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Page 6 State of the UNION Winter 2014 Dozens of Dominick’s stores, like this one in Naperville, Ill., shut their doors for the final time on December 28, 2013. Members turn out for immigration reform rally. Career of Caring Local 1546 member Larry Lovelace is making a difference. Safeway Dumps Dominick’s Fight for Reform ufcwlocal1546.org Facebook.com/ufcw1546 Twitter.com/ufcw1546 Page 5 Page 8

UFCW Local 1546 Newsletter Winter 2014

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Page 1: UFCW Local 1546 Newsletter Winter 2014

Page 6

State of the

UNIONWinter 2014

Dozens of Dominick’s stores, like this one in Naperville, Ill., shut their doors for the final time on December 28, 2013.

Members turn out for immigration reform rally.

Career of Caring

Local 1546 member Larry Lovelace is making a difference.

Safeway Dumps Dominick’s

Fight for Reform

ufcwlocal1546.org Facebook.com/ufcw1546 Twitter.com/ufcw1546

Page 5 Page 8

Page 2: UFCW Local 1546 Newsletter Winter 2014

Whatever It TakesBy Kenneth R. Boyd, President & International Vice President

UFCW Local 1546 United Food and Commercial Workers

International Union

When Dominick’s parent company, Safeway, Inc., informed our union they would be closing

or selling all 72 of their stores, they made it clear why. To secure a $450 million tax break. The term they used was “maximizing shareholder value.” Corporations enjoy using these fancy words to disguise the fact they are hurting 6,000 workers and their families.

Safeway can call it whatever they like, it’s still corporate greed. In 2012, Steven A. Burd, chairman and CEO of Safeway Inc., received more than $11 million in total compensation, 327 times the average worker’s pay.

Over the past 40 years, CEO pay has skyrocketed while the average worker’s pay has stagnated despite increases in productivity. Multinational corporations hide their profits overseas to avoid paying taxes in America. The middle class is shrinking and more and more working people are living hand-to-mouth.

Corporations, like Safeway, fight workers’ rights to form a union. They know the only way for workers to have a voice in the workplace is to stick together in a union. But workers are fighting back.

Across the country and right here in Illinois, workers have been fighting for fair wages and benefits. From increasing the minimum wage to paid sick and family leave, union and non-union workers are standing up for what is right.

Our union is continuing to fight as well. We won’t stop until Safeway pays every Dominick’s worker what they owe, including all of the money Safeway owes to your pension fund. Corporate greed won’t get in the way of us making sure workers are treated fairly.

Cuando la compañía matriz de Dominick’s, Safeway Inc., informó a nuestra unión que estaría cerrando

o vendiendo todas sus 72 tiendas, dijo claramente por qué lo estaban haciendo. Lo hicieron para asegurar una exención tributaria. El término que utilizaron fue “para maximizar el valor de los accionistas.” A las corporaciones les encanta usar estas palabras coloreadas para esconder el hecho de que ellas están afectando a 6,000 trabajadores y sus familias.

Safeway lo puede llamar como quiera, aún así es codicia corporativa. En el 2012, Steven A. Burd, presidente y CEO de Safeway Inc., recibió más de $11 millones en compensación total, 327 veces al pago del trabajador promedio.

Durante los últimos 40 años, el pago del CEO ha subido hasta el cielo mientras que el pago del trabajador promedio ha sido el mismo, a pesar del aumento en productividad. Las corporaciones multinacionales esconden sus ganancias en el exterior para evitar pagar impuestos en los Estados Unidos. La clase media se

está encogiendo y más y más trabajadores están trabajando para a penas sobrevivir. Corporaciones como Safeway, luchan en contra de los derechos de los trabajadores para formar una unión. Ellas saben que la única manera de que los trabajadores tengan una voz en el lugar de trabajo es reunirse y formar una unión. Pero los trabajadores están luchando.

En todo el país y aquí mismo en Illinois, los trabajadores han estado luchando por salarios y beneficios justos. Desde aumentar el salario mínimo, para recibir días libres pagados por razones de enfermedad hasta permisos por razones familiares, los trabajadores que pertenecen y no pertenecen a una unión están luchando por sus derechos.

Nuestra unión también está luchando. No pararemos hasta que Safeway le pague a cada trabajador de Dominick’s lo que ellos les deben, incluyendo todo el dinero que Safeway le debe a su fondo de pensión. La codicia corporativa no se interpondrá en el camino para que los trabajadores sean tratados justamente.

STATE OF THE UNION is published four times per year by:

UFCW Local 15461649 W. Adams St.Chicago, IL 60612

Phone: (312) 733-2999www.ufcwlocal1546.org

Third class postage paid at Mt. Prospect, IL

© UFCW Local 1546 2013

To change your address call (312) 733-2999

State of the Union is mailed to all UFCW Local 1546 members as a benefit of membership.

Subscription fees are included in dues.

