to view

magazine
July/August 2006
U
Vol.1. Issue 2
(USPS 018-250)
Ralphs Pleads Guilty
Ralphs’ employees to share
$50 million in backpay
See Story on Pages 4 and 17
Nickels & Dimes
Arbitration wins
bode well for negotiations next year.
Page 14
Dogs & Ponies
See the executive
who coulda made it
in show business.
Page 9
Ups & Downs
Union-backed
candidates do well
across the region
Page 19
Official Publication of the United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 324
What’s Inside
Sec.-Tres.
Report
Sec.-Tres. Report
U
Andrea Zinder is at it again, calling for us to
“reverse trends.” What does she think we’re
thousands strong or something? . . . PAG
ES 4-5
Old news
. . . PAGE 13
Your union’s roots run deep—all the
way back to a group of unruly women.
. . . PAGES 6-7
U like us ...
In-depth survey on members’ attitudes reveals
better-than-expected results.
Member feature
Member's death brings store together in surprising ways. One
member thinks we're making too much of her good deed.
. . . PAGE 18
Arbitration triumphs
. . . PAGE
14
Local's zero tolerance policy on contract violations
nets huge backpay awards.
Crossword puzzle
Play it and win a month's free dues. . . . PAGE 19
Doubletake Awards
My what a tangled web we weave . . . find
out what fiendish acts earn our disgust.
magazine
. . . PAGE 20
U
MAIN OFFICE:
8530 Stanton Avenue,
P.O. Box 5004
Buena Park, California 90622
UNION OFFICE HOURS
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday-Friday
TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Orange County: (714) 995-4601 Lake Forest: (949) 587-9881: Long BeachDowney-Norwalk Limited Area Toll Free: (800) 244-UFCW
U magazine (USES 018-250) is published bimonthly by UFCW Local 324, at Post Office Box 5004, 8530
Stanton Ave., Buena Park, CA 90622-5004. Subscription rate is two (2) dollars per year (U.S. funds)
Periodicals Postage paid at Buena Park, CA.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to U magazine, UFCW Local 324, Post Office Box 5004, Buena
Park, CA 90622-5004.
READERS: Direct all inquiries and changes of address to the COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT, UFCW
Local 324, Post Office Box 5004, Buena Park, CA 90622-5004. Web Site Address: UFCW324.org
2 July/August 2006
Learning lesso
hope to be pr
n December of 2002, we told
members to save for an
inevitable strike in October
of 2003. We even voted and
overwhelmingly passed a dues
increase which ended in
September 2003.
All of our pre-negotiation
preparations proved extremely
helpful. For those who did save, the
economic burden forced upon us by
our unscrupulous employers was
somewhat lessened.
In fact, several 324 members
were in such good condition
that they picketed full time and
re-donated their picket pay to the Strike Fund
to help those less fortunate.
I am again encouraging every member as
soon as possible to start saving for the next
contract negotiation in March 2007. As
always, the unions are not desirous of a
strike, but each member must be prepared
for that possibility. These employers have
shown no desire to try and mitigate the enormous hardship they imposed on their own
employees with their last strike/lockout.
The fact that they never even bargained in
good faith (until we forced them back to the
table with our offer to go to binding arbitration
the last 17 days of the 141-day dispute)
should be warning enough that we need to be
prepared for the worst to eliminate any surprises.
I
P r e s i d e n t ’s R e p o r t
ons from last cycle is critical if we
repared for contract talks in 2007
If those same employers want negotiations to succeed, then all things
are possible. If they insist on
their classic, last-minute,
squeeze play, crisis bargaining,
then I'm sure every member of
this local union—long-term or
short-term, part-time or fulltime—will stand shoulder to
shoulder again and show
that you have earned
and want back
what
you're entitled to for making these companies the most profitable
in their history. I’m confident that you will do
whatever is necessary to achieve those
goals.
As I visit stores, I continue to be amazed
by the strength and solidarity of our remarkable membership. Whether you have worked
for 35 years or just got hired and worked only
35 hours so far, you have collectively con-
veyed to me that
you really do “get
it.” It is your labor,
your hard work,
your talent, your
loyalty, your customer service—it is
all of these factors
combined that have
made grocery
President Greg M. Conger
employers profitable and successful.
Remember that the likes of Steve Burd
and David Dillon can't have it both ways.
They can't continue to tell Wall Street how
wonderfully their companies are performing
and how rosy the future is and then plead
poverty when they sit down at the bargaining
table.
