"Truth, Justice and the American way" - narrator, Superman TV series

One Rico suit against unions and their supporters has been dropped, workers finally big winners, imagine we live in a world that just being able to get a union election is a major victory

From Metro DC Labor Council:

WORKERS WIN AT SMITHFIELD!
(10/27/08 6:20P) In a huge win for organized labor, Smithfield Foods dropped a racketeering lawsuit against union organizers Monday and agreed to let them hold a union election at the world's largest hog slaughterhouse. "In return, the United Food and Commercial Workers union agreed to end a publicity campaign against Smithfield that included calls for product boycotts to support its calls for an organizing election at the slaughterhouse in Tar Heel, N.C.," reported the Associated Press Monday afternoon. Smithfield -- the nation's largest pork producer -- estimated that the Justice at Smithfield campaign – which included a major focus on DC-area customers who make up one of Smithfield's largest markets -- cost it about $900 million. "The metro-area labor movement has been deeply involved in this struggle since it was launched over two years ago," said Metro Washington Council President Jos Williams. "Every local activist and labor supporter who turned out to rally, leaflet or march for Justice at Smithfield should be proud of their role in this win." The agreement was announced by Smithfield and the UFCW in a joint statement as the company's lawsuit was about to go to trial Monday in federal court. In a joint statement, Smithfield and the union said they "have agreed on what both parties believe to be a fair election process" on union representation at the Tar Heel plant. The settlement was sealed, and U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne ordered the parties to say nothing further about the deal until after the union election. It was unclear when that election would take place.
- click here for Larry O'Dell's complete AP report. Photo: At the June 19 Justice at Smithfield campaign launch in DC; photo by Tiye Kinlow

A little late news on my part, sorry people. Bloomingdales and RWDSU Local 3 now have 4 year agreement.

From UNI Global Union (5/6/08) :

New York flagship department store gets four year collective agreement

Workers at Bloomingdales, New York's upmarket department store, have achieved a four year collective agreement. The deal came after difficult and drawn out negotiations, where the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union finally was forced to announce a strike on behalf of the 2,000 Bloomingdales workers.

The new contract will give workers an hourly average pay raise of 2,15 USD over the four year period. There is also a productivity bonus of 30 cents, which will depend on the department store's performance. Other benefits include better possibilities for part time workers to get full time contracts.

Ida Torres, President of Local 3 RWDSU was satisfied with the result:

- Our members work hard and deserve all of the benefits of a good contract. We're pleased to have negotiated a new collective agreement with Bloomingdale’s that provides for many improvements and protections including a guaranteed wage increase in each of the 4 years of the contract. I am proud of our members and their resilience and determination to secure a contract that is right for them.

Late last year, RWDSU organised over 1,000 shop workers at leading global fashion retailer H&M after more than 90 per cent of participating employees cast their votes for union representation.

A little late news on my part, sorry people. Bloomingdales and RWDSU Local 3 now have 4 year agreement.

From UNI Global Union (5/6/08) :

New York flagship department store gets four year collective agreement

Workers at Bloomingdales, New York's upmarket department store, have achieved a four year collective agreement. The deal came after difficult and drawn out negotiations, where the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union finally was forced to announce a strike on behalf of the 2,000 Bloomingdales workers.

The new contract will give workers an hourly average pay raise of 2,15 USD over the four year period. There is also a productivity bonus of 30 cents, which will depend on the department store's performance. Other benefits include better possibilities for part time workers to get full time contracts.

Ida Torres, President of Local 3 RWDSU was satisfied with the result:

- Our members work hard and deserve all of the benefits of a good contract. We're pleased to have negotiated a new collective agreement with Bloomingdale’s that provides for many improvements and protections including a guaranteed wage increase in each of the 4 years of the contract. I am proud of our members and their resilience and determination to secure a contract that is right for them.

Late last year, RWDSU organised over 1,000 shop workers at leading global fashion retailer H&M after more than 90 per cent of participating employees cast their votes for union representation.

