Fact Finder - UFCW Local 653

Local 653
Fact Finder
Minneapolis, MN
AffordableByCare
Act Update
Matt Utecht
In an ongoing attempt to keep our membership informed
about the Affordable Care Act, I want to share a recent
Rasmussen Report survey I read. Personally, I don’t find
the results to be any kind of surprise when you take into
consideration the gravity of the subject.
Health Care Law
61% Expect Health Care in U.S. To Get
Worse Over Next Two Years
Voters continue to give high marks to the health care they
now receive but are more pessimistic than ever about the
short-term future of the health care system in this country.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds
that 24% of Likely U.S. Voters now expect the U.S. health care
system to get better over the next couple of years. Sixty-one
percent (61%) think that system will get worse. That’s up four
points from a month ago and up 13 points since February. Seventy-eight percent (78%) continue to rate the quality of
health care they personally receive as good or excellent. That
has remained steady for years.
http://ufcw653.org
Vol. 51 No. 7 August 2013
Swanson Meats and Local 653 Reach
Agreement on New Contract
By Doug Rigert
On Tuesday, July 16, 2013, under the leadership of Matt
Utecht, President of UFCW Local 653, contract negotiations
began with Mark Mann, President and owner of Swanson
Meats, Inc. Also sitting in on the negotiations were Robert
Schuneman, Chief Operating Officer for Swanson Meats Inc.,
Tim Branville and Dan Haney—two long-time employees of
Swanson Meats, Inc. who asked to be a part of the negotiating
committee -- and me. By listening to and understanding the
issues confronting the union employees and the concerns
of the employer, President Utecht was successful at finding
common ground to move in the right direction in order to
reach a tentative agreement that involved no give-backs by
the employees.
On Friday, July 26, 2013, a contract ratification vote was held
at Swanson Meats, Inc., in southeast Minneapolis. Fortythree members out of a total of 56 participated by casting
theirs vote that overwhelmingly ratified the final offer
between Swanson Meats, Inc. and UFCW Local 653. Some of
the highlights of the new contract are as follows:
1. One-year contract
However, while pleased with their own coverage, only 36%
of voters now rate the U.S. health care system as good or
excellent. Thirty percent (30%) rate it as poor. That’s a
significantly more negative assessment than last November.
Shortly after the president was re-elected, 43% rated the
system in positive terms, while 19% said it was in poor shape.
2. $.55 wage increase (top rates) and over rated
Older Americans continue to be the happiest with their
current health care arrangements and are more pessimistic
than others about the future of the health care system.
5. Maintain pension contributions at current levels
3. Add “Warehouse Workers” in rate schedule with
Packers, Tumblers, Roll Stocks, Vacuum Cryovac
4. Maintain health and welfare contributions at
current levels (no employee contributions)
6. Add fifth week vacation after 20 years
(Affordable Care Act Update continued on pg. 2)
(Swanson Meats continued on pg. 9)
....Anniversary Recognition Dinner ................................................
By Matt Utecht
On September 18, 2013, we will be hosting our third annual Anniversary Recognition Dinner to honor members who have reached
25 years in Local 653. We feel it is important to recognize our members and their spouses or guests who have dedicated their
lives to our industries and who have helped build this union into what it is today.
All members who have reached 25 years of service in Local 653 between July 1, 2012 and June
DATE: WEDNESDAY,
30, 2013 will be receiving an invitation in the mail for the member and a guest to attend the
SEPT. 18, 2013
dinner. (Important: If you fall into this group and haven’t received your invitation by the time
TIME: 5:00 TO 8:00 P.M.
you receive this issue of the Fact Finder, please contact Julie in our office at 763-525-1500.)
We’re asking that you respond to your invitation by September 6, 2013.
PLACE:HALL 653
We look forward to seeing all of you who have reached this milestone in your career.
Health Care Reform: The View
From your Fund’s Administrator
Within your industry much has been said and written about the
potential impact of Health Care Reform. I have worked with your
Fund for 15+ years. In addition, I work with 20 other Taft-Hartley
health and welfare trust funds. The following are my observations
as to how this law will impact your Fund, and you personally.
•
•
•
•
•
It has driven up costs within your Plan. Health Care
Reform added significant costs to your Fund. By
eliminating lifetime maximums and changing the
definition of dependents, your Fund has added significant
claims cost. In addition, starting this year there are two
new taxes that the Fund now must pay. Approximately $3
million dollars of increased costs comes at a time where
there have been no additional contributions. The result
has been the Fund is losing reserves and needs to have
increased contributions and/or less benefits.
The law makes it harder for the Fund to cover retirees.
Retirees are not covered within your Collective Bargaining
Agreement and retiree coverage is not required by the
law. Because of increasing costs and the inability to
capture subsidies, the Plan’s ability to cover retirees is
greatly inhibited.
The potential of employers being assessed a tax or
penalty has created significant anxiety and confusion. For
employers with over 50 employees, 30 hours has become
the magic number under which nothing is required, and
over that insurance must be offered. Even though this
requirement has been delayed a year, the Plan must
change its eligibility rules to conform to the law in order
to ensure that the employers are not penalized. This will
add cost and complexity to the eligibility rules.
The exchanges which start in 2014 will make it easier
for non-union employees to secure health coverage.