The opinions expressed by any individual member is the opinion of that individual member and does

not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of UFCW Local 1546 or any of its officers. Acceptance of advertisement does not imply UFCW Local 1546

endorsement of the product or service.

Story ideas should be submitted to: Eric Bailey

Editor and Director of Communications

Vice Presidents

Christine A. BartholmeyJeff Carr

Efrain CervantesFrank Chapman

Terry DeVitoMike Egan

Jeanette FuentesDiokel Gning

James GordonSharon GorskiJim Hurtado

Carlos JacksonWilliam Johnson

Alicia KandleNick Listermann

George B. MarshallRonald Matusiak

Ed McKeagueRay Ramljak

John A. RosenthalGerald Rosenwinkel

Darryl RussellJeff Subach

Kenneth SwansonKenneth Urzedowski

David WarhurstAlfred White

Terry WilliamsJonathan Willigman

Officers and Executive BoardKenneth R. Boyd,

President & International Vice President

Terry Kramer, Secretary-Treasurer

Vicky Hayes, Recorder

“Safeway can call it whatever they like, it’s still corporate greed.”

2

Page 3: UFCW Local 1546 Newsletter Winter 2014

Straight TalkBy Terry Kramer, Secretary-Treasurer

82 hours. That is how many hours in one week someone who earns minimum wage would have

to work in order to afford an apartment in Illinois. Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Illinois is $885. According to the statistics, a household must earn $35,392 a year in order to afford that without paying more than 30% of total income on housing. That means earning a wage of $17.02 an hour in a standard 40 hour work week to pay the rent. In Cook County, minimum wage earners would need to earn $18.58 an hour.

The problem is 85,000 people in our state are earning minimum wage or less. $17,160 a year doesn’t cut it when you’re trying to live.

If you think that’s mostly teenagers working fast food jobs, think again. Only 24% of those are teenagers. Nearly 50% are over age 25.

If the federal minimum wage had kept pace with workers’ productivity since 1968, the inflation-adjusted minimum wage would

be $18.67.M e a n w h i l e c o r p o r a t i o n s like Walmart reap the profits as they lead the race to the bottom on wages.

Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour would lift 30 million people out of poverty in our country. California recently raised their minimum wage to $10 an hour and Illinois has proposed doing the same.

If Illinois raised our minimum wage not only would we not see any job loss, studies show it would actually help to create at least 20,000 new jobs in our state while reducing the number of people on assistance programs saving taxpayers money.

It’s clear we can no longer afford to wait for Congress to do the right thing. It’s time for Illinois to raise the wage.

82horas. Esas son todas las horas de la semana en que una persona que gana el salario

mínimo tendría que trabajar para poder pagar por un apartamento en Illinois. La Renta Justa del Mercado para un apartamento de dos habitaciones en Illinois es de $885. De acuerdo con estadísticas, un hogar tendría que ganar $35,392 al año para poder pagar por eso, sin tener que pagar más del 30% de su ingreso total en vivienda. Eso quiere decir un sueldo de $17.02 por hora, en una semana estándar de 40 horas para poder pagar la renta. En el condado de Cook, los que ganan el salario mínimo tendrían que ganar $18.58 por hora.

El problema es que 85,000 personas en nuestro estado están ganando el salario mínimo o menos. $17,160 al año no es suficiente cuando estás tratando de vivir.

Si piensa que eso cubre la mayoría de adolescentes trabajando en la industria de la comida rápida, piense de nuevo. Sólo el 24% de esos son adolescentes. Casi un 50% tiene más de 25 años de edad.

Si el sueldo federal mínimo se hubiese mantenido a la par con la productividad de los trabajadores desde 1968, el sueldo mínimo ajustado con la inflación sería de $18.67. Mientras tanto las corporaciones como Walmart se aprovechan de las ganancias, a medida que dirigen la carrera de dejar al fondo los salarios.

Aumentar el salario mínimo a $10.10 por hora, sacaría a 30 millones de personas de la pobreza en nuestro país. California recientemente elevó su salario mínimo a $10 por hora e Illinois ha propuesto hacer lo mismo.

Si Illinois aumenta nuestro salario mínimo, solamente no vería ninguna pérdida de trabajos sino que también los estudios indican que ayudaría a crear al menos 20,000 trabajos nuevos en nuestro estado, mientras que se reduciría el número de personas que reciben programas de asistencia, ahorrando dinero a los contribuyentes de impuestos.

Es muy claro que nosotros no podemos esperar más para que el Congreso haga lo que tiene que hacer. Es hora de que Illinois aumente el salario mínimo del trabajador.

“It’s time for Illinois to raise the wage.”

Save The Dates

for the Cure

May 4, 2014

August 1, 2014Go to ufcwlocal1546.org/cubs_soxfor ticket information

N I G H TIS BACK!

it to Leukemia

3

Page 4: UFCW Local 1546 Newsletter Winter 2014

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Store FrontBy Kenneth A. Urzedowski, Executive Assistant

It was 1971 and I had just begun work as an apprentice meat cutter at the Old Villa Park store that Dominick’s had

bought from Kroger. Shortly after that I was transferred to the new Carol Stream store. I remember Mr. D was there with everyone else for the grand opening of their flagship store.