According to Womans Wear daily (4/30/08):

NEW YORK – The management of Bloomingdale’s and leaders of Local 3 of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union have reached a tentative agreement, the retailer said this morning.

The two sides failed to reach an agreement on one issue – health care – and will continue to negotiate that point for two more weeks.

Stuart Applebaum, president of the RWDSU, this morning confirmed that a tentative settlement has been reached. It is subject to ratification by the union membership on Thursday. The union's previous contract expired on March 1, but talks had been extended through tonight. The union had authorized a strike if an agreement couldn't be reached by 6 p.m. Bloomingdale's said the agreement "eliminates any possibility of a strike being called against the retailer."

Original Story (4/27/08)
Read Full Story

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*Update-> NY: Bloomingtons and RWDSU continue negotiations for 2 more weeks (4/30/08)

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RWDSU, The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, workers have voted to authorize a strike if the negotiations have not come to an agreeable contract offer by Thursday. Nearly 2,000 workers will walk out at any time after the deadline, the union is still at odds with Bloomingdale's over health care and wage increases.

The RWDSU is affiliated with the UFCW, United Food and Commercial Workers Union, and has recently had a large membership increase with with workers in the union friendly H&M clothing stores sign up. The H&M labor friendly policy was actually what would be expected if there was a passing of the Employee Free Choice Act. They agreed to respect their workers wishes to form a union by a card check, From RWDSU press release (11/20/07) :

Under the terms of an agreement negotiated earlier this year, H & M agreed to a process called “card check recognition” which required the company to respect the decision of employees to have representation once a majority signed cards affirming their support for the union. The company also pledged not to interfere with the workers’ efforts to organize.

“By respecting the right of employees to join our union, H & M is setting an example other retailers should follow,” said RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, adding that he expects the National Labor Relations to certify the union as the workers’ collective bargaining agent.

Bloomingdale's

From NY1 (4/26/08) :

	Bloomingdale's Workers May Go On Strike

April 26, 2008

Workers may hit the picket lines at Bloomingdale’s flagship store on the Upper East Side as early as next weekend.

The famous department store’s employees said they will strike if a contract agreement is not reached by the time their current deal expires on Thursday.

Negotiations between the company's Executive Board and the local chapter of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union have been lasting for more than two months.

A union spokesperson said that negotiations will continue, but nearly 2,000 workers at the store have authorized a walkout. The union said the date for the strike has not been set.

The group is fighting for a general wage increase and to protect the employees' current health coverage.

This would be the first time the store has been shut down by a strike in 43 years.

From the United Food and Commercial Workers buy union guide

links will bring you to the UFCW site

Select a Category

• Meat
• Beverages
• Bakery
• Canned/Prepared Foods
• Condiments
• Household Products
• Personal Products
• Pet Products
• Snacks
• Baby, Child-Related Products
• Clothing
• Shoes
• Miscellaneous
• Leather Products
• Yard and Garden
• Dairy
• Distribution
  

Union-Made Treats

Here is a brief list of candy products made by members of the Bakery Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM); snack foods by members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW); or fruit and nuts from members of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW).

• Hershey Products*
• Jolly Rancher Candies
• Pot of Gold chocolates
• Ovation mint sticks
• Fifth Avenue
• Zagnut
• York Peppermint Patties
• Nestle Treasures
• Laffy Taffy
• Flips Pretzels
• Baby Ruth
• Butterfinger
• BB's and Pearson's Nips
• Jelly Bellies
• Chocolate Dutch Mints
• Chocolate Temptations
• Dimples
• Sweet Temptations
• Malted Milk Balls--Herman Goelitz
• Licorice--Herman Goelitz
• NECCO Wafers
• Mary Jane Peanut Butter Chews
• Sky Bar
• Thin Mints
• Bolster Bar
• Masterpieces and Clark Bar
• See's Famous Old Time Candies
• Frito-Lay chips and snacks
• Orville Redenbacher popcorn
• Kraft snack products
• Godiva chocolates
• Coastal Berry Co. fruit and nuts
• Montpelier Almonds
• Sunkist citrus fruit
• Sunworld citrus fruit
• Airdrome citrus fruit
• Big Jim citrus fruit

