HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR UNION OFFICERS & STAFF
To our Alaskan UFCW 1496 Members, We wish you and your families a Merry Christmas, and a Happy Holiday Season!  It has been a challenging year indeed, and one like no other, and through it all our hard working front-line, essential working families have delivered.  You are the heart behind the holiday season we've all come to love.  For those who work to check in freight in the back rooms, cut meat, prepare baked goods, stocking items on shelves, making amazing holiday trays of food, keeping stores cleaned and sanitized, shopping for customers w/pick-lists, and carrying their orders out in the icy cold weather, to ringing up the folks at the check-stand in their community, and making sure they have that perfect bottle of wine to compliment their meal.  You are the ones that help make the holidays happen for families throughout this great state.  We celebrate all of our 2500+ Alaska Members.  Let's pause to be thankful for the Holiday Heroes whose hard work, and dedication help make possible the traditions, and warm memories we make year after year.  


OPEN ENROLLMENT REMINDER
By now, you should have received a white manila envelope with your medical open enrollment forms in it.  Be sure to fill the form out and return ASAP so you and your family will have health benefits for 2022.  Deadline for open enrollment this year is December 17th.   FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN LOST BENEFITS! You may also add or remove dependents at this time.  There are instructions on how to fill out the form and it only takes a few moments to ensure benefits for you and your family members in the coming year.  If you have not received a form by now, please contact the Plan Administrator at (907)561-5119 or (800)478-8329 Ext 4704 or the UFCW Local 1496 Office at (907)258-1496 or (800)478-1496, Fairbanks (907)456-6571.  You can also log onto www.akufcwtrust.com and download a form, or get one from your Shop Steward.  Be sure to mark the annual enrollment box at the top, and choose your coverage choice in the red box.  You may return your completed Enrollment Form by:
            -Mail to:  Labor Trust Services, PO Box 93870, Anchorage, AK 99509
            -Scan and email to:  AKUFCWforms@wpas-inc.com
            - Fax to:   (907)561-4802
If you would like to verify that your Enrollment Form was received, you can call (800)478-8329 Ext 4704.


FREE COLLEGE FOR UFCW MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
The UFCW Free College Benefit ensures that UFCW members and their families do not have to pay out of pocket for any tuition, fees or e-books at Eastern Gateway Community College-resulting in cost savings of thousands of dollars!  The Free College Benefit covers any amount for tuition, fees or books that is not covered by federal or employer education grants. Children (or stepchildren), grandchildren (or step-grandchildren). spouses, domestic partners, and financial dependents of UFCW members are eligible for the UFCW Free College Benefit.  Accounting, Criminal Justice, Healthcare Management, IT Helpdesk, Marketing, Paralegal, Social Work, and Teacher Education are just a few of the Degree's that are offered.  The process is simple and can save you a lot of money!  Check it out at www.ufcwfreecollege.org or call (888)590-9009.
Now enrolling for classes starting January 10, 2022!

UFCW LAUNCHES #SHOPSAFE CAMPAIGN
America’s largest retail Union, UFCW, has launched a new #ShopSafe campaign with 5 Essential Holiday Shopping Safety Tips to keep essential workers and shoppers safe:
 
1-Shop Smart:  Be prepared with a list of what you want to buy to keep your shopping trip short and help avoid overcrowding in the stores.
2-Wear a Mask:  Help reduce the risk of COVID exposure to those working in the store.
3-Don’t Overcrowd:  Leave space between yourself and other customers or workers, and consider shopping in the early morning or late evening hours when stores are less crowded. 
4-Save Time/Ask for Help:  To reduce shopping time when looking for what you need, ask the nearest worker, they know the store better than anyone and will give you the shortcuts needed to save time.
5-Be Kind & Thankful:  Remember that every worker, whether in a grocery store or a retail store, is doing their best.  It is not their fault that certain items are out of stock or more expensive than past years.  This year, maybe more than most, being kind and thankful will help make a difference in their lives and yours.
 
Marc Perrone, the International President of UFCW, released the following statement:
“As part of the holiday campaign, the UFCW is encouraging shoppers to take a selfie of themselves following the 5 Holiday Shopping Tips and to thank essential workers, to help show their gratitude to all of the men and women helping to keep stores open and safe this holiday season.” 
 