If these employers really wanted labor
peace, they should have reached out to
Southern California unions and requested
early negotiations to settle the many problems that need be dealt with. Crisis bargaining can't possibly address those serious
challenges created as a direct result of their
strike three years ago.
July/August 2006 3
Karma and Justice all at once
— by President Greg Conger
"What goes around comes around" and "nobody is
above the law." You have probably already surmised that I’m
talking about the earth shattering news that Ralphs agreed to
plead guilty and establish a $50 million restitution fund to be
used for back pay disbursements. I admit that this issue has
become personal for me and last month’s Justice Department
announcement was like reaching the
top of a mountain after a journey of
years.
Your union will now assume
the role of facilitator as reps
converge upon Ralphs stores
throughout our jurisdiction
armed with answers to tough
questions. The reps, who will be
your primary source of information during this ordeal, are also
your biggest supporters. Their reaction
to the news was marked by emotion reserved for a very few
paramount moments in our lives and remain as fresh in our
minds 30 years from now as they will be next week.
To say congratulations seems almost minimizing the
depth of this victory. It extends, of course, to those who
walked picket lines during the strike/lockout as it does to
those who did not, a decision by the United States Justice
Department over which we had no direct control. Scabs will
not touch a dime of the resitution money, a major desire of
the unions that the DOJ lawyers were able to agree to.
Thousands of union members who haven’t even been
born yet will hear and read about what you did, what was
done to you and how you fought back until the record was set
straight and the wrongs got righted.
For UFCW members, the story is nearing an end. For
Ralphs executives who thought they were above the law, it
may be just beginning. For historians, it's somewhere in
between but clearer than ever before—and as it turns out, it’s
just like we said.
4 July/August 2006
Secre
Contract neg
fronts in ou
One of my favorite things to do is to ride with
a rep and visit and talk with our members in the
stores. Lately as I visit with Retail Food members I am excited about the question most often
on their mind. It goes something like this “When
will negotiations begin and what are we doing to
get ready?” Wow, I wonder – where do I begin
and how much time do you have? Before I
begin with all the things happening at the local
and national level, I always ask – “what are you
doing to get ready?”
Preparing for 2007
negotiations is multifaceted. Every member, every steward
and the union leadership must all look
Prior to 2003/4, contract
at these upcoming
negotiations tended to stay
negotiations now
and calculate how below the radar. Today, memevery action will
bers are demanding to know
impact our barevery last detail.
gaining position.
Union reps have
been distributing “324 Solidarity” pins and
explaining the importance of wearing it daily. It’s
thrilling to see the growing display of donned
pins as our members become more aware that
our next round of negotiations is almost upon us.
Wearing the pin speaks a thousand words.
The attitude of Local 324’s staff has been
that no contract violation shall go unnoticed or
unpunished. As a result, we have won or favorably settled case after case. Work in a higher
classification, sixth-day pay, vacation pay, clerk’s
helper combo ratios, and meat apprentices etc.
National strategy planning has begun and is
11
t a r y Tr e a s u r e r ’ s R e p o r t
gotiations represent one of many
ur struggle to regain what we lost
focused. We need to recover some of the ground
we lost in 2004 and everyone in the country
knows that Southern California will set the trend
for their next round of negotiations. Will they
continue to lose footing or will a new cycle of
restoring respectable wage rates and affordable
benefits for everyone be on the horizon?
Avoiding a strike may have been the agenda
throughout the country after 2004, but now is the
time for everyone to send a strong message to
the Corporate Giants that the pendulum is
swinging back. Informational programs
around the country are focused on educating members that Southern
California is as much their fight as it is
a local battleground.
Several months before
our contract expires, we
have the opportunity to once
again make California the
leader in worker’s rights.
Two pieces of legislation,
which are moving forward,
will automatically put our employers on
a more level playing field and eliminate their
whining about non-union competition. Although
one has to wonder whether some of the provisions the employers insisted on in 2004 make
them any better than the non-union enemy they
pretend to be haunted by.
One is the minimum wage bill which has
passed both houses of the California legislature.
Our current governor claims to support an
increase in the minimum wage, even though he
vetoed bills in 2004 and 2005 to restore this
level of dignity to entry-level workers in the state.
However, the governor wants it his way and is
already challenging provisions included in a bill supported by a majority of our
assembly members and
senators.