The exchanges will offer subsidized coverage to many
workers, a subsidy which is not available to participants
in your Plan. The result is an unfair advantage given to
employers who don’t currently offer coverage.
The law does not override your Collective Bargaining
Agreement. It does change what the Fund must do to
comply but it does not require the Fund to eliminate
coverage for part-time employees.
Bottom Line: Health Care Reform will add costs to your Plan and
make it easier for the non-union market to compete in the benefit
arena. Although these are both unfortunate results, the law does
not require any major immediate changes. We will see how the
exchanges actually operate and adjust our strategies, both from
a revenue and cost standpoint to stay viable and to provide longterm value to union employers and their employees.
(Affordable Care Act Update continued from pg. 1)
Affordable Care Act Update
(Continued from pg. 1)
Just 45% of all voters now share even a somewhat favorable
opinion of the health care law. Eighty percent (80%) think the law
is likely to cost more than official estimates, and 58% expect it to
drive up health care costs. A plurality (48%) also believes that the
quality of health care will go down as a result of the law.
The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 20-21,
2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work
for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion
Research, LLC. See methodology.
The Obama administration recently delayed implementation of
the new health care law’s requirement that companies with 50
or more employees must offer health insurance to those workers.
That provision is viewed favorably by 59% of voters. However, the
president did not defer the individual mandate. Voters, by a twoto-one margin, want to delay implementation of the requirement
that every American must buy or obtain health insurance.
Only 41% of voters want their state to establish a health care
exchange as called for by the federal law. That’s down from 49%
support in January.
The Obama administration has temporarily made it easier for
low-income Americans to qualify for health insurance subsidies
under the health care law, but 86% think these individuals should
be forced to prove they are eligible by documenting their income
and their lack of access to insurance.
Seventy-six percent (76%) of voters who now have health
insurance rate their coverage as good or excellent, marking little
change from recent surveys. Five percent (5%) consider their
insurance coverage to be poor.
--Taken from Rasmussen Reports, Monday, July 22, 2013
Please be sure to read Matt Winkel’s article on this page. Matt
is CEO of Wilson-McShane Corporation, our union’s health care
fund administrator. I asked Matt to write an article about the ACA
from his vantage point.
I will continue to report to you on the ACA until such point all
issues surrounding its effect on our health care plan have been
resolved.
Please continue to contact your Minnesota Government
Officials with the contact information provided below.
Fixing the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Call or write or email these Minnesota Government Officials to demand the Obama Administration recognize Taft-Hartley
funds as Qualified Health Plans eligible for subsides under the ACA.
Senator Amy Klobuchar: 1-202-224-3244 klobuchar.senate.gov
Senator Al Franken: 1-202-224-5641 franken.senate.gov
Representative Betty McCollum: 1-202-225-6631 mccollum.house.gov
Representative Keith Ellison: 1-202-225-4755 ellison.house.gov
Representative Rick Nolan: 1-202- 225-6211 nolan.house.gov
Pg 2 - Fact Finder - August 2013
Two Local 653 Members Get Hands-On Education in Organizing
Asmir Dragonjic
Nate Moist
In the summer of 2009, Rainbow Foods in Blaine hired me as a cart
pusher and bag boy, working my way up four years later I was an
evening Manager on Duty. What started out as just a part-time job
soon turned into a love and passion for the grocery industry and the
people in it.
My name is Nate Moist and I am 28 years old. I started working for
Rainbow Foods in 2002 and have held several positions within the
company. I started as a cashier, and then quickly moved to the produce
department. I took a summer waivers position in the meat department
in 2004. Within the next year there was an opening for a service
employee in the Robbinsdale Rainbow meat department. Since I really
enjoyed my waiver experience the summer before, I applied for the
position and got it. From 2005 until 2009 I worked at our Robbinsdale
Rainbow Foods. In August of 2009 I was then transferred to our new St.
Louis Park store. I was asked to be a meat manager in 2010 and am
currently working at the Northtown Rainbow Foods.
In 2011 I was convinced by Mary Schmidt (an Executive Board
member) to start attending membership meetings. I really enjoyed
the people and what the UFCW stood for, and I supported their
actions and fundamentals to fight for the people. I sat in on my first
negotiations for the 2013 contract, where I had a chance to speak to
Local 653 President Matt Utecht about my passion and fierce interest
in trying to help make our local stronger as well as be more involved.
A few months later I received a phone call from Matt offering me
the opportunity to go to Waterloo, Iowa, for a two-week Organizing
Training along with Nate Moist, who is a Meat Department Manager
at my store.
Once we arrived in Waterloo, our first week consisted of meeting
some of the international organizers and business representatives
for the UFCW, followed by two and a half days in classroom training.
After training and taking notes I was ready and felt more confident
than ever to help organize the Tyson hog plant. The first day out door
knocking I was partnered up with Local 431 business agent/organizer
Bob Waters. At that point I was the first to get a person from the
local Tyson plant to become a member, putting Local 653 first in
getting a sign-up out of all the other locals from North Dakota, South
Dakota, Iowa, Colorado, and Local 1189 from St. Paul.