Mr. D had a simple philosophy when it came to Dominick’s. Give the customers the best product at the best price with the best service. For many years that philosophy was the secret to our success.

Dominick’s was a family owned and operated grocery store and we felt like we were truly part of that family. Every year Mr. D would take the time to stop by each and every store. He would make his way around and thank everyone for taking care of the customers. He called everyone in the meat department “Butch”. “Hey Butch. How’s it going Butch? Have a merry Christmas Butch.”

I remember the last time I saw him was the year before he died. He needed to lean on a shopping cart as he made his way through the store but when he got to my department I heard that familiar “Hey Butch!”

Looking back on my years at Dominick’s I know that the combination of Mr. D’s philosophy and having a union contract was the reason our stores did so well. Sure there were times when we didn’t see eye to eye, but Mr. D always made you feel like part of the family. And we knew we had a union to back us up.

It’s a shame that the legacy of Dominick’s is ending all for the sake of corporate greed. Corporations like Safeway could learn a lot about how to do business from Mr. D.

Thank you to all of our members over the years who helped make Dominick’s great. We appreciate everything you did and so did Mr. D.

Era el año 1971 y a penas comenzaba como aprendiz de cortador de carne en la tienda vieja de Villa Park que

Dominick’s acababa de comprar de Kroger. Poco tiempo después, fui transferido a la tienda nueva en Carol Stream. Me acuerdo muy bien que el señor D estuvo allí con todos los demás para abrir su tienda principal.

El Sr. D tuvo una filosofía sencilla en lo que se refería a Dominick’s. Proveer a los clientes el mejor producto al mejor precio, con el mejor servicio. Por muchos años esa filosofía fue el secreto de nuestro éxito.

Dominick’s fue un súper mercado perteneciente a una familia y operado por la misma, y en verdad nosotros sentimos que éramos parte de esa familia. Año tras año, el Sr. D se tomaba el tiempo de visitar cada tienda. Le daba las gracias a cada uno de los empleados por prestar un buen servicio a los clientes. Él llamaba a todos los que trabajaban en el departamento de carnes, “Butch”. “Hola Butch. ¿Cómo te va Butch? ¡Feliz Navidad, Butch!”

Me acuerdo que la última vez que lo pude ver fue el año antes de que falleciera. Él necesitó apoyarse en un carrito de compras cuando estaba entrando a la tienda, pero cuando llegó al departamento de carnes, pude escuchar el saludo familiar, “¡Hola Butch!”

Cuando pienso en esos años en Dominick’s, sé que la combinación de la filosofía del Sr. D y contar con el beneficio del contrato de la unión, fue la razón por la cual a las tiendas le fue muy bien. Seguro que tuvimos esos días donde no pudimos estar de acuerdo, pero el Sr. D siempre nos hizo sentir como parte de la familia. Y siempre supimos que la unión nos respaldaría.

Es una pena que el legado de Dominick’s haya terminando debido a la codicia corporativa. Compañías como Safeway podrían aprender bastante del Sr. D de cómo hacer sus negocios.

Muchas gracias a todos nuestros miembros durante todos estos años quienes ayudaron a hacer de Dominick’s una gran empresa. Nosotros apreciamos lo que hicieron, de la misma manera que lo apreció el Sr. D.

Follow Us OnlineOn the web:ufcwlocal1546.org

On Facebook:facebook.com/ufcw1546

On Twitter:Twitter.com/ufcw1546

Disney on Ice Discount Tickets

UFCW Local 1546 members receive a 20% discount on tickets for Disney on Ice.

Jan. 22 – Jan. 26Allstate Arena6920 Mannheim Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018

Jan. 29 – Feb. 9United Center1901 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60612

Visit Ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000

Use Promo Code: SHOW

Page 5: UFCW Local 1546 Newsletter Winter 2014

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UFCW Rallies for Immigration Reform

October saw Chicago stepping up with multiple rallies for comprehensive immigration reform

leading up to massive rallies in Washington D.C. and Chicago.

In Union Park on Oct. 5, Governor Quinn, Mayor Emanuel, and Comptroller Topinka joined over 300 faith, labor, and community leaders to call on U.S. Congressman Peter Roskam for a vote in the House on citizenship, keeping families together and an end to deportations. After the rally, more than 400 leaders passed out more than 3,000 flyers and door-hangers to voters in Roskam’s home town of Wheaton, Ill. to urge him to lead on the path to citizenship. One group talked to Roskam’s newly naturalized Irish immigrant neighbor who enthusiastically supports the path to citizenship!

That same day in Central Illinois, 20 leaders from led by Illinois People’s Action braved torrential rain and record heat marching over 50 miles to demand Congressman Rodney Davis support the path to citizenship.