 
 
 

ANCHORAGE CARRS/SAFEWAY CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE
As you may already be aware, our Alaska UFCW Local 1496 Leadership and Negotiating Committee has been in bargaining with Safeway for a new contract since April of 2021.  The Committee stands devoted to achieving fair wage increases for all departments and positions, better contract language, and a safer working environment.  While progress has been made over the past months, the Employer is still rejecting the Union's proposals and taking negative positions on issues that matter to all of you.
On August 17th & 18th, the Committee has been focusing on economic discussions with the Employer.  When the Committee laid out what a fair package might look like, it was crystal clear the Employer is out of touch and unconcerned with what their employees need.  Some of the Employer counter-proposals are not enough to help hard-working grocery store members achieve what they deserve.  Your Employer proposed or took positions on:
-Insignificant wage increases
-Too many hours to move forward through raise progression steps
-Spouses waiting two years for healthcare coverage
-Longer wait time for new hires to have paid holidays
-Removing night premium pay
-Needed improvements to pension
Their proposals and positions are not what you need or deserve as essential workers.  And, this is not how essential workers who have risked their health and well-being of their own families throughout a global pandemic should be treated.  Over the past 18 months, you have risked your lives for your communities and Safeway's corporate profits.  Throughout negotiations, it is important to remember that getting the fairest contract is an important process.  Please help support yourself and your coworkers by doing your part to support the Negotiations Team.  This is YOUR contract, but it can only be great if we all work together.
Now is the time to be United.  Be sure to wear your "Standing Together" Union buttons until you get an acceptable contract offer to vote on, and when you see management in your store, be sure to tell them you will do WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET A FAIR CONTRACT!
                                                                 SOLIDARITY WORKS!!


THINK SAFETY AND JOB SECURITY FIRST, BEFORE GOING AFTER SHOPLIFTERS
The basic policy with regard to shoplifting is one of prevention.  This is usually best accomplished by cheerfully greeting customers and asking if they need assistance, as shoplifters do not like to be recognized and avoid stores with friendly, attentive employees.  If an employee becomes aware that someone may be leaving the store with unpurchased merchandise, he or she should report the incident to management immediately.  Do not engage them.  Under no circumstances may any employee pursue or otherwise chase in an attempt to detain a suspected shoplifter within the store or outside the store premises, this includes loiterers.  To do so places your safety and the safety of your co-workers and customers in jeopardy.  The Company will not tolerate any violation of this policy, and any employee that decides to pursue or otherwise chase in an attempt to detain a shoplifter will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination irrespective of whether anyone was hurt. 

WITHDRAWAL CARD
DON'T FORGET -   If at any time you have terminated your employment or are going to be off the schedule for 30 days or more for any reason, be sure to call the Union office at 258-1496 (or 1-800-478-1496) to request a withdrawal card.  The withdrawal card is honored throughout the United States and Canada.  You are not required to pay dues while you are withdrawn.

UFCW ALASKA NEGOTIATIONS & CONTRACT UPDATES
​Petersburg:  On Tuesday, July 20th UFCW Alaska Members from Trading Union-IGA and Hammer & Wikan voted over-whelmingly to accept a new 3-year agreement.  It was a positive step forward for the group that solidified raises for all members on the contract for each year of the agreement.

Fairbanks:  On August 11th, the Union will be meeting with Gavora group for the Thrifty Liquor & Garden Island to negotiate a new 3-year deal for its members.  The biggest concern for members is getting new and improved wage increases to help keep up with the cost of living.  Also this month Fairbanks Distributors contract opens for negotiations with the Employer,  for its food and snack workers.

Anchorage:  The Union and Safeway Workers Bargaining Committee members met with the Employer on Friday, July 23rd.  We have had multiple negotiations with the Employer since April.  The Committee is making progress but it has been slow going in getting the Employer to commit to raising the hiring rates for new hire Combination Clerks rates above $10.55 per hour.  That's only a +$.05 cents per hour increase proposed.  There has not been an increase in starting rates of pay since 2015, while the cost of living increases continue to rise.  The Bargaining Committee is committed to improving wages for all its members in the contract from Journey Person/thereafter rates, to Courtesy Clerks, and all rates for all its members who are in between.  Now is the time to stay informed, wear a button to show the Employer that We Stand United! Solidarity Works 

Wear the Button!
I'm an essential worker...I'm worth more than a nickel!
If you need a button to wear, please see your Shop Steward or call our office.