After helping organize in a right-to-work state, I realized the negative
and tragic impact it really has. I began to understand and feel that
it was a law that was put in place to empower the employer and
neglect the employee. Tyson union members (only 63% of the
employees are unionized) did not have very much leverage at the
negotiating table. This was a plant that was processing 20,000 hogs a
day making an average of $2.00 a pound on a hog, and keep in mind
all parts of the hog are sold--including the blood. We had reports of
employees not being allowed to use the restroom even if they had
medical issues, and urinating themselves while working on the line.
We had a chance to meet a man who the UFCW was helping fight
his employer, because a 220-pound hog fell on and left him disabled
and Tyson had told him if he fought it they would fire him and deny
any claims.
I started going to union meetings in 2004 and have been on the
last two Negotiation Committees. Local 653 President Matt Utecht
approached me and asked if I was willing to help our union by going
to Iowa to participate in organizing training. I was excited to help, and
grateful Matt thought of asking me to attend. Matt said we would be
helping out the local in Iowa and talking with employees who were not
members of the union. I talked to many employees and was successful
in helping some sign up to join the union. Since Iowa is a right-to-work
state, it was difficult to convince some employees we talked to of the
benefits of being in the union. One of the stories that stood out to me
the most was hearing several employees say they were not able to use
the restroom until they could find someone to replace their position,
but oftentimes hours later no one had come to relieve them. Some
of those we talked to said they were so scared they would get fired if
they left to use the bathroom that they had accidents on the job. Many
employees didn’t know who to talk to for help. We were there to try
and help explain the benefits they would have if the joined the union,
and many were thankful for learning of the benefits.
We had a great two weeks and I hope some of those we met and
helped join the union now feel more secure going to work each day. I
feel blessed I am a part of a union that has 100% membership. I also
am grateful to have such great business agents who we can count on
to assist when questions come up. I learned a lot during my time in
Iowa and cannot wait to go out and help again.
After my two weeks of training and speaking with over two hundred
employees, I was so fired up and so angry I was not able to provide
these hard working middle class people with the great opportunities
and strength of Local 653. And now I feel as if I have just started
an uphill battle--which I have made my personal goal--to inform,
educate and help lead future generations and employees to get what
they deserve. Being from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a small country
in Eastern Europe, my parents came to this great nation for the
American dream, where if you work hard, play by the rules and get
educated you can live comfortably. These are the core fundamental
rules unions like the UFCW play by and help us reach. As long as we
stand together and are led towards these challenges by great leaders
like Matt Utecht, no dream or destination is unreachable. We are a
union amongst others who are blessed and I am honored to be a
member of Local 653.
Nate Moist, Asmir Dragonjic
August 2013 - Fact Finder - Pg 3
Convenience
By Rick Milbrath
Last month in the Fact Finder I wrote about service and how important it is to our consumers. Now if we would add convenience to
the mix we would have a one-two punch in retaining our customer’s loyalty.
Surveys show that more than three quarters of Americans still eat at home each night. Knowing this, we have to pay close attention
to the consumer’s eating habits. This demands that employers and employees more than ever before work closely together to come
up with niches and products that work in your union retail stores in your particular location.
Just having simple cooking instructions on the packages has started to rebuild consumer confidence in the younger generation
to start exploring cooking at home again—or for the first time in some cases. Grilling year round, smaller portions, health food,
prepared meals and having foods that take less than an hour to prepare at home are at an all-time high. The days of making
big meals with the hope or intention of eating leftovers the following day went out with the rabbit ears on your black and white
television. Our industry is changing big time. Thirty or forty years ago grocery stores did not have many quick-to-fix microwavable
frozen food lines or delis with a variety of prepared sandwiches, salads, side dishes and whole ready-to-go hot meals. They did not
have fresh produce from around the world available year round, with some already precut, packaged and ready to eat. Meat and
seafood departments are delivering more cuts of meat and fillets of fish with about every kind of seasoning and breading that you
could imagine. Dairy departments have so many more varieties and flavors of items that it could take you years just to sample them,
with new ones arriving daily.
That’s why having service in these key areas with knowledgeable personnel is still the most important factor, without question. It
creates comfort for the consumer to try out, ask questions and experiment with new products entering this market. This is what puts
our union stores a level or two, or in some cases five-fold, ahead of the likes of Wal-Mart, Target, Whole Foods and other nonunion
stores. I could not count how many times I have heard our union employers tell us that they would not change their work force for
any of the work forces of the stores that I mentioned previously.
All this adds up to more options and opportunities for our union retail meat and grocery stores to retain and capitalize on the wants
and need of our consumers. Competition is fiercer for the almighty dollar than ever before. So, if we can provide the goods the
consumers are looking for at a fair price, throw in some knowledge of the product and provide service second to none, I believe we
can ride this economic turmoil through. Remember, today’s consumers are getting more complex at a faster pace than ever before.
They are constantly redefining their lifestyles and what they desire. Nowhere is that more evident than their eating habits. Age,
time, weight and ethnicity all affect what they eat. All these factors are changing the dinner landscape in America. Some other
reasons this landscape is changing: only about one third of Americans are making meals from scratch, more two-income families, the
fast pace which we live in, time management stretched thin between our jobs, children, hobbies, and the list goes on.
Where does that put us? It puts us in a world of service and convenience. So remember this when going into work—employee/
consumer communication at the store level mixed with employer/employee cooperation makes a great recipe for customer
satisfaction.