On Oct. 12 more than 5,000 people marched from Teamsters City to Daley Center Plaza for a massive rally where labor leaders, community members and immigrant rights advocates demanded that House Republican leaders, including U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R, IL-6), bring immigration reform legislation up for a vote.

“This is about keeping families together,” said UFCW Local 1546 member Derek Vassel, who works at Vantage Manufacturing. “Americans want immigration reform. Congress wants

it. But republicans are blocking it. It’s not right.”

“I know friends and family who have been personally affected,” said UFCW Local 1546 member Jesus Valdez, who works at Richelieu Foods. “America was built by immigrants. It’s time for immigration reform.”

“Every day people who work hard and pay taxes are being taken away from their families,” said Ricardo de la Toree, a UFCW Local 1546 member who works at Henry Kaminski Meats.

On Nov. 13, House Speaker John Boehner told reporters that House Republicans “have no intention of ever going to conference” on the bipartisan immigration bill the Senate passed in June.

Top: UFCW Local 1546 member Derek Vassel speaks with a reporter about the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Bottom: UFCW Local 1546 staff Carlos Mendez, Hilda Vargas, Dennis Hernandez and member Ricardo de la Torre march for immigration reform.Cover: UFCW Local 1546 Member Joaquin Barrios, Staff Dennis Hernandez, member Jesus Valdez, Staff George Marshall and Members Derek Vassel and Juan Barrios.

Page 6: UFCW Local 1546 Newsletter Winter 2014

Corporate Greed Leads to Dominick’s Downfall

6

For 90 years Dominick’s Finer Foods was a successful grocery chain until 1998 when Safeway Inc. bought it.

Safeway replaced well known Dominick’s brands with their private-label brands, to the dismay of customers. Where Dominick’s put quality first and price second, Safeway did the opposite. Over the next 15 years they would lose 10 percent of the market share and close store after store until only 72 remained.

Last summer, Safeway Inc. sold their grocery and liquor stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers in Canada to Sobey’s Inc. for $5.8 billion dollars. That sale resulted in taxes and expenses of nearly $2 billion dollars for Safeway Inc.

At 3 p.m. central time on October 10, the closing bell rang on the New York Stock Exchange. At 3:01 p.m. UFCW Local 1546 received a call from Safeway, Inc. After years of running the once successful

grocery chain into the ground, Safeway was pulling out and selling all their stores. Their reason? Selling or closing the 72 Dominick’s stores would result in a $400-450 million tax break needed to offset the $2 billion tax liability from selling their Canadian stores. In their words they were “maximizing shareholder value.”

“Had Safeway informed us of their intentions we could have helped secure a new buyer for all of the stores,” said Ken Boyd, president of UFCW Local 1546. “We reached out to Strack & Van Til, Kroger, Schnucks, Stater Brothers in California, even investors on Wall Street. The problem is Safeway wouldn’t give anyone enough time.”

Prospective buyers need four to six months of due diligence to examine a chain and determine its value before making a bid. Safeway Inc. gave potential buyers three weeks to bid.

Four stores were immediately sold to Jewel-Osco grocery stores and 11 stores were sold to Mariano’s grocery stores in December.

Under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, Safeway was required to give the State of Illinois and workers 60 days notice of the stores closing. They did that in a letter to workers informing them that all stores that were not sold would close on

Dec. 28, 2013.“At a time when the economy is just

beginning to recover, it is unfortunate that Safeway is choosing to take this step,” said Boyd.

The economic impact of stores closing goes way beyond the 5,300 workers affected. More than 200 workers at the warehouse in Northlake will be laid off. Banks, Starbucks and gas stations associated with these stores face uncertain futures, as do distributors that service these stores. The UFCW Midwest Health and Pension Fund has announced it will have to lay off staff as well.

Member Jean Zarlenga, a grocery clerk, has been with the company for over 48 years. “So many of us have devoted our lives to this company and they won’t even give us enough respect to tell us what is happening with our stores. It’s a travesty of justice what they’re doing. Safeway only cares about their tax break.”

Jean was among those who packed the November membership meeting. Members had all of their questions answered by Pres. Boyd and Dan Ryan, administrator of the Midwest Health and Pension Funds.

“By our calculation, Safeway owes more than $400 million to the pension fund,” said Boyd. “We will make certain they meet their legal obligation to the pension fund. We have hired a lawyer in Washington, D.C. to ensure they pay what “Safeway only cares about their tax break,”

said Jean Zarlenga, Dominick’s Clerk for more than 48 years.

Page 7: UFCW Local 1546 Newsletter Winter 2014

7

they owe.”“The pension funds are in good

shape,” added Ryan. “For the clerks, more than 900 are age and time eligible to file. There is no reason not to draw your pension, which can take less than a month to process.”

Members who have questions about the status of their pension should call the Midwest Pension Fund at 847.384.7000 or toll-free at 1.800.621.5133 or 1.800.572.5822.