The second bill (SB
1414) would require
employers with
10,000 or more
workers in the
state to either
Andrea Zinder
r
re
u
spend a specis
a
re
-T
ry
Secreta
fied amount on
employee health insurance or contribute to a
fund to provide for health insurance for their
employees. This kind of bill has passed the legislature in other states. No adverse impact on
business has resulted in states that are currently
operating under similar Fair Share Health Care
Acts. Unfortunately, our current governor vetoed
similar legislation last year.
The opportunity to make some significant
changes in the state in November cannot be
overlooked as a necessary step in our negotiation preparations. We must do everything possible to assure that our legislative agenda locally,
state wide and nationally embraces the rights of
workers to be fairly compensated, to have affordable health insurance and the expectation of
respectable retirements and a measure of job
security all influence our strength in upcoming
bargaining.
Preparing for 2007 negotiations is a Local
324 priority that began more than two years ago.
Together we will make a difference.
July/August 2006 5
New Union Rep.
Bridget Lacy
promoted
to union rep.
Opinion poll re
Experts appear pleas
nion leaders from Orange County
U
to Washington, D.C. expressed
“deep satisfaction” after learning of
idget Lacy need look no further than her
own family when she explains what it is
about unions that has inspired her to work
toward their advancement for most of her
adult life. Shaking her head in disbelief, she talks
about growing up and knowing little about exactly
what kind of work her mother and father did but
recalling they came home from their separate jobs
equally drained from the day’s challenges and
equally committed to the tasks their jobs held in
store for them the next day.
But when it came time for her parents to retire, the
similarities ended and the contrasts that Lacy grew up
calling “the union difference” became painfully apparent.
“My mom worked 30 years at the same job for the
same family-owned business and retired with nothing. No pension, a nearly bankrupt 401K, no lasting
benefits at all,” Lacy said. “My dad was a union member his entire life and retired with medical benefits and
a pension that allows them to live well. How can anyone look at that and not come to the same conclusion.”
Lacy, 32, began in the industry as a courtesy clerk
at Gelsons in 1987 and ultimately served as the
store’s steward for the last four years. She joined the
Dues Department in 1999 where she first became
aware of how rewarding working for members could
be.
She recalled fielding a call from a desperate single mother whose payroll problem caused her to
become several months delinquent in her union dues
and almost resulting in a suspension.
"It was really a good feeling to know that at the
end of the call this woman was thanking me over and
over again as if I had just moved earth or something,"
Lacy recalled. "All I did was set up a payment plan for
her so that she could continue to work and pay off the
debt. She never knew it was an option. It felt good to
be able to help someone in a meaningful way."
B
6 July/August 2006
the results of a Wilson Center
Survey that tapped local members
for their views on
how Local 324 is
performing the all- What is your overall view
of Local 324?
important task of
communicating
with them.
The
survey
1.4%
declined to
answer/
unsure
11.4%
mostly negative/
very negative
polled 584 members chosen randomly by telephone
25.4%
neutral
the last week in
April
and
repre-
62.1%
Positive/mostly
positive
senting a scientific
cross-section of the
local’s rank and file.
The
results
were so extensive
that a team of professionals from the survey
group and the local literally locked themselves
inside offices and conference rooms to interpret
hundreds of pages of raw data.
Officials at the local were quick to tout one of
the poll’s more impressive findings—namely, that
the membership believes their union is doing a
good job informing them of important events or
topics. 18.1 percent disagreed. Similarly, 62.1
percent have a positive view of their union that
the union’s overall performance in helping mem-
Survey
ufcw324.org
eveals widespread support for union
santly surprised by strikingly positive numbers
bers access medical and pension benefits to be helped confirm some of his strongest held beliefs
good to excellent while only 11.1 percent rated about UFCW members and their relationship to
the union as poor or below average in the poll.
their union. “I have been out there for a long time
Prominent among the data was a series of insisting that members are not apathetic about
detailed questions designed to identify how what we’re doing and what the rest of the country
is doing. They
Overall, how good a job does
Local 324 do of communicating
with you and keeping you
informed?