*Joe's note some items will be made in Mexico now

Heres the UAW list of cars made Union in the USA and Canada

2008 VEHICLES BUILT BY UNION MEMBERS
IN THE UNITED STATES & CANADA

UAW CARS

Buick Lucerne Cadillac CTS Cadillac DTS Cadillac STS Cadillac XLR Chevrolet Cobalt Chevrolet Corvette Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Hybrid Chrysler Sebring Dodge Avenger Dodge Caliber Dodge Viper Ford Focus Ford Mustang

Ford Taurus Lincoln MKS Mazda 6 Mercury Sable Mitsubishi Eclipse Mitsubishi Galant Pontiac G5 Pontiac G6 Pontiac Solstice Pontiac Vibe Saturn Aura/Aura Hybrid Saturn Sky Toyota Corolla*

UAW PICKUPS

Chevrolet Colorado Dodge Dakota Dodge Ram Pickup* Ford Explorer Sport Trac Ford F-Series* Ford Ranger

GMC Canyon Isuzu i-Series Lincoln Mark LT Mazda B-series Mitsubishi Raider Toyota Tacoma*

UAW SUVs/CUVs

Buick Enclave Cadillac Escalade Cadillac Escalade ESV Cadillac SRX Chevrolet Suburban* Chevrolet Tahoe/ Tahoe Hybrid Chrysler Aspen Dodge Durango Dodge Nitro Ford Escape/Escape Hybrid Ford Expedition Ford Explorer Ford Taurus X GMC Acadia GMC Yukon/Yukon Hybrid

GMC Yukon Denali Hummer H1 Hummer H2 Hummer H3 Jeep Commander Jeep Compass Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Liberty Jeep Patriot Jeep Wrangler Lincoln Navigator Mazda Tribute/Tribute Hybrid Mercury Mariner/Mariner Hybrid Mercury Mountaineer Mitsubishi Endeavor Saturn Outlook

UAW VANS

Ford E-series Chevrolet Express

Chevrolet Uplander GMC Savana

CAW CARS

Buick Lacrosse Chevrolet Impala Chrysler 300 Dodge Challenger Dodge Charger

Ford Crown Victoria Lincoln Town Car Mercury Grand Marquis Pontiac Grand Prix

CAW SUVs/CUVs

Chevrolet Equinox Chrysler Pacifica Dodge Magnum Ford Edge

Lincoln MKX Pontiac Torrent Suzuki XL7

UAW/CAW PICKUPS

Chevrolet Silverado*

GMC Sierra*

UAW/CAW Vans

Chrysler Town & Country

Dodge Caravan

IUE SUVs/CUVs

Chevrolet TrailBlazer GMC Envoy GMC Envoy Denali

Isuzu Ascender Saab 9-7X

Support union jobs in the U.S. and Canada This guide is prepared by the UAW to provide information for consumers who want to purchase vehicles produced by workers who enjoy the benefits and protections of a union contract. All these vehicles are made in the United States or Canada by members of the United Auto Workers (UAW), Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) or International Union of Electrical Workers-Communications Workers of America (IUE). Because of the integration of U.S. and Canadian vehicle production, all these vehicles include significant UAW-made content and support the jobs of UAW members. However, those marked with an asterisk (*) are sourced from the United States and another country. When purchasing one of these models, check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A VIN beginning with "1", "4" or "5" identifies a U.S.-made vehicle; "'2:' identifies a Canadian-made vehicle. Not all vehicles made in the United States or Canada are built by union-represented workers. The Toyota Corolla, for example, is made in the United States by UAW members, but the Canadian model is made in a nonunion plant and other models are imported from a third country. *Vehicles marked with an asterisk are produced in more than one country, but all models made in the United States are assembled by UAW members. Previous Years Union Car Guide 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Safeway and Giant have over 20,000 union workers who are getting ready to be on strike. While the workers had given concessions in their last contract, including a higher copay for new hires, the company is now going for the jugular, stating they cannot compete with Non-Union stores such as Target and Wal-Mart, they have even been interviewing temp workers for the possibility of a strike, I would say this is an aggressive stance. According to the UFCW, ‘‘Strike preparations have gone very well and will be completely in place by Wednesday, March 26,”

UnionGal's Blog (3/24/08)

They're Called SCABS

They are not "replacement" workers and they are not "Temporary" workers. They are scabs and Safeway and Giant advertising in the store AND in the local media for scabs is beyond the pale.