UFCW Local 1546 held multiple effects bargaining sessions with Safeway where we requested additional severance, sick, vacation and healthcare coverage for all employees. Dominick’s Human Resources Director said Safeway rejected any further coverage.

“I’m not surprised,” said Lynnwood “Woody” Morris, a Dominick’s clerk and steward. “Safeway never cared about the workers. They won’t start now.”

A lump sum payment was negotiated for eligible members over and above contract-mandated severance. Members that are eligible for lump sum payment include department heads/classified positions, members at top contract rates and overscale/red circle according to the Retail, Drug, or Fuel contracts.

UFCW Local 1546 has set up a special webpage of resources for Dominick’s workers to answer questions about: Pension, healthcare coverage, severance, job training and more.

“I really appreciate all the reference information UFCW Local 1546 has posted for dislocated workers,” said Sue Heneghan from the Palatine Dominick’s. “I’ve been telling my co-workers to check it out since this will be our final week together at store 1144.”

Members should check ufcwlocal1546.org regularly even after their stores close for any new updates.

UFCW Local 1546 will automatically issue withdrawal cards for all Dominick’s members whose stores have closed.

Resources for Dominick’s WorkersVisit ufcwlocal1546.org/resources for a complete list of links to resources available.

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT (WIA) DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAMThe WIA program is a federal program providing FREE career counseling, job search assistance and skills training grants to workers affected by a layoff. Laid off workers can receive one on one assistance with their job search, access training grants to learn new skills or change careers, and referrals to employers and partner agencies.

ILLINOIS FORECLOSURE PREVENTION NETWORKThe Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network includes housing counseling agencies and other organizations that are helping thousands of Illinoisans keep their homes. This site will help you locate them in your area. These services are free.

UNION PLUS LAYOFF ASSISTANCEUnion Plus offers a variety of services to union members who have been laid off including job loss grants, mortgage assistance and more.

“Safeway never cared about the workers,” said Lynnwood “Woody” Morris, Dominick’s Clerk and Steward.

UFCW Local 1546Pin to WinWorking union pays more and now Union Pride can pay off too! David Stensloff from the Dominick’s in Buffalo Grove was spotted wearing his UFCW Local 1546 pin on the job and will receive $25. If you don’t have a union pin, see your Union Representative to obtain yours today.

“UFCW Local 1546 has done so much for us over the years,” said Stensloff. “From helping us win great contracts to fighting for us as Safeway sold our stores, UFCW Local 1546 has been there for all of us. I am proud to have been a member of this great union,” said Stensloff.

Winning member David Stensloff with Union Representative Ed Flavin.

Page 8: UFCW Local 1546 Newsletter Winter 2014

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Special Offer on Residential Mortgage Loans to

UFCW 1546 Members!

The Amalgamated Bank of Chicago is pleased to extend this special offer to UFCW 1546 members.

You may qualify for a lower Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on your existing mortgage than the APR you are currently paying*. You may also use this special offer to purchase a home. For a limited time, in addition to offering a competitive rate, we are waiving our processing and appraisal fees. That is a direct savings to you!

Call today so that we can show you the money you may be able to save with a lower interest rate. Contacting us is absolutely free and will not obligate you in any way. This is a limited time offer which expires February 28. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please feel free to contact us at 312-822-3229 or [email protected].

*All loans subject to credit approval

A Career of Caring

For more than 40 years, Larry Lovelace has been working as a professional caregiver and nurse. From his

beginnings in an Alabama hospital to his continued word at The Terrace Nursing Home in Waukegan, IL, Larry has proven his dedication to his work and his patients.

“I loved caring for my patients,” says Larry. “When I first started my career I wondered what happens to my elderly patients after they leave the hospital.”

It was evident to Larry his patients were still weak and not quite well enough to go home after being discharged. Larry soon learned about long-term care for the elderly and decided it was time to make a change. He went to nursing school to pursue his dream of helping his patients with their continued care.

Larry left Alabama and headed north for Waukegan, Illinois. It was there he found the nursing home which eventually became The Terrace. He met with the administrator to apply and was told he was over qualified. When asked why he would want to work there Larry smiled and replied “I’m not here for the money, I’m here to help the patients.”

In addition to his work at The Terrace, Larry continues to work at the local hospital and even took on private duty cases for a number of years. After 20 years Larry went back to school to learn rehabilitation and better serve his patients. He applies that training every day in getting his patients up and moving at both The Terrace and the hospital.

“My goal is to motivate them to get back on their feet so they can go home,” says Larry.

One of Larry’s current patients gave him high praise. “I wasn’t sure I would walk again but Larry came in one day and said ‘we’re going to get you up and walking.’ Larry pulled out a walker and said ‘I’m going to support one side and

you’re going to support the other and we are going to walk you across your room.’ And he did.” Within a week Larry had his patient walking throughout the nursing home with just his walker.

“I know what my patients are capable of,” says Larry. “I know them better than they know themselves.”