Phone:
651.642.0182
Toll Free:
1.800.634.7710
E-mail:
[email protected]
“Like a Bridge Over Troubled Waters”
By Paul Crandall
Driving home from work yesterday, I was thinking about the interaction I had with
members that day in person and on the telephone and how I tried to assist them in
dealing with issues in their life that had affected them in the workplace. These issues
cover mental health, personal and emotional concerns, anger issues, as well as
financial concerns. As a member of Local 653 you have access to a wonderful employee
assistance program called T.E.A.M. (Total Employee Assistance Management). T.E.A.M.
is an independent employee assistance program (EAP) serving companies and unions
throughout Minnesota. The mission of T.E.A.M. is to maintain the highest quality,
comprehensive employee assistance program designed to meet the needs of the
organization, their employees/members and families. T.E.A.M. provides exceptional faceto-face counseling services by highly trained clinicians. Many Local 653 members have
reached out to T.E.A.M. for a variety of issues and have had tremendous success. Please
take the time to review the following page of common concerns that bring a member
to T.E.A.M., and remember this is a benefit provided to you as a member of Local 653.
Back to my drive home from work, I came across the old classic from Simon and Garfunkel
with lyrics that made me think of reaching out to T.E.A.M.
Pg 4 - Fact Finder - August 2013
“Like a Bridge Over Troubled Waters”
When you’re weary Feeling small When tears are in your eyes I will dry them all I’m on your side When times get rough And friends just can’t be found Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down When you’re down and out When you’re on the street When evening falls so hard I will comfort you I’ll take your part When darkness comes And pain is all around Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down Common Concerns That Bring a Member to
There is a time in life when things all come
together and you discover the best in yourself.
At T.E.A.M., we are dedicated to providing real
life solutions to help you achieve your goals in
the workplace and at home.
T.E.A.M. offers resources and strategies for any
area of life where you may need a helping hand
or desire more knowledge.
Not only are T.E.A.M. counselors available
by phone 24/7 to help you through difficulty
and times of crisis, but also in the day-today balancing and enrichment of your life.
Counselors provide private, professional, and
confidential services at no cost to you.
So why not take advantage of the many
resources we provide and stop being limited by
problems and get the support you need?
Make the most of your life.
Alcohol or Drug Problems
• Adult Children of Alcoholics
• Substance Abuse
• Legal Concerns
• Prescription Drug Dependency
Behavioral Concerns
• Compulsive Behaviors
• Eating Disorders
• Internet
• Gambling
• Overspending
Eldercare Concerns
• Community Resources
• Financial Concerns
• Legal Concerns
• Living Will
• Long-Term Care Planning
Family/Parenting
• Adolescent Issues
• Adoption/Blended Families
• Bullying
TEAM
Communication
• Family Violence
• Learning Disabilities
• Parenting Issues
• School Concerns
• Single Parenting
Financial Concerns
• Debt and Credit
• Budgeting
• Home Buying
• Investing
• Paying for College
Job-Related Issues
• Balancing Work and Home
• Career Advancement
• Conflict with Coworkers
• Harassment
• Organization
• Performance Concerns
• Productivity Improvement
• Retirement Planning
Legal
•
•
•
•
Debt and Bankruptcy
Divorce
DWI
Wills and Trusts
Personal/Emotional Concerns
• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Goal Setting
• Depression
• Excessive Guilt
• Grief and Loss
• Life Transition
• Low Self-Confidence
• Midlife Adjustment
• Military Life
• Mood Swings
• Phobias
• Sexual Orientation Concerns
• Sleep Problems
• Time Management
Relationship Concerns
• Communication Problems
• Divorce/Separation Adjustment
• Domestic Violence
• Sexual Concerns
August 2013 - Fact Finder - Pg 5
Family Picnic and Fishing Contest
By Steve Milner
On Wednesday, July 17, we held our annual family picnic and fishing
contest. It was a wonderful, hot, and steamy day to get together with
many members, retirees, friends and family.
This was our second year at Beebe Lake Regional Park and it was a hit!
The fishing was a little slow because of the heat, but still many fish were
caught. The pan fish were biting like crazy at the fishing pier, and many
of the children were bringing them in at a hectic pace. At noon, lunch
was served by Local 653 business agents, with prizes and drawings
following lunch.
It was nice for all of us to have time to chat with the many members
and their families.
Some of the lucky winners!
Pg 6 - Fact Finder - August 2013
You’re Not Going to Get the Butt You Want by
Sitting on the One You Have!
By Nancy Vaillancourt
As we are approaching nearly two months of the Biggest Loser contest, I thought I would
share some information that I am trying to apply in my own life right now. My progress is
again not where I wanted it, but I am down 20 pounds as of July 10. I’m finally noticing it a
little! I am, however, still not in the mindset of exercise, still finding excuses of “being too
busy.” The fact is that I can find time to sit poolside every chance I get, too lazy to even get
in and swim a few laps! I know from my discussions in the stores that I’m not alone.
So I set out to make a few more changes in my life. Being down 20 pounds feels good, but
I keep thinking “I lost 20 pounds without working out, imagine what will happen if you get
off your big butt!” Lack of activity is one of the biggest problems in America--we know it’s
good for us but avoid it like the plague. The truth is that movement is movement, and the
more you do the healthier you will be.