I just wish Fox 5 News could have called a scab a scab.

From the UFCW site (2/24/08):

UFCW members of Locals 400 and 27 are standing together for a fair contract--and UFCW members nationwide are standing with them. Members last week wore stickers to show their support for locals, who are currently bargaining with Giant and Safeway. Their employers have so far been unwilling to agree to a fair contract for their workers, one that shares the success with those employees that made it possible.

Members are signing pledges to fight for a fair contract with wages that pay the bills and affordable health care. Their pledge also includes signing up to pass out info to consumers outside their stores, with info about the negotiations and a request that shoppers support them with their shopping dollars if the company won't settle a fair contract.

In addition, UFCW members will be asking for support from members and supporters nationwide, in telling the companies that they need to offer Baltimore/DC workers a fair contract now.

Recently the 2 companies have ran ad's for Scab's, according to Gazette.net (3/24/08):

Safeway recently ran advertisements in The Washington Post seeking applications for temporary employees ‘‘in preparation for a possible labor dispute,” while Giant ran a similar ad without mentioning labor issues, according to published reports.

Giant, the region’s top grocer, has about 13,400 employees in Maryland, and the company ranked fifth in the number of employees in Maryland among private companies, according to a survey released last year by the state Department of Business and Economic Development.

Safeway ranked ninth in the number of employees in Maryland with 8,680, according to the state survey.

What can we do to stand in solidarity with the workers? Stop shopping in Target, CVS and Wal-Mart.

Chicago - Sweatshop construction devastating for undocumented Latino's

• Throwaway Workers - Uncertain safety for Latino workers 3-2-08
  

Hundreds of Latino workers across the U.S. die annually in construction accidents, a toll that has mounted steadily. Two years ago 354 Latinos were killed in construction accidents, a 34 percent increase over 2003, the most recent government statistics show. More than one out of three Latinos killed on the job in 2006 lost their lives doing construction work, a far higher proportion than for white or black workers.

Vermont - Push for paid sick days

• Workplace flu causes push for paid sick days 3-02-08
  

With this year's flu epidemic in full swing, nearly half of all U.S. workers who fall ill or have sick kids must decide whether to stay home and lose wages or go to work sick and expose others, a choice many say no one should have to make.

Utah - 40 years of community activism

• Labor leader a 'role model' for women 3-02-08
  

"We thought she was a fantastic role model of a woman who is not just running for government per se but who is making change at a more grass-roots level," University of Utah spokeswoman Taunya Dressler said. The U. invited Huerta, 77, to be the keynote speaker during its 2008 Women's Week Celebration because she embodies passion for change that affects people's lives.

Idaho - A new form of protest

• Carpenters Union Targets Construction Company 2-29-08
  

"Under federal labor law, we have the right to tail him. Ambulatory picket is what it's called and we can follow him to find out where his job sites are," said The Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters Representative Ron Robbins. Robbins claims they have a labor dispute with CCI, even though the company is not part of the union. Robbins says wherever Packard goes, so do protesters and the labor dispute.

Florida - Burger King is a lousy corporate neighbor

• Tomato Troubles 2-18-08

Are they really willing to pay an exorbitantly higher transportation cost to bring in tomatoes from overseas or Mexico and pass that on to their customers rather than pay a penny more per pound?

Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine - Labor activists help fix Fairpoint/Verizon deal

• Final settlements in landline sale to FairPoint yield $362 million in new commitments from Verizon 2-27-08

"Those who united to raise their voices in opposition to the sale acted in the finest New England tradition of citizen participation," said Glenn Brackett, business manager of IBEW Local 2320 based in Manchester, NH. "We can take comfort in knowing that because of our involvement, FairPoint will be stronger financially than it would have been under the original deal. Verizon now has to put $362 million more into the deal and FairPoint has to cut its dividends by at least $200 million in order to reduce its debt."

Ohio - NAFTA hurts

• Ohio’s Economy Shows Disastrous Impact of NAFTA 2-28-08
  

Nowhere is the damage caused by this disastrous trade deal more evident than in Ohio, the site of next week’s Democratic presidential primary. The Buckeye State has lost more than 200,000 manufacturing jobs over the past seven years. Click here to see where all the presidential candidates stand on trade and manufacturing.

West Virginia - Worker 's one step closer to ability to walk away from anti-union meetings

• Worker Freedom Bill Passes West Virginia House 2-27-08

Captive-audience meetings are just one of many tactics employers use to suppress workers’ freedom to form or join a union. Cornell University scholar Kate Bronfenbrenner studied hundreds of organizing campaigns and found that 92 percent of private-sector employers, when faced with employees who want to join together in a union, force employees to attend closed-door meetings to hear anti-union propaganda. She also found that 80 percent of employers require supervisors to attend training sessions on attacking unions and that 78 percent require supervisors to deliver anti-union messages to workers they oversee.

Wisconsin and Maryland - Legislation to allow Academic workers collective bargaining

• Higher Education Collective Bargaining Bills Move in Two States 2-21-08

On Feb. 19, the Wisconsin State Senate voted 21 to 12 for legislation that would allow faculty and academic staff employed across the University of Wisconsin system to form unions... ...the companion legislation in the Wisconsin Assembly faces a tough battle from the Republican majority in that chamber.

In Maryland, graduate employees from the University of Maryland system, joined by AFT and AFL-CIO allies, presented an impassioned case for why they should have the right to bargain.

Washington DC - UFCW Vs. ICE Misconduct hearings begin

• National Commission on ICE Misconduct Holds First Hearing 2-26008

New Jersey - 110 more unemployed, GAF materials roofing plant to close

• Union at Richland roofing plant accepts severance offer 2-01-08

''There isn't much out there, especially in the range of the wages we were earning,'' Snyder said. ''I see a lot of $10-an-hour jobs out there that won't pay my bills.''

Counting nonunion workers, 110 people are eventually expected to be laid off at the plant, which is expected to run through mid-March with a skeleton crew of about 25.

Ohio - 1500 hospital workers to get union election on March 12th

• Mercy Memorial and Springfield hospital employees vote 'yea' or 'nay'... 2-29-08

...if a majority in any one of the 11 groups votes for unionization, that group will become a bargaining unit and negotiations between the unit and Community Mercy Health Partners will proceed. If negotiations fail to result in an agreement favored by most union members, those members can vote to strike, according to information provided by CMHP and the union.

New York - Tell Lazard's CEO that Atria should respect workers rights

• Take Action Link - Fight back against Wall Street unionbusting

Workers at Atria Senior Living are being threatened and intimidated for trying to form a union. Caring for our nation's elderly is an important job, and workers at Atria deserve a living wage, affordable healthcare, and the training and support they need to do their jobs well. They also have the right to a free and fair process to decide on forming a union.

Tell the Wall Street execs at Atria and Lazard to stop unionbusting and play fair. Write your message now!

USA - ALPA gearing to fight over seniority in event of Delta/Northwest merge

• United pilots' union sees senority fight 2-29-08

The Air Line Pilots Association has asked its United members to approve a dues increase to help pay for a potential dispute over seniority in the event of a merger, Crain's Chicago Business reported.

Seniority is said to be the major issue of contention in talks on a merger between Delta Air Lines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp., the newspaper said. Negotiations stalled last week as pilots, who had given preliminary approval to a merger, dug in their heels over seniority issues.