On what issues or topic would you
like to receive information from
your union right now?
are engaged in
deeply personal
ways,”
he
said
1.7%
unsure
5.6%
not good
at all
One
0.2%
refused to
answer
28.3%
very
good
51.7%
mostly good
staff
member
who
worked
closely
12.5%
not very
good
union
with
researchers on
es-4.3%
pay issu nswer-8%
a
no
-8%
benefits
s-8%
n
o
ti
a
negoti
-9%
contract
benefits
medical
-9%
re
u
s
Un
d) 13%
e
rm
fo
ell in
NONE (w
on-14.2%
informati
contract
the project said
that the local
l e a d e r s
focused intently
on areas that
need improvement and have
UFCW Local 324 members get most of their already begun to formulate a plan to address the
news. Researchers inquired about computer problem areas.
usage, reading habits and how those habits
The staff member said President Conger was
impacts a member’s overall perception of the particularly eager to discover the membership’s
local.
attitude toward electronic communications such
“I can honestly say that I am not accustomed as email, webcasts and interactive web magato seeing numbers as strong as these so soon zines. The results appeared to defy the expectaafter a contentious labor dispute,” said Phil tions of some who expected a much higher
Comstock, president and owner of Wilson Center reliance on the computer and its infinite access to
Opinion Group.
news and information.
President Greg Conger said that the survey
May/June 2005 7
Elections
y
l
e
Lat
So what have you
done for me
E l e c t i o n r e s u l t s s h o w L a b o r s t i l l h a s m u s cl e
A
lthough turnout for the June
In the case of Santa Ana City Councilwoman
will try to overcome a growing chorus of union
Primary continued its downward
Claudia Alvarez, union outrage over accusations
members who charge that his policies favor cor-
trend, the results drew loud
that she crossed a picket line three years ago
porate special interests over those of workers.
applause from union leaders
derailed her campaign for the Assembly seat of
In Long Beach, voters elected Suja
who saw positive signs in several important con-
o u t g o i n g
Lowenthal to serve the
tests.
Assemblyman
remaining two years of out-
Lou
At the top of the ticket, State Treasurer Phil
Correa. UFCW mem-
going
Angelides defeated business tycoon Steve
bers were among hun-
Baker who resigned earlier
Westley by a mere three percentage points set-
dreds of union volun-
this year. In addition, voters
ting the stage for the governor’s race in
teers who spread the
gave an easy win to pro-
November against Arnold Schwarzenegger.
word that she did not
union Mayoral candidate
deserve their support.
Bob Foster.
Angelides’ on-the-ground support came predominantly from unions who campaigned
aggressively in his favor, infusing his campaign
She lost her race despite her early advantage.
Councilman
Dan
President Greg Conger is hoping that the
“This is a great example of electoral justice,"
results can be duplicated. “This is a sign of
said Political Director John Perez. "You can't
things to come,” said Conger. “I think a lot of
In another hotly contested race that day, can-
claim to be a friend of working people when cam-
workers have woken up in recent years and
didates endorsed by UFCW Local 324 defeated
paigning and cross a picket line when you're
we’re seeing the results.”
their heavily favored opponents and raised eye-
done for the day. It doesn't work like that.”
with needed funds as well as volunteers.
brows among poll watchers in both parties eager
to read a deeper meaning into the outcomes.
8 July/August
8 May/June
2005 2006
The eyes of most of the country will be on the
governor’s race this fall when Schwarzenegger
ufcw324.org
Showtime
Ralphs President Hirz launches PR blitz
Despite urgent pleas for members to to ‘ask me anything’, top dog at
company hands off tough questions to lawyer and avoids answering others
With the mechanics of a cross-country rock
tour and the personal savvy of Oprah Winfrey,
Ralphs President Dave Hirz has
been staging dramatic town hall
meetings with the chain’s Southern
California members for the
expressed purpose of answering
"any questions they may have about
upcoming negotiations or the contract with the union.
So far, however, the last-minute
whirlwinds have come too late for most members
to arrange their work or personal schedules
accordingly, leaving ball rooms and dining halls
mostly empty but supplied with enough electronic
equipment to broadcast a Super Bowl.
One member pointed out that Hirz’ traveling
roadshow featured more staff than employees,
most of whom appeared panic stricken when their
boss faced tough questions from the tiny audiences.
According to several members who attended
the June 16 gala affair held in Anaheim, Hirz told
Q
Q
Q
the audience that the law did not permit him to
talk about issues such as Pensions, benefit changes, or even pay raises and promotions in much detail. Hirz’ lawyer
remained within arms reach for most of
the session ready to pounce if the questioning became too intense.
Umag reporters (OK, just one)
spoke at length with Ralphs members
who have attended the performances.
They complimented their leader on his ability to
answer questions that weren't asked while dismissing others that were.
The event's format made follow-up questions
all but impossible as the microphone was quickly
snatched back after each question. Those who
have marveled at Hirz' PR skills include some of
the union's most ardent supporters who have
asked Umagazine to suggest a few follow-up
questions that might be suitable for Hirz' next gig.