ALASKA UFCW MEMBERS - CALL SENATOR MURKOWSKI!
Call Senator Lisa Murkowski and tell her to support the PRO Act!  Representative Don Young already said yes.  We're asking Senator Murkowski to do the same to support working people.  Call her and tell her to vote YES on the PRO Act.  The right to join a union is not political.  It's not controversial.  It's simply a fundamental freedom.  Stronger unions mean higher wages, safer working conditions and dignity for all people who work.

The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act would:
-Empower workers to organize and bargain
-Hold corporations accountable for union-busting
-Repeal "right to work" laws, which were created during the Jim Crow era to keep White and Black workers from organizing together.

The vast majority of Americans support unions.  The PRO Act is how every worker who wants to form a union can do so freely and fairly.

UFCW ALASKA CONTRACT UPDATES

​Petersburg:  Both Hammer & Wikan and Trading Union Members agreed to vote on a recommended settlement on June 16th, that includes new meaningful hourly wage increases for all members each year of the 3-year agreement.  The date scheduled for the members to vote on the contract settlement is Tuesday, July 20th from 8AM-4PM at Scandia House, in the conference room.  There will be a Contract Update/General Membership meeting on July 19th, the evening before, to go over the terms of the settlement, at 6PM and 8PM.

Anchorage:   Carrs/Safeway Bargaining Committee Members and the Local 1496 Union staff continue to negotiate with the Employer.  The Employer and Members have had 3 bargaining sessions since April, and have their next round scheduled for Friday, July 23rd.  The contract expired June 1, 2021.  Prior to expiration, we signed an extension agreement with the Employer, that keeps the current contract in full force until we can reach an acceptable settlement.  The Union and its Bargaining Committee are united with the rest of its membership, that now is the time to achieve new significant raises and improvements to the contract.  We know in the last year, that the Employer has been extremely successful, and that success is because of your essential hard work serving on the front lines daily.  Now is the time for the Employer to share their record setting success with you.

Other contracts that are currently open and will be bargained soon:  Fairbanks Gavora/Market Basket, Anchorage Firefighters Local 1264, and Anchorage Iron Workers Local 751.

Stay informed, stand strong and united..... SOLIDARITY WORKS! 


NEW SHOP STEWARDS

Welcome to our newest shop stewards:  Erica Kelso, Anchorage Aurora Village Carrs #1805; Stephani Pine and Denelle Talbot, Palmer Carrs #1739; Mike Combs, Ketchikan Safeway #1818; Angela Barlow, Fairbanks Safeway #2754; Rome Parham, Fairbank  Safeway #3410; Mary Jacobson, Anchorage Carrs/Safeway Warehouse.  We are still in need of shop stewards at the following locations: Anchorage Eastgate Carrs #1809, Anchorage Jewel Lake Carrs #1812, Anchorage Abbott Fred Meyer #656, and a 2nd shop steward is needed at Kenai Safeway #1808, and Wasilla Carrs #1811.  If you are interested in becoming a Shop Steward, please notify us by calling 258-1496 (Anchorage), 456-6571 (Fairbanks) or 1-800-478-1496.

BUY UNION/AMERICAN

Why Buy American?  While driving to work one may not realize that the clothes you wear and the vehicle you are driving are made by foreign workers.  Once upon a time not long ago, these products and most others were made by American Workers who supported Local Economies with their hard earned wages.  The loss of these blue collar, good paying jobs has been going on for decades.  In 1950, manufacturing accounted for over 30% of non-farm employment.  Today, that number is 10%.  Increasingly our wages go to support the profit margins of multi-national corporations while the American Worker struggles to find good paying jobs with benefits.  Support your country and Buy American!  Remember, behind every label is a job.  Lets make it an American Job.
As summer kicks into full swing and we enjoy our fishing, camping, cookouts, picnics, etc. we often buy union made items and don't even realize it; here are some, just to name a few:  Wonder Bread, Crunch n' Munch, Frito-Lay, Hershey, Slim Jim, Pepsi, Coke, Mission Foods, Ball Park, Oscar Mayer, Hormel, John Morrell, Foster Farms, Nathan's, Johnsonville, Hostess, Sara Lee, Heinz, Vlasic, Pace, Breyers Ice Cream, VanKamps, Kroger, Lucerne, Smithfield, Minute Maid, V-8, Welch's, Hawaiian Punch, Yoplait, Dannon, French's or Gulden's Mustard, Ore-Ida, Mott's, Hidden Valley Ranch, Peter Pan, Dinty Moore, and Rosarita.