1.
2.
Be Aware: Make a list of all the physical activities you do on a typical day. If you
find that the bulk of your time is spent sitting, make another list of all the ways
you can move more. You can get up each hour to stretch, take a walk, take the
stairs instead of the elevator, etc.
Make a list of everything you eat in a day-- it will shock you! If you notice more
“bad” food than healthy food, make a list of things you should/could eliminate.
Do this for three weeks, as they say it takes three weeks of doing something to
make it a habit.
Here are some places you can visit on your computer that I have found very helpful. Search
“my plate,” it offers a good diary and calorie counter. Search “fit in exercise.” Many sites will
pop up that offer some great exercise options.
To all who are participating in the Biggest Loser contest, I would love to hear from you on
your progress. Please feel free to call or email me at the Local 653 office (763-525-1500 or
[email protected].) I am looking forward to hearing your progress; we have about two
and a half months left!
SAVE THE DATE!!!
Watch for your invitation to the
2013 Health Fair
Sunday, October 6, 2013
12:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
UFCW Local 653 Union Hall
13000 63rd Avenue N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
FREE TO ALL ELIGIBLE UFCW LOCAL 653
•
•
•
•
•
•
MEMBERS & ELIGIBLE DEPENDENTS
Flu shot
Pneumonia shot
TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
Hearing screenings
Onsite Health Screening
Blood pressure check***Cholesterol and blood glucose
check***Body mass index
• Chair massage
• And much more, including fun for all and door prizes!
Food, beverages and entertainment will be provided throughout the event.
UFCW Local 653
13000 63rd Avenue North
Maple Grove, MN 55369
www.ufcw653.org
763-525-1500 or 1-800-292-4105
Matthew P. Utecht, President
Richard Milbrath, Secretary-Treasurer
CORPORATE CUB FOODS: Apple Valley, Bloomington,
Burnsville HOTC, Burnsville South, Chanhassen, Eagan
West, Eagan East, Lakeville, Lakeville South, Rosemount, Savage, Shorewood
Paul Crandall, Assistant to the President
FRESH SEASONS MARKET: Minnetonka, Victoria
JERRY’S FOODS: Jerry’s Sausage
Brainerd / Baxter Cub Foods - S.A.V.E Foods - Baxter Super One - Crosby Super One - Pequot Lakes Supervalu
- Byerly’s St. Cloud
Business Representatives
Steve Milner
LUNDS: Lake Street, Central, Edina, Richfield, Minnetonka, Bloomington, Wayzata, Navarre, Plymouth,
Hennepin, Lunds Kitchen, Trainers/Drivers
BYERLY’S: Edina, Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Ridgedale, Burnsville, Chanhassen, Eagan, Maple Grove
BONE MARCHE’: St. Louis Park
Bill Spartz
Anoka Care Center - Bryn Mawr - Park Health & Rehab
- Golden Living (Bloomington & Chateau) - Innsbruck
Healthcare - Oaklawn Healthcare - Gold Cross - Brede’s
- Hirshfield’s
CORPORATE CUB FOODS: Monticello
KOWALSKI’S MARKETS: Lyndale, Eagan, Hennepin,
Chicago, Eden Prairie
Doug Rigert
Sullivan’s Supervalu - Bergan’s Supervalu
JERRY’S CUB FOODS: Bloomington, Brookdale, Eden
Prairie, Knollwood, Lake Street, Nicollet, Rogers, Southdale, West Broadway
JERRY’S FOODS: Edina, Eden Prairie, Jerry’s Enterprises
Greg Larson
Ingebretsen’s - Everett’s Foods - Nelson Meats - Swanson Meats - Cooper’s County Market - Almsted’s Fresh
Market - Village Market - Jubilee Foods - Cub Foods Shakopee - Driskill’s Foods - Oxendale’s Market
KNOWLAN’S FESTIVAL FOODS: Andover, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park
Nancy Vaillancourt
CORPORATE CUB FOODS: Blaine North, Blaine South,
Brooklyn Park North, Brooklyn Park South, Coon Rapids
South, Crystal, Champlin, Fridley, Maple Grove, Silver
Lake Road, Rockford Road, New Brighton, Vicksburg
CUB FOODS - Coon Rapids (Williston), Minnetonka
(Haug)
JERRY’S CUB: Elk River
Organizer: Jim Schommer
RAINBOW FOODS: Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington,
Brooklyn Park, Chaska, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids,
Eagan, Eden Prairie, Lake Street, Lakeville, Maple Grove,
Plymouth (6th Ave), Plymouth Station, Quarry, Richfield,
Savage, St. Louis Park, Uptown
KING’S COUNTY MARKET: Andover
Matt Utecht
KING’S COUNTY MARKET: St. Francis
August 2013 - Fact Finder - Pg 7
Nursing Homes Get an Increase
By Bill Spartz
Nursing home funding got an increase from this year’s legislative session--the first such
increase in four years. The Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees
nursing homes, is working on how the monies will be distributed. The legislature approved a
3.75% rate increase for nursing homes, of which 75% is required to go to wages and benefits.