We are flattered by the offer and jotted down the
following.
M r. H i r z , I w a s e x c i t e d t o h e a r t h a t y o u a g r e e t h a t f i v e y e a r s i s t o o l o n g t o g o w i t h o u t
a r a i s e . Wo u l d y o u b e w i l l i n g t o m a k e a p u b l i c s t a t e m e n t p l e d g i n g t h a t n e v e r a g a i n
will your employees go this long without a raise?
Mr. Hirz, your letter to Ralphs employees recently celebrated the need for "affordable
health care." Can you tell me what you define as affordable?
According to at least three observers of his Anaheim show, Hirz feels Ralphs employees are spoiled. In fact, he said, Ralphs employees are in a better position than their
cohorts at the corporate offices where they pay "more than you do," said Hirz.
Mr. Hirz, whenever we ask a question about pensions or raises or medical benefits you respond
by say saying it's illegal for you to "negotiate with us" so you can't answer. I looked it up, sir and
you're right. It would be illegal if we were negotiating at all. Since we're not, will you answer my
question (about health care, pensions or raises).
July/August 2006 9
Charity
Golf tourney raises $72,000
Union brothers and sisters joined service
providers from health care to financial planning
to raise money for battered women's shelters in
Orange and Los Angeles Counties, through the
local's Annual Golf Classic held in Tustin June
10 July/August 2006
ufcw324.org
Community
f o r b a t t e r e d w o m e n ’s s h e l t e r s
21, 2006. This year's total set a new record for
the 12-year-old event by raising $72,000.
President Greg Conger thanked the participants
for their roles.
July/August 2006 11
Community
Q
Word on the Street
What would you do to improve
your health care plan?
The deductibles have to
be lowered. Other than
that, I haven't used my
benefits enough to know.
Reggie Julienne
Ralphs 59
I would reduce the co-payments. They've gotten way
too high to afford especially
for those members who are
single mothers.
Jackie Clarke
I would make sure that it's still
around for retirees. Health care is
a prime reason people retire in
this industry.
Larry Bradbury
Albertsons 6170
Ralphs 744
If you are seeing a doctor for a
problem that requires a follow-up
visit, no co-payment should be
required. My doctor saw me for
three minutes last week and I had to
pay again.
Mike Frantz
Albertsons 6170
I would make sure that the providers get paid
in a more prompt manner. Too many times I
have to be in an awkward position because the
doctor I'm seeing has gone five or six months
with no payment.
Scott Borzi
Savon Albertsons 6170
12 July/August 2006
I think that the co-payments are too
expensive for part-timers. It can really add up especially for those who
have kids that need to see a doctor.
Barbara Jackson
Albertsons 6170
Ye s t e r d a y ’ s N e w s
Heritage
ufcw324.org
UFCW traces roots to a determined
band of tempermental women
repercussions for striking workn Feb. 27, 1937, Floyd
ers; and a few other demands to
Loew, an organizer from
help with the day’s work.
the Waiters and Waitresses
After their demands were
Union, stood among the bustling
rejected, the women proceeded to
Saturday afternoon crowd in a
make themselves comfortable in
Woolworth’s Five-and-Dime store in
the department store. Mattresses
Detroit. At 11 a.m. Loew yelled out:
were delivered by other locals sup“Strike, girls! Strike!” Every workporting the strike. Food and perer immediately stopped in her
sonal belongings were brought in
tracks, leaving customers and manfrom family members. And they
agement bewildered. Loew had no
took over the kitchen to prepare
idea that those three words would
have a significant and lasting impact Workers at Woolworth Department Store celebrate after meals for the long stay, courtesy of
the Woolworth’s department
on the American Labor Movement.
the company met their demands for more money and
better working conditions in February 1937.
store.
In a period known for labor milThe media rushed to report on
itancy, the Woolworth’s strike
stands out because the workers consisted almost entirely of this unusual event, but viewed it as comical, not serious. But
young women. About 83 percent of the workforce were the young ladies exploited the media as much as the media
women under 26. Also significant is the fact that these exploited them. They knew if they gave the media what they
women were going up against the largest retail giant in the wanted, they would continue to be covered in the news.
Two days later, a second Woolworth’s store in the Detroit
country—the Wal-Mart of the early twentieth century.
As with Wal-Mart, Woolworth relied on cheap prices, area found itself dealing with a sit-down strike. Organizers
low wages and high turnover. Instead of walking off their threatened that if the strike was not settled by the end of the
jobs, the women chose to occupy their workplace until their week, there would be national sit-down strikes called in all of
Woolworth’s stores.
demands were met, a strategy known as a sit-down strike.
At 5:30 p.m. on March 5, the seventh day of the strike, a
The conditions and political climate were right for this
strike. In 1935, the National Labor Relations Act was deal was reached. In a clear victory, the workers of
brought into law, giving workers the legal rights and protec- Woolworth’s won their list of demands, even forcing the
tions needed in the work place. A debate over the direction company to agree to pay fifty percent of the women’s
of the labor movement gave birth to the Congress of salaries for the time they occupied the store.
The strike and victory inspired other retail clerks to take
Industrial Organizations (CIO), a more militant labor
organization than its predecessor, the American Federation a stand, causing a flurry of sit-down strikes in retail stores
throughout the country. The Retail Clerks Union, which
of Labor (AFL).
Less than two weeks prior to their strike, Woolworth’s played a peripheral role in the Woolworth’s strike, seized the
workers witnessed powerful General Motors concede to the momentum and engaged in a strong and successful camdemands of the emerging United Auto Workers after a six- paign against Woolworth’s and other similar chains.
By the end of the decade, the National Labor Relation
week sit-down strike in Flint, Michigan. A wave of similar
strikes sprung up throughout the country with similar Board held that those who engage in sit-down strikes could
be fired. And while unions are no longer able to use one of
results: victory for labor.
After the strike was called, a delegation from the 108 the most effective tactics, the Woolworth’s strike inspired
Woolworth’s workers made its demands to the employer: thousands of workers nationwide that underdogs can still
Union recognition, 10-cent raise, eight-hour shifts, time and prevail.
one half over forty-eight hours a week, seniority rights, no
O
July/August 2006 13
Legal
Arbitration wins reveal local’s zero
tolerance policy to contract violations
“T
here wasn’t a lot of fanfare or flash-
ed to monitor the numbers of arbitrations that each
ing lights at the time”, recalled a local
of the seven Southern California locals have taken
union representative as she strained
on over the years. By extension, no official source
to recall President Greg Conger's
tallies the amount of backpay collected during the
exact words as he opened the first
process nor how much money was spent
staff meeting after members voted
pursuing those results.
But Adinolfi believes that the period
e
n
o
g
e
ing agreement in 2004.
“We’v
i- beginning immediately after the contract
r
p
g
n
i
e
took effect to present day has been
“He just said straight away
from b
v
r
marked by more arbitration victories than
that what we lost at the bargainily a se
r
a
m
any similar time period in the union's hising table we would make up one
l to
a
c
o
l
g
n
ici
piece at a time by making a capiy tory.
l
i
r
a
m
i
r
Backpay settlements for Local 324
tal issue out of everything the
being p ng
i
c
r
alone now top $500,000, an amount that
employers do to violate the letter of
n enfo
a
might be considered healthy as a comthe contract. “He barely had an
. . . The
l
a
c
o
l
expression on his face when he said
n is bined total for all seven locals, but
o
s
a
e
r
n
qualifies as an astronomical success
'mark my words, we're not going to
mai
r
u
o
for just one.
have it all back come next negotiasimple: ip
To add to that, several of the
tions, but it will be a lot better than it
lationsh
e
r
favorable arbitration decisions have
is right now',” she remembered.
he
t
h
t
i
w
been so sweeping in scope that
With Local 324 leading the way, the
s
r
e
y
o
l
they seem to ride on their own
UFCW is in a better position going into
emp
n
i
d
momentum.
negotiations than it might have been
change
“If I were defending a client
were it not for a relentless drive to force
3,“
0
0
ector
ir
2
D
the companies' hand by refusing to settle
whose track record was this oneto ratify the collective bargain-
for anything less than “total victory,”
dinolfi
Chuck A
sided, it would be hard not to
according to Chuck Adinolfi, the local's
conclude that the client is read-
field director who boasts 18 years in the
ing the contract wrong,” said Lester Aponte, senior
union.
counsel with the New York-based
Conger's reputation for having a long memory
Grotta,
Glassman & Hoffman.
ensured that the local's new policy would not be
Aponte has spent most of his career defending
met with shock and awe, but many of the arbitra-
large employers against lawsuits at the state and
tion decisions have been nothing short of stun-
federal levels. “At the very least, one can obvious-
ning, according to Adinolfi and others familiar with
ly conclude that the union is spending its money
the process.
wisely. They're not just taking cases to be a nui-
Record Books ?