“When nobody else can get them to get up and do what they are supposed to do, he just goes in and says ‘Come on. Let’s go’ and off they go with him,” says Administrator Rose Shults. “He has the remarkable talent of getting the most out of all of his residents with a gentle yet firm touch.”

Larry spoke about the importance of having a union at the nursing home. “I’ve worked in places where there is no union,” says Larry. “If someone from the administration doesn’t like you they simply call security and tell you to get out. Having the union protects the workers from being terminated just because someone doesn’t like them.”

“Our union gives us a voice on the job,” added Larry. “I love my patients and the union gives me and my co-workers the ability and rights to speak up for our patients.”

We are certain that Larry will be speaking up for his patients for many years to come.

Page 9: UFCW Local 1546 Newsletter Winter 2014

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Oferta Especial de Préstamos Hipotecarios Residenciales para

Miembros de UFCW 1546!

Amalgamated Bank of Chicago se complace en extender esta oferta especial para los miembros de UFCW 1546.

Usted pudiera calificar para una tasa de porcentaje anual (APR) más baja para su hipoteca a la que está pagando actualmente*. También puede utilizar esta oferta especial para comprar una casa. Además de ofrecer una tarifa competitiva por un tiempo limitado, estamos renunciando a nuestro cargo de procesamiento y el cargo de la evaluación de su hipoteca. Eso es un ahorro directo para usted!

Llame hoy para que podamos mostrarle el dinero que usted podria ahorrar con una tasa de interés más baja. Ponerse en contacto con nosotros es absolutamente gratuito y no le obliga de ninguna manera. Recuerde, esta es un oferta por tiempo limitado, que expira 28 de febrero. Esperamos escuchar de usted.

No dude en comunicarse con nosotros al 312-822-3229 o por correo electrónico [email protected].*Todos los préstamos están sujetos a aprobación de crédito.

Black Friday Rallies Rollout Through Chicago

Chicago Wolves has discount tickets to select games for UFCW Local 1546 members.

Sat. Feb. 15 at 7pm vs. Milwaukee AdmiralsFree Fun Fest in the All State Arena Skyline room from 5-6:30pmAdopt-A-Dog Night - Wolves Wives Puck Fundraiser

Sat. Mar. 15 at 7pm vs. Texas StarsFree Fun Fest in the All State Arena Skyline room from 5-6:30pmPostgame Skate, sorry no skate rental

Sun. Apr. 13 at 3pm vs. Rockford Icehogs (Blackhawks Minor League Team)

Enjoy great seats and special savings!*$28.50 tickets for $22.50 *$21.50 tickets for $15.50 *$18.50 tickets for $12.50*Indicates day-of-game ticket price

HOW TO ORDERONLINE: Go to Ticketmaster.com and enter offercode/password U1546 to receive discount

BY PHONE: Stefanie Evans 847-832-1939

Please contact Stefanie Evans for other available dates

Our Walmart held multiple rallies across America leading up to Black Friday this year.

As Walmart worker Myron Byrd will tell you, we’re stronger when we stand together. He had seen problems in his Chicago Walmart for years, but he never thought that there was anything he could do to change things. That is, until he saw other workers coming together in OUR Walmart.

“By myself, I was afraid to speak out,” said Byrd. “But now that my coworkers and the community are standing up with me, we are really working to change things.”

Byrd and other Walmart workers spoke out at two major rallies in Chicago in the weeks before Black Friday.

Walmart workers and community supporters across the nation turned out for 1500 protests against the mega-retailer on Black Friday itself, in one of the largest

mobilizations of working families in recent history. Workers, faith leaders and community supporters are risked arrest in at least nine major metropolitan cities, outraged that with $17 billion in profits, Walmart continues to pay many workers poverty wages. Workers and supporters are calling for an end to illegal retaliation, for Walmart to publicly commit to paying $25,000 a year and to provide more full-time work.

Our Walmart member Myron

Byrd talks about the working

conditions at Walmart.

Page 10: UFCW Local 1546 Newsletter Winter 2014

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PensionsA pension you can retire on is one of the many benefits of being a UFCW Local 1546 member. Congratulations to our newest retirees:

UFCW Local 1546 Member InformationUFCW Local 1546Pension Information

W Jaki Sposỏb Wycofać Się z Członkowstwa w Zwiąkach ZawodowychW przypadku, gdy zostaniesz zwolniony z pracy, przesuni ty na krótkoterminowe bez-robocie, przejdziesz na urlop bezpłatny lub zrezygnujesz z pracy z dowolnego powodu, pamiętaj o uzyskaniu statusu wycofania się ze związków zawodowych w UFCW Lokalu 1546 (withdrawal status). Status taki pozwoli na to, że nie będziesz musiał płacić za-ległych składek członkowskich, ani uiszczać opłaty za przywrócenie członkowstwa w związkach w sytuacji, gdy zdecydujesz się powrócić do tej samej pracy lub podj inn na obszarze podlegającym kompetencji UFCW w dowolnym z 50-ciu stanów USA lub na terenie Kanady. Aby uzyskać status wycofania się ze związków zawodowych (withdraw-al status) należy opłacić w całości należne składki członkowskie do końca ostatniego miesiąca zatrudnienia. Pamiętaj również o tym, że o uzyskanie statusu wycofania się ze związków zawodowych (withdrawal status) należy poprosić w ciągu 30 dni przed termi-nem ukończenia zatrudnienia w obecnym zakładzie pracy. Aby uzyskać status wycofania się ze związków zawodowych (withdrawal status) należy zadzwonić lub złożyć pisemną prośbę do biura UFCW Lokal 1546 w Chicago lub na przedmieściach.