The employer is also able to use it for wage costs, i.e., FICA, unemployment, Medicare,
health care, pensions, and workman’s compensation. There is also an additional average
of 1.25% as a quality add on to be determined by July 1, 2013, and based on 50% quality
indicator scores, 40% resident quality of life score, and 10% state inspection results. There is
no money allocated for 2014, but another increase is forecast for 2015.
Many reporters stated that nursing home “workers” will see a 5% increase. That is not
entirely accurate. The facility is receiving the rate increase, and 75% of that is what is
encumbered to wages and benefits. I have already been told that “we better get a 5% raise
then” by employees. This surely is not what facilities will be doing. We worked long and hard
with nursing homes to get funding this year and we were successful. Because we got money,
there is brightness at the fall negotiating schedule. The money is tied to September 1, 2013,
and anyone under a collective bargaining agreement will have to sign on the allocation
before any facility receives it.
We will soon be full steam ahead for nursing home negotiations, so spread this word or post
this so employees have an idea of what is happening.
Follow Me
on Twitter
By Jim Schommer
I’m now on Twitter! You can follow me
at #JimUFCW653, or search UFCW
Local 653. I’ve slowly been getting
myself out on Twitter. You can follow
me for a lot of useful information
on what’s happening here and
around the country when it comes to
organizing, union issues, politics, and
just what’s happening here at our
local. It is a very useful tool when it
comes to communicating and getting
a message out or following what is
going on with a certain subject or
issue. Give me a follow, or send me
a tweet, and keep up with all that is
happening here or elsewhere across
the country when it comes to union
issues.
Conveniencia
Por Rick Milbrath
El mes pasado en el Fact Finder escribí sobre el servicio y que tan importante es para nuestros clientes. Ahora si agregamos conveniencia a esta
combinación, tendremos un uno- dos para retener la lealtad de nuestros clientes.
Las encuestas muestran que tres cuartos de americanos todavía comen en casa cada noche. Sabiendo esto, debemos de poner atención a los
hábitos alimentarios de nuestros clientes. Esto requiere que los empleadores y los empleados más que nunca antes del trabajo colaboren para
identificar nichos y productos que funcionan bien en sus tiendas y su locación.
Simplemente el tener recetas para cocinar en los paquetes ha comenzado a reconstruir la confianza entre la generación joven para comenzar
a explorar el cocinar en casa de Nuevo, o por la primera vez en algunos casos. Haciendo parrilladas durante el año, porciones más pequeñas,
alimentos saludables, alimentos preparados y tener alimentos que toman menos de una hora para prepararse en casa están en gran aumento. Los
días de cocinar grandes porciones con la esperanza de comer lo sobrante el siguiente día han desaparecido junto con las antenas de su televisor
de blanco y negro. Nuestra industria está cambiando de muchísimo. Hace treinta o cuarenta años las tiendas de abarrotes no tenían muchos
alimentos para los hornos microondas de manera congelada o mostradores con sándwiches de muchas variedades, ensaladas, alimentos en
porciones pequeñas y platillos para llevar. Estos no tenían productos frescos de todo el mundo disponibles durante todo el año, con algunos ya
cortados, empaquetados y listos para comerse. Los departamentos de carnes y productos marinos están vendiendo más cortes de carne y filetes
de pescado con casi toda clase de condimentos y empanizados que usted pudiera imaginar. Los departamentos de productos lácteos tienen tantas
variedades y sabores de artículos que a usted le tomaría años nada más para darles una probada, con más llegando diariamente.
Es por eso que el ofrecer el servicio en esas áreas claves con personal con conocimiento es todavía un factor muy importante, sin duda. Esto crea
comodidad para el cliente para probar, hacer preguntas y para experimentar con productos nuevos que están llegando al Mercado. Esto es lo que
pone a nuestras tiendas en ventaja de un nivel o dos, o en algunos casos cinco niveles, delante de tiendas como Wal-Mart, Target, Whole Foods y
otras tiendas no sindicalizadas. No podría yo contar cuantas veces he escuchado a nuestros empleadores sindicalizados que ellos no cambiarían
a sus trabajadores por los trabajadores de las tiendas que antes mencioné.
Todo esto suma más opciones y oportunidades para nuestras tiendas de carne y abarrotes para retener y capitalizar en los requerimientos y las
necesidades de nuestros clientes. La competencia es muy dura por el poderoso dólar más que nunca. Y si podemos proveer los productos que
nuestros clientes están buscando a un precio justo, incluyendo el conocimiento de nuestros productos y proveer un servicio como ninguno. Creo
que podremos sobrevivir estos tiempos de mala economía. Recuerden, hoy en día los consumidores están cada vez mas complejos a un paso
más rápido que antes. Estos están redefiniendo sus estilos de vida y lo que estos desean. En ninguna parte es más evidente que en sus hábitos
alimenticios. Edad, tiempo, peso y etnicidad todo afecta lo que comen. Todos estos factores están cambiando el panorama alimenticio de América.
Algunas otras razones por las cuales el panorama está cambiando: solamente un tercio de los Americanos están cocinando sus alimentos, hay más
familias con dos ingresos, la manera rápida en que viven, el manejo de su tiempo entre empleos, los niños, sus pasatiempos, y la lista continua.