No formal record keeping process has attempt-
14 July/August 2006
sance. They're taking cases that are apparently
violations of the contract,” Aponte added.
Cartoon
ufcw324.org
Off The Wall
Withdrawal Card Request
Change of Address Form
Member's name:__________________________
SSN:___________________ DOB:___________
Address_________________________________
City____________________ CA
Zip_____________________
If we don't know where you live
or how to reach you, there's no
telling what you might miss out
on in the future.
U do the math
Emperor Johnston fiddled
while Albertsons burned.
$1.86
per day*
U have to tell us!
Local 324 Retirees Club
Union
Membership
medical insurance
Free non-dairy
creamer and/or sugar
Pension plan
seniority rights
Dental coverage
Holiday pay
Grievance procedure
Vacation pay
*based on the average dues of a journeyman grocery clerk.
"Ever since those retired
folks started hangin' out
here, I can't get
a minute's peace."
714•995•4601•ext. 140
ies
New Activit d
New bloo
New ideas
Not the club your
grandma and grandpa
used to know
July/August 2006 15
D i s c o u n t Ti c k e t s
16 July/August 2006
ufcw324.org
Q&A
R a l p h s M e m b e rs a s k q u e s t i o n s a b o u t
' G u i l t y ' p l e a a s ' c l a i m s p ro c e s s ' b e g i n s
Lawyers for the Department of
Justice have described the plea agreement with Ralphs Grocery Company the
lmost comprehensive of its kind in history. In fact, no adjective synonymous
with "big" have been ignored as media
from across the country try to explain to
the average Joe back home what this
case is all about. But as financial ana-
lysts and legal scholars debate the significance, members who are impacted
directly remain uncertain about what
their company's guilty plea will mean
for them.
Some of the answers are still undecided and will likely be unknown until
all of the claims are filed by current and
former employees of the company.
Local 324 anticipated most of the
inquiries from members eager to know
how many zeros their checks will have
on them.
The Q & A below should answer
some of the questions. Members who
need more information should speak
with their union representative or call
the local at (714) 995-4601.
Q A
Who is eligible to apply?
&
· Only Ralphs members who were locked out by their employer and who did not work for Ralphs, Albertsons or Vons during the strike or lockout under any name or identity. SCABS of any kind will not get anything as a result of this award.
How do I apply?
· The Federal Court will appoint a Special Master to administer the Ralphs Restitution Fund (RRF). In approximately 60 –
90 days all current and former Ralphs employees will be directly contacted by mail by the Special Master. The Special
Master will create and provide the claim form to all eligible employees. The claim form when completed and certified by
the employee will be returned to the Special Master – not Ralphs. The Special Master will only take direction from the
Court, Ralphs will have absolutely no input.
How long will the claim period be?
· It starts on the date that Ralphs provides to the Special Master the last known addresses and contact information on all
their employees employed on October 2003 and shall end 180 calendar days later.
Will I get all my back-pay?
· Probably not. The U.S. Attorney has established a complex formula to determine each individual’s claim. Your claim will
depend on your classification and full-time or part-time status as of September 2003 and any other earnings you had during the lock-out. The amount of your award will also depend on how many people file claims. Therefore, it is far too early
to know how much you will get.
How soon will I get my back-pay?
· Payments can reasonably be expected in 30 to 60 days after the close of the claim period.
certain when that will be.
Right now, we can't be
Will Ralphs executives responsible for this
criminal conspiracy be held accountable?
· Although the government’s case against the company itself is
planning to press felony charges against individuals in the
finished, prosecutors say they are
company’s
chain of command.
Is the Union going to get some of the money as
· Yes. The formula established by the U.S. Attorney allows a portion of the restitution
locals to compensate them for their enormous losses
during the lock-out and to help defray the massive
administrative and legal costs incurred by every local.
well?
fund to be distributed to
the
July/August 2006 17
Member Feature
Close knit group of Rite Aid member s
p u l l s t o g e t h e r t o p u t c o - w o r ke r t o r e s t
One member wonders aloud why you wouldn't do what she did
olfgang Sattler was probably never co-worker so that he could be buried next to his wife
described as the life of the party. Friendly, at Forest Lawn Mortuary in Glendale.
"It seemed to me like
but not overly so … quiet, but outgoing
enough to make casual friends easily but the natural thing to do,"
guarded enough to keep them from knowing him too said Manning . "My husband didn't even think
well.
His wife was always his best friend ever since they twice about it."