Solicitando el Estatus de RetiroSi usted es despedido definitivamente, temporalmente o está de permiso, o deja su trabajo por cualquier razón, asegúrese se pedir que sea retirado de la UFCW Local 1546. Esto le ayudará a evitar el pago de las tarifas atrasadas o cuotas para el restablecimiento, en caso de que desee regresar a trabajar o busca otro trabajo bajo la jurisdicción de la UFCW, en cualquiera de nuestros cincuenta estados y en Canadá. El estatus de retiro solamente requiere que sus cuotas sean pagadas por completo y que la cantidad que deba sea pagada durante el mes en el cual trabaja. Por favor, tenga en mente que el estatus de retiro se debe pedir dentro de 30 días de haber dejado su empleo. Para solicitar el estatus de retiro, llame o escriba a nuestra oficina de la UFCW Local en Chicago o los suburbios.

Applying for Withdrawal StatusIf you are terminated, laid off, taking a leave of absence, or end your employment for any reason, make sure to request with-drawal status from UFCW Local 1546. This will help you avoid the payment of back dues or reinstatement fees should you decide to return to work or seek other employment under the jurisdiction of the UFCW in any of our fifty states and Can-ada. Withdrawal status only requires that your fees are paid in full and your dues and assessments are paid through the month in which you work. Also, please be advised that withdrawal status must be requested within 30 days of leaving your employ-ment. To request withdrawal status, call or write to our Chicago or Suburban UFCW Local 1546 office.

Victoria Absher - Ultra FoodsEdward Akers - Ultra FoodsLinda Amditis - Jewel Food StoresMadlynne Anast - Dominick’s Finer FoodsRichard Archambeau - Jewel Food StoresJames Ballard - Ultra FoodsAntonina Barbaccia - Dominick’s Finer FoodsMary Bondi - Jewel Food StoresKathleen Bumgardner - Zenith AdministratorsJose Cervantes - Dominick’s Finer FoodsZofia Chowanieck - Great Western Beef Co.Ralph Cool - Jewel Food StoresAlan Dalponte - Eagle Food CentersJudith Decesare - Dominick’s Finer FoodsCathy Dellaquila - Jewel Food StoresBarbara French - Dominick’s Finer FoodsHarold Gangestad Jr. - Dominick’s Finer FoodsSharon Glowa - Jewel Food StoresAnn Goebel - Jewel Food StoresMary Gowrylow - Jewel Food StoresPaul Grunewald - Sunset FoodsMichael Herlihy - Transport Prod. SystemsPatricia Kelly - Dominick’s Finer Foods

John Klinger - Eagle Food CentersMary Kryger - Jewel Food StoresDawn Langlois - Eagle Food CentersJames Lee - Chipain’s Finer FoodsErnest Leicht - Ultra FoodsThomas Lennox - KrogerCo.John Leonard - Rapid Foods Inc.Rhonda Lesley - Jewel Food StoresArturo Magana - Professional CleaningWilliam Marrero - Stockyards PackingMichael McCabe - Jewel Food StoresThomas McDonough - Peoria StockyardsDonna Mejia - Jewel Food StoresRandall Miles - Martin’s SupermarketsDebra Moore-Schnur - Dominick’s Finer FoodsDavid Moser - Dominick’s Finer FoodsJames Mundo - Sarlis MarketChester Nawrocki - Dominick’s Finer FoodsAndrzej Niedzwiedzki - The Bruss Co.Dennis Niemczyk - Blue Goose SupermarketPatricia Oldham - Eagle Food CentersMarion Pasciak - Dominick’s Finer FoodsRalph Pedersen - Jewel Food Stores

Craig Phillips - Thompson FoodsJohn Rafatcz - Eagle Food CentersNereo Rebellato - Dominick’s Finer FoodsLinda Roark - Strack & Van TilTeresa Robles - Rupari FoodsCharlotte Rodriguez - Dominick’s Finer FoodsMary Sanchez - Jewel Food StoresRonald Skweres - Dominick’s Finer FoodsShirley Stevens - Dominick’s Finer FoodsDavid Stoeck - Dominick’s Finer FoodsHedvig Thiele - Dominick’s Finer FoodsSelena Thomas - Jewel Food StoresLeonard Trevino - Mr. Ed’s IGABenjamin Valencia - Chiapetti Wholesale MeatsMaria Velazquez - Admiral Tool & MfgSusan Welbourn - Jewel Food StoresThomas Wesselhoff - Dominick’s Finer FoodsJeri Wiseman - Peoria StockyardsLinda Woodrow-Mertz - Schnuck MarketsJames Wrobel - Jewel Food Stores