¿A donde esto nos coloca? Nos pone en un mundo de servicio y conveniencia. Así es que recuerden esto cuando vayan a trabajar-la comunicación
el empleado y el cliente al nivel de su tienda, mesclado con la cooperación entre empleadores y empleados crea una receta de satisfacción al
cliente.
Pg 8 - Fact Finder - August 2013
Swanson Meats and Local 653 Reach
Agreement on New Contract
(Continued from pg. 1)
Although we would have liked to reach a three-year
agreement, it just was not possible given all the uncertainty
surrounding
of Butt
the You
Affordable
Care
You’re the
Notimplementation
Going to Get the
Want by
Sitting on the One You Have!
Act (more commonly referred to as “ObamaCare”) and
By Nancy Vaillancourt
its unknown impact on the employer and the members
As weLocal
are approaching
nearlyall
twocontract
months ofnegotiations,
the Biggest Loser contest, I thought I would share some information that I am
of UFCW
653. As with
trying
to
apply
in
my
own
life
right
now.
My
progress
is again not where I wanted it, but I am down 20 pounds as of July 10.
neither side got everything that they wanted or proposed,
I’m finally noticing it a little! I am, however, still not in the mindset of exercise, still finding excuses of “being too busy.” The
however,
a one-year
agreement
it won’t
fact given
is that that
I canthis
find is
time
to sit poolside
every chance
I get, too lazy to even get in and swim a few laps! I know from my
be longdiscussions
before weinsit
again
try to find mutual
thedown
storesonce
that I’m
notto
alone.
(The negotiating committee, left to right: Tim Branville, Dan Haney )
ways to further improve the existing contract framework.
So I set out to make a few more changes in my life. Being down 20 pounds feels good, but I keep thinking “I lost 20 pounds
without working out, imagine what will happen if you get off your big butt!” Lack of activity is one of the biggest problems in
I would
like to personally thank Tim Branville and Dan
America--we know it’s good for us but avoid it like the plague. The truth is that movement is movement, and the more you
Haney,dowho
participated
the healthier
you willby
be.being on the negotiating
committee and representing the issues and proposals
1. Be Aware: Make a list of all the physical activities you do on a typical day. If you find that the bulk of your time is
that affect them
their
coworkers.
proposals,
spentand
sitting,
make
another listYour
of all the
ways you can move more. You can get up each hour to stretch, take a walk,
take
the
stairs
instead
of
the
elevator,
etc.
insights and experience were crucial to helping reach this
agreement.2.Great
job,
guys!
Make
a list
of everything you eat in a day-- it will shock you! If you notice more “bad” food than healthy food,
make a list of things you should/could eliminate. Do this for three weeks, as they say it takesthree weeks of doing
something to make it a habit.
Here are some places you can visit on your computer that I have found very helpful. Search “my plate,” it offers a good diary
and calorie counter. Search “fit in exercise.” Many sites will pop up that offer some great exercise options.
To all who are participating in the Biggest Loser contest, I would love to hear from you on your progress. Please feel free
to call or email me at the Local 653 office (763-525-1500 or [email protected].) I am looking forward to hearing your
progress; we have about two and a half months left!
Anoka Care Center
August 2013 - Fact Finder - Pg 9
Dos miembros de la Local 653 se Educan
en Practica para ser Organizadores
Por Asmir Dragonjic
Durante el verano dele año 2009, Raibow Foods en Blaine me contrato como
empujador de carritos de mandado y empacador de mercancías, trabajando
duro por dos cuatro años me convertí en Manager en turno de la tarde. Lo que
comenzó solamente como un trabajo de medio tiempo, pronto se convirtió
en un amor y una pasión por la industria de los abarrotes y por la gente que
trabajaba conmigo.
En el 2011 me convenció Mary Schmidth (miembro de la Junta Ejecutiva) de
comenzar a asistir las reuniones de membresía. Disfruté mucho a la gente y
por lo que la UFCW peleaba, y apoyé sus acciones y fundamentos para luchar
por la gente. Asistí a mis primeras negociaciones para el contrato del 2013, a
donde tuve la oportunidad de hablar con el Presidente de la Local 653 Matt
Utecht sobre mis pasiones e intensos intereses para ayudar a construir una
local más fuerte como también involucrarme más. Unos meses más tarde
recibí una llamada telefónica de Matt ofreciéndome la oportunidad de viajar
a Waterloo, Iowa, para un entrenamiento para organizadores de dos semanas
junto con Nate Moist, quien es un Manager de el Departamento de Carnes en
mi tienda.
Una vez que llegamos a Waterloo, nuestra primera semana consistió en
conocer a los organizadores internacionales y representantes sindicales de la
UFCW, seguido por dos días y medio de entrenamientos en aulas. Después
de entrenar y de tomar notas yo estaba listo y me sentí con más confianza
que nunca para organizar la planta Tyson. Durante el primer día de visitas
domiciliarias fui en compañía de Bob Waters, quien es agente de negocios de
la Local 431. En ese momento fui el primero en convencer a una persona de
la planta Tysn para convertirse en miembro sindical, colocando la Local 653
como primera en incluir las otras locales de Dakota del Norte, Dakota del Sur,
Iowa, Colorado, y la Local 1189 de San Pablo.
Después de organizar el Derecho a Trabajar (Right to Work RTW por sus
siglas en ingles), me di cuenta del real impacto negativo que esta tiene.
