WHAT DOES THE UFCW DO?
As an employee in your bargaining unit, you are represented by United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 1496. If you are like many employees, you may have some questions as to what this means to you.
What is UFCW International?
This Local Union is part of an international union that represents workers in many similar occupations around the United States and Canada. UFCW International has 1.3 million members in its approximately 500 local unions. Because the International is so large, it has highly trained and motivated staff to help local unions. This Local draws on the immense resources of the International, which has trained staff and resources, including modern technology and research departments.
A little bit about our union
Local 1496 was established on March 31, 1941, and has approximately 3,000 members all throughout Alaska working in various work environments, from grocery stores, to offices, to truck drivers/warehouse workers, to industrial workers, plumbers, fire fighters and so many more! We bargain for companies who only have 1 member in the whole workplace to 200 members in one workplace. So no company is too big or too small to be a part of our union! We are very proud of our diverse membership.
What is UNION REPRESENATION?
Union representation means that UFCW Local 1496, on your behalf and with your full and active participation, negotiates and administers a legally binding contract known as a collective bargaining agreement that sets forth your wages, benefits, hours, and all your working conditions. Because all employees negotiate together through the Union, Union members receive higher wages and better benefits than non-union workers doing similar jobs. Strength in numbers makes this possible.
What are OFFICERS in a union?
The officers of this Local Union include a President, Secretary-Treasurer, Recorder, and 10 Vice-Presidents known as the Executive Board. These officers are elected by the membership in secret ballot elections. As a member, you will get to participate in those elections
Your contract is administered by Union Representatives.
What is a SHOP STEWARD?
You may have a Shop Steward at your place of work. Should you have any questions or problems, you should contact your Shop Steward. You may also contact us directly if you wish to do so.
What is UFCW International?
This Local Union is part of an international union that represents workers in many similar occupations around the United States and Canada. UFCW International has 1.3 million members in its approximately 500 local unions. Because the International is so large, it has highly trained and motivated staff to help local unions. This Local draws on the immense resources of the International, which has trained staff and resources, including modern technology and research departments.
A little bit about our union
Local 1496 was established on March 31, 1941, and has approximately 3,000 members all throughout Alaska working in various work environments, from grocery stores, to offices, to truck drivers/warehouse workers, to industrial workers, plumbers, fire fighters and so many more! We bargain for companies who only have 1 member in the whole workplace to 200 members in one workplace. So no company is too big or too small to be a part of our union! We are very proud of our diverse membership.
What is UNION REPRESENATION?
Union representation means that UFCW Local 1496, on your behalf and with your full and active participation, negotiates and administers a legally binding contract known as a collective bargaining agreement that sets forth your wages, benefits, hours, and all your working conditions. Because all employees negotiate together through the Union, Union members receive higher wages and better benefits than non-union workers doing similar jobs. Strength in numbers makes this possible.
What are OFFICERS in a union?
The officers of this Local Union include a President, Secretary-Treasurer, Recorder, and 10 Vice-Presidents known as the Executive Board. These officers are elected by the membership in secret ballot elections. As a member, you will get to participate in those elections
Your contract is administered by Union Representatives.
What is a SHOP STEWARD?
You may have a Shop Steward at your place of work. Should you have any questions or problems, you should contact your Shop Steward. You may also contact us directly if you wish to do so.
We are a democratic institution governed by our members, a written constitution, and bylaws. The constitution and bylaws are available to you upon request – these documents describe how your Union is governed, as well as give you information on the additional rights you have as a member.
General Membership Meetings
The Local Union has regular meetings conducted quarterly (every 3 months). These meetings are important and, as a member, you are encouraged to come and participate in the affairs of your Local Union. These meetings are held regionally, and the dates, places, and times of
these meetings are published in the Local Union Newsletter.
We have also created a texting subscription where we will send you texts regarding these meetings, or any other updates that involve you, your workplace and this union.
It is important that as a member, you stay well informed through these membership meetings. Consistent involvement, makes our union strong.
Why do I need a CONTRACT?
Without a legally binding contract, the law allows an employer to fire you without any reason and to change your wages or hours without your consent. There are virtually no restrictions set by law regarding what the employer can do. With our Local Union contract, there is a legally binding agreement that is enforceable.
Your Local Union contract is available from your Shop Steward or you may request your contract via email or mail through "Need a Contract?" As a member, you enjoy all the benefits of this contract: Please read it! As we negotiate new and better contracts, you will be provided with copies of the new agreements. This contract establishes your wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions, but also does so much more.
What does a UNION CONTRACT do?
PROTECTS YOUR SENIORITY, which will become increasingly important to you the longer you are working for this employer;
PROHIBITS DISCIPLINE OR DISCHARGE BY YOUR EMPLOYER, EXCEPT FOR JUST CAUSE, once you have completed your probationary period;
PROVIDES FOR VACATIONS PAID FOR BY YOUR EMPLOYER and negotiated by the Local Union;
PROVIDES FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND PENSION BENFITS PAID FOR BY YOUR EMPLOYER and negotiated by the Local Union;
ESTABLISHES A GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE with binding arbitration to take up and resolve your complaints in a way that gets results; and,
PROVIDES MANY MORE BENEFITS, all of which are detailed in the written agreement and negotiated by the Local Union.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of being covered by a Local Union contract is the knowledge and security that the provisions cannot be changed unilaterally... in fact, no changes can be made without the Local Union’s agreement. The Local Union and the employer do negotiate new agreements when the old agreements expire. At that time, we seek improvements and better wages and working conditions.
Benefits of being a UNION MEMBER
In addition to the specific benefits of the Local Union contract, when you are a member of this Local Union, you are able to:
VOTE YOUR CONSCIENCE on acceptance or rejection of proposed contracts that would set your wages, benefits, and working conditions;
FULLY PARTICIPATE in the development of the contract proposals, election of officers, and union activities; and
BENEFIT from other programs such as discounts on vacation packages, credit cards, home mortgages, and other services available only to Union members.
When you are a member of Local 1496, we hope that you will take advantage of your membership and become active and involved. Strong, active, and informed members are essential to the strength of your Union. In the long run, your participation will benefit both you and your co-workers by helping the Union gain improved benefits and working conditions.