some companies might tell you they love and appreciate you, but when it’s time to bargain for a new contract they’ll try to take food off your child’s plate. That’s when we learn a corporation really cares about the bottom line for its share - holders and little else. Your union negotiators can’t get you a good contract with - out each and every member doing his or her part. We need support, trust and — most importantly — unity. Union means family, and family means no one is left be - hind.

12 DESERT EDGE elcome to issues, women’s health and Rosie’s Corner Rosie’s Corner , domestic violence, among other a space dedicated topics, as well as easy recipes to union women! and fun features. WWomen are now the majority Rosie’s Corner is a collaboration in our local union, composing 56 by women from different demo - percent of our membership. graphics. In recognition, each issue of Remember, this is our space and our magazine will include infor - we encourage you to participate. mation about women’s issues on Let us know if you have any topics this dedicated page. you like to see discussed. Please Subjects will include working contact us at moms, the wage gap, child care [email protected].

Quick and Easy Springtime Jell-O Cake Ingredients: 8 oz. Cool Whip 1 box of white cake mix 1 large box of Jell-O Directions: Bake the cake (follow direc - tions on box). Let cool 1 hour. Poke holes in cake with large fork. Follow Jell-O directions, then pour into cake. Refrig - erate to set (3 hours). Once set, spread Cool Whip on top of cake. Add jelly beans or sprinkles to deco - rate. Ready to serve. Do you have a favorite recipe to share? Email it to [email protected]. Fun Fact: The exchange of eggs this time of year dates back to a springtime custom older than Easter itself in which eggs were given as a symbol of rebirth in many cultures.

Spring 2016 13 UFCw Local 1167’s Scholarship Awards Competition

FCW Local 1167 is proud to announce the launch of its schol - arship program for the academic school year 2016-2017. Scholarships will be awarded to winners chosen from among qualified applicants. UFood contract members, Stater bros. Meat Distribution Cen - ter members and Vons Meat Service Center members with more than a year of service as of the prior October as defined by the Trust Fund are not eligible for this program because they may participate in the million-dollar Scholarship Award and Tuition As - sistance Programs offered by the Southern California United Food and Commercial Workers Unions and Food employers Ancillary benefit Fund (benefit Fund Scholarships). Dependent children are eligible for the above Trust Fund Scholarship program if the member has completed at least three years of service (as defined by the plan) as of the prior october and are not eligible for this program. Visit www.scufcwfunds.com for complete eligibil - ity rules on the Trust Fund Scholarship Program. Rules and eligibility Requirements 1. Applicants must establish basic eligibility by applying for a scholarship award and completing the “Request to participate in UFCw Local 1167 College (university or junior college) Scholarship Awards Competition” application published in this newspaper at the right of this announcement or online. The application must be returned to UFCw Local 1167 no later than Friday, May 6, 2016. 2. Those eligible to compete are current active members of the local not eligible to apply in the above-described benefit Fund Scholarship Pro - gram, their spouses and their dependent children. Dependent grandchil - dren of dues-paying retirees are eligible. Sisters, brothers and non-dependent grandchildren are not eligible. 7. Awards will be made to undergraduate or graduate applicants at the sole discretion of the local’s Scholarship Committee. 3. Applicants must be at least seniors in high school. 8. Finalists selected by the Scholarship Committee must provide proof 4. Applicants are not eligible if they previously received UFCW Local 1167 of academic record and submit completed forms (blank forms to be pro - Scholarship Award monies. vided by the union) listing leadership activities, community service and 5. To be eligible, the member must be in continuous good standing for at volunteer activities and personal achievements, substantiated by two least one year through June 30, 2016. The member whose eligibility is teachers, and two personal recommendations. used cannot be suspended, take a withdrawal or transfer to another local. 9. Finalists may be required to participate in a personal interview. Failure to comply with these eligibility rules disqualifies the applicant. 10. Awards are contingent upon the student being accepted by, regis - 6. Winners are selected by the Scholarship Committee based on: tered at and attending an accredited academic institution of higher learn - • Academic record ing. Trade schools are not included. • Leadership record 11. Winners must be full-time students taking at least 12 undergraduate • Community service and volunteer activities or nine graduate units, or part-time working students taking six under- • Character and personality graduate or four graduate units. • Personal achievement 12. Decisions of the Scholarship Committee are final.

Return application by May 6, 2016 . Refer any questions to Shaelyn (909) 877-5000 ext. 3

14 DESERT EDGE Request to Participate in UFCw Local 1167’s Limited Scholarship Awards Competition

(please print) I understand that in order to be eligible for a scholarship award: • I am not eligible for a scholarship offered by Applicant name ______Phone ______the Southern California United Food and Commercial Workers Union and Food em - Full address ______ployers Ancillary benefit Fund. • Membership on which my eligibility is I am a member of UFCW Local 1167 (circle one) yes no based must remain in continuous good standing through June 30, 2016. This eligibility (office use only) ______means the member cannot be suspended, take a withdrawal or transfer to another Applicant’s Social Security number ______local prior to June 30, 2016. • I must be at least a senior in high school. employed by (only if member) ______• I am not eligible to apply if I previously re - ceived scholarship award money from Full store address ______UFCW Local 1167. • If my address, telephone number or place Union representative ______

of work changes, it is my responsibility to I am related to a member of UFCW Local 1167 (circle one) yes no inform the local union so that I can receive information in a timely manner. • If the member is involuntarily laid off or eligibility (office use only) ______transferred out of UFCW Local 1167, I will become ineligible and will notify the relationship to member ______local union. • Finalists will be notified by mail. If I am no - Member’s name ______tified that I qualify as a finalist, I will submit required information and will participate in Member’s Social Security number ______an interview if invited to do so. • All decisions of the Scholarship Committee are final. Member employed by______

Full store address ______My cumulative grade Point Average in High School is/was ______. Union representative ______(Finalists to confirm with transcripts)

My cumulative grade Point Average in College is/was ______. (Finalists to confirm with transcripts) ______Highest academic level completed by June 2016 My cumulative grade Point Average in graduate School is ______. ______(Finalists to confirm with transcripts) Year graduated from high school or month/year will graduate

______(Signature of Applicant in acceptance of the above) I applied for a UFCW 1167 Scholarship in (year applied) (Applicants are not eligible if monies have been received in the past.)

Complete and return by May 6 to UFCW Local 1167, Po box 1167, bloomington CA 92316, ATTn: Shaelyn.

Spring 2016 15 Return in 5 days to: non-ProFIT org. United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1167 U.S. PoSTAge P.O. Box 1167 PAID Bloomington, CA 92316 SAn bernArDIno, CA Return Service Requested PerMIT no. 2285

Stewards convene in San Bernardino