Comencé a entender y a sentir que es una ley que ha sido impuesta para
darle poder a los empleadores y para abandonar a los empleados. Los
miembros sindicales de Tyson (solamente un sesenta y tres porciento de los
empleados están sindicalizados) no tienen mucha manera de negociar en la
mesa de negociaciones. Esta es una planta la cual procesa 20.000 puercos al
día produciendo una ganancia de $2.00 por libra de un puerco, y debemos
de considerar que todas las partes del puerco se procesan y se venden,
incluyendo la sangre. Tenemos reportes de empleados a los cuales no se
les permite utilizar el baño aunque estos tengan problemas médicos, y que
se orinan mientras trabajan en la línea. Tuvimos la oportunidad de conocer
a un hombre el cual estaba siendo a ayudado por la UFCW a luchar contra
su empleador, porque se le cayo encima un puerco de 220 libras y lo dejó
incapacitado y la Tyson le respondió que si este peleaba lo despedirían y le
negarían todas sus demandas.
Después de dos semanas de entrenamiento y de hablar con más de dos
cientos empleados, estaba yo tan emocionado y enojado porque yo no
tenía la manera de proveer a esas gentes trabajadoras de la clase media con
oportunidades buenas y la fuerza de la Local 653. Y ahora me sentía como
si acababa de empezar una batalla cuesta arriba, lo cual he convertido en
mi meta personal, el informar, educar y a ayudar a guiar a las generaciones
futuras y a los empleados para conseguir lo que estos se merecen. Siendo de
Bosnia y Herzegovina, un país pequeño en Europa, mis padres llegaron a esta
gran nación para vivir el sueño americano, a donde si usted trabaja duro, sigue
las reglas y se educa usted puede vivir muy cómodo. Esto está en el centro de
las reglas fundamentales con las cuales los sindicatos como la UFCW siguen y
nos ayudan a conseguir. Mientras nos mantengamos unidos y seamos guiados
a los retos siguiendo a líderes como Matt Utecht, ningún sueño o destino es
imposible. Nosotros somos un sindicato entre otros los cuales tenemos las
bendiciones y yo me siento honrado de ser un miembro de la Local 653.
Pg 10 - Fact Finder - August 2013
La Reforma del Cuidado a la
Salud: Desde el Punto de Vista
del Administrador del Fondo
Por Matt Winkel
Dentro de su industria mucho se ha dicho y escrito sobre el
potencial del impacto de la Reforma del Cuidado a la Salud.
He trabajado con su Fondo por 15+ años. Además, trabajo con
otros 20 fondos Taft-Hartley de salud y bienestar. Las siguientes
son mis observaciones de sobre como esta ley va a afectar su
Fondo y personalmente a usted.
•
Ha elevado los costos dentro de su Plan. La Reforma del
Cuidado a la Salud ha sumado costos adicionales a su
Fondo. Al eliminar los máximos de por vida y al cambiar la
definición de los dependientes, su Fondo ha sumado costos
significantes en las demandas. Además comenzando este
año habrá dos impuestos más que el fondo debe de pagar.
Aproximadamente $3 millones de dólares de incrementos
de costo llegara en el momento en el que no se han
efectuado contribuciones adicionales. Como resultado el
Fondo está perdiendo reservas y necesitaría incrementar
las contribuciones/ o dar menos beneficios.
•
La ley lo hace más difícil para que el Fondo cubra a los
jubilados. Los jubilados no son cubiertos dentro de su
Acuerdo de Negociación Colectiva y la cobertura a los
jubilados no es requerida por la ley. Por los incrementos de
costos y la inhabilidad de capturar subsidios, la habilidad
del Plan para cubrir a los jubilados es realmente restringida.
•
La posibilidad de que a los empleadores se imponga un
impuesto o castigo ha creado mucha ansiedad y confusión.
Para los empleadores con más de 50 empleados, 30 horas
se ha convertido en el número mágico bajo el cual nada
es obligado, y más de ese seguro debe de ser proveído.
Aunque este requerimiento se ha retrasado por un año, el
Plan debe de cambiar sus reglas de legibilidad para cumplir
con la ley para asegurarse que los empleadores no sean
castigados. Esto va a sumar costos y complejidad a las
reglas de elegibilidad.
•
Los intercambios los cuales comienzan en el 2014 harán
necesario para que los empleados no sindicalizados
aseguren la cobertura de salud. Los intercambios ofrecerán
cobertura subsidiada a muchos trabajadores, un subsidio
que está disponible para los participantes de su Plan. El
resultado es una ventaja injusta para los empleadores los
cuales actualmente no ofrecen cobertura.
•
La ley no prevalece sobre su Acuerdo de Negociación
Colectiva. Este cambia lo que el Fondo debe de hacer para
cumplir pero no requiere que el Fondo elimine la cobertura
para los empleados de tiempo parcial.
En conclusión, La Reforma del Cuidado a la Salud suma
costos a su Plan y lo hace más fácil para los mercados no
sindicalizados una ventaja en el área de los beneficios. Aunque
ambos estos son resultados desafortunados, la ley no requiere
cambios inmediatos mayores. Nosotros veremos como
los intercambios de hecho operan y ajustaremos nuestras
estrategias, ambas del punto de vista de ