Local 1496 - The Most Northern and Western UFCW Local in the World!

The great things about being a UFCW member

One of the best things about the UFCW is the wages and benefits we enjoy.  According to government statistics, union members make out far better on the job than non-union employees.  For UFCW members, the difference is profound.

According to the Department of Labor, in the retail industry, workers who are in the union earn nearly 40% more than non-union workers. And that's counting only the pay. We also enjoy outstanding medical and retirement benefits as well.

Did you know that part-time workers in the UFCW are likely to have a far better health care plan than the average U.S. worker?  Our wages and benefits are the highest in those areas where more workers are organized into the UFCW.

When UFCW members go to work, we know exactly what is expected of us on the job.   Our employers also know what is expected of them.  Wage rates and job responsibilities are clearly spelled out in a written contract negotiated between our union and the employers.

Under UFCW contracts, workers are treated equally, without regard to race, sex, age, or ethnicity. It's all in writing and it's all enforceable, because if the contract is violated, we can challenge the violation and have it corrected.  We do this through a grievance procedure where we meet with our employers to iron out problems in our day-to-day jobs.

Most problems are resolved easily, by airing them with company superiors.  Sometimes, more difficult issues are involved.  In these cases an independent arbitrator is utilized, and both the employer and the union abide by the arbitrator's decision in the matter.