Manning’s decision to
emigrated from Germany
claim the body helped
decades ago, recalled comove co-workers into
workers. Her death two
action. But the logistics
years ago marked the
beginning of Sattler's slide problems paled in comparison to the financial
into depression. Sattler
Wolfgang Sattler, left, and
grew more distant and ulti- challenges that the situa- former store manager.
tion presented. Forest Lawn
mately more frail, but his
death in February was nev- wanted its money immediately and the death benefit
that came with Sattler's union membership was in
ertheless a surprise that
Teresa Fike, Left and
question because the women were, of course, not famcaught his co-workers at
Denise Cross.
ily.
Rite Aid 5515 in Seal Beach
Manning instinctively thought that her union could
off guard.
help, but several phone calls initially discouraged the
The story began in late February when Sattler
crew because no one person had all the
called in sick from work on Friday— a
answers. Ultimately, the local's upper echecondition that he felt would probably last
lon was working on the case. After several
all weekend. So when Sunday came and
highly placed phone calls, the women were
went without a call from Sattler, co-workassured that the money would be forthcomers feared the worst and they were coring and not to worry.
rect. Paramedics reported that he didn't
Based on nothing other than the word
appear to have suffered and directed congiven by a union staff member, Johnson
cerned co-workers to inquire about servand her husband spent the money necesices after next of kin is notified.
sary to claim Sattler's body and hold a
From there, memories are a bit more
Jill Johnson, left and
small service.
fragmented. The grieving had not even
Carol Manning...
"I never really worried that the union
ended yet when shock took its place.
would not come through for us. It was never
Sattler's stepdaughters refused to claim
his body, condemning their stepfather to the prospect even a thought," said Manning, shrugging off compliments of any kind. Wolfgang Sattler is now buried
of "a pauper's grave" said 51-year-old Key Carrier Jill
beside his beloved wife. The four union members say
Johnson.
they learned valuable lessons from the experience.
Nobody was stepping up to pay for the funeral
"It's sad but Wolfgang couldn’t count on a lot of
expenses or claim the body, prompting Pharmacy
people in his life but he could still count on his union
Technician Carol Manning to start a "serious" discussion with her husband about what role they could play. even in death," said Johnson.
"It was quick for him just like with me. If you're in a
position to help, it seems to me that you have to," she
said, recalling that the first call she suggested that
they step forward and claim the body of her deceased
W
18 July/August 2006
Music
ufcw324.org
G e t f r e e stuff!
If you log onto WWW.UFCW324.org you
can vote on which songs deserve the coveted status of soundtrack material. If you
give us your email address, we’ll send you
a copy of the CD when we tally the millions
of votes expected to pour in.
If you choose to leave a comment or
two about what caused you to tout your
tune, your words may be immortalized on
Cross This
the CD Jacket
cover. The level
of fame it could
bring you is
unimaginable.And by
the way, you can also vote on a title for
the future platinum sensation. So far, the
leading contenders are “Untitled” or
“Official Local 324 Soundtrack CD.”
Win Free Dues for a month
Name__________________________________
Employer_______________________________
SSN___________________________________
Details just south of the puzzle
This custom-made crossword was designed to trick you into
reading this magazine by holding out the false hope that you will
win a free month’s dues. Mail your completed puzzle, minus
any errors- to: U magazine, 8530 Stanton Ave. P.O. Box 5004,
Buena Park, CA 90622. Entries postmarked by Sept. 1, 2006
will be drawn at the September membership meeting. Winners
get one month free dues.
Congratulations to puzzle winner, Harold Manning of Vons.
May/June 2005 19
Doubletake Awards
Sometimes items of interest slip
into the news stream so subtly that
it’s difficult to tell which is more
newsworthy--the story itself or the
fact that it got so little attention.
Umag can’t solve the problem of
public apathy, but we can bring an
item or two to light that we feel got
too little press when first reported.
Brothers and sisters,
welcome to the
Doubletake Awards.
To qualify for recognition, a subject need
only have said or done
something so outrageous or offensive
that an average reader can’t help but
rub his eyes and read it again.
53 felony indictments, 5 felony convictions (so far),
$20 million fine, $50 million restitution ($70 million total)
NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
For finding that Ralphs had done nothing wrong when it investigated charges filed by the
UFCW in 2004. Their colleagues at the Justice Department looked a little bit harder.
Story ideas?
.
t. 250
x
E
Nominations for the Doubletake Awards?
1
60
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4
1
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September 13
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