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UFCW Unions and Employers Midwest Pension Fund9801 West Higgins Road Rosemont, IL 60018847.384.7000 or toll-free at 1.800.621.5133

UFCW Union Industry Pension Fund (National Pension Fund)P.O. Box 6000Frankfort, IL 60423-6000312.649.1200 or toll-free at 1.800.531.2385

UFCW Local 1546 Pension Fund (Formerly known as the “Local 100A Fund”)1649 W. Adams Street, 4th FloorChicago, IL 60612312.829.0850

Have a question about your pension? Contact your pension fund.

Health & Welfare InformationUFCW Unions and Employers Midwest Health Benefits Fund9801 West Higgins Road, Suite 500 Rosemont, IL 60018847.384.7000 or toll-free at 1.800.621.5133

UFCW Union and Employers Calumet Fund1300 Higgins Road, Suite 300Park Ridge, IL 60068-5713847.384.7000 or toll-free at 1.800.621.5133

UFCW Local 1546 Health & Welfare Fund (Formerly “Local 100A Fund”)1649 W. Adams Street, 3rd FloorChicago, IL 60612312.829.0850

Zenith American Solutions (Formerly Food Handlers’ Health & Welfare Fund)P.O. Box 5000Frankfort, IL 60423-50001.877.225.9141

Jewel Health Benefits Fund(SuperValu ASC Benefits)P.O. Box 20Boise, Idaho 83726toll-free at 1.800.969.9688

*If your Fund is not listed here, please contact your Union Representative for additional information.

Prawo do posiadania Reprezentanta ze Zwiàzków Zawodowych (wytnij i zachowaj)Ponisży tekst należy przeczytać swojemu przełożonemu jako deklarację praw wynikających z przynależności do Związków Zawodowych: Jeżeli dyskusja ta w jakikolwiek sposób może przyczynić się do przeprowadzenia akcji dyscyplinarnej przeciwko mnie lub zwolnienia mnie z pracy lub też jeżeli będzie ona mieć jakikolwiek wpływ na moje warunki pracy, to z całym szacunkiem proszę, aby mój Reprezentant ze Związków Zawodowych, Steward, lub inny funkcjonariusz Związkowy był obecny na tym zebraniu. W przypadku nieobecności takiego Reprezentanta,odmawiam uczestniczenia w dyskusji podczas tego zebrania.

Corte esto y mantengalo con usted. Esto se le debe leer palabra por palabra a su supervisor para declarar sus Derechos to Unión.Si esta discusión pudiera en alguna forma, afectar personatmente mis condiciones de trabajo, o ser amonestada o ser despedido, yo respentuosamente solicito que el Representante de la Unión esté presente en la reunión.

Clip and keep with you. To be read word for word to your supervisor to declare your Union Rights:“If this discussion would lead in any way to my being disciplined or terminated or have any effect on my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my Union Representative, Officer or Steward be present at this meeting. Without representation, I choose not to participate in this discussion.”

Know Your Union Rights

Reaching Your UFCW Local 1546 Union RepresentativeMain Office 1649 W. Adams, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60612 312.733.2999 FAX 312.733.4369

Christine A. BartholmeyCarlos CartagenaNick ListermannGeorge B. Marshall

Bob O’TooleJohn RosenthalHilda VargasJonathan Willigman

Rochelle Office 315 Cherry AvenueRochelle, Illinois 61068815.562.4661

Jonathan Willigman

Colona Office (Plant Office)P.O. Box 345Colona, Illinois 61241309.658.3365

Efrain JimenezVirgil Juarez

Suburban Office 2246 Palmer Dr. Unit 101Schaumburg, IL 60173 847.593.3500FAX .847.593.3515

Jeff CarrEdward J. FlavinVicky HayesJim HurtadoTamara MasonCharles “Chuck” RieberKenneth Swanson

Kenneth A. Urzedowski(Executive Assistant)

Organizing Department:Terry DeVito (Director)Todd ChaseDennis Hernandez

One of the many protections union members have on the job is Weingarten Rights which ensures your right to have union representation in any meeting with your supervisor. The language below will help you to assert your rights.

Page 12: UFCW Local 1546 Newsletter Winter 2014

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Discounted tickets to Chicago Steam basketball games for $5 each.All home games are at South Suburban College 15800 South State St. South Holland, IL 60473All tickets must be purchased at the door. Be sure to specify that you are with UFCW Local 1546

01/26/14 TEAMWORK TBA02/01/14 CHICAGO COURTS 5PM02/08/14 MISSOURI RYTHYM TBA02/22/14 CHICAGO COURTS 5PM

Check ChicagoSteamBasketball.com for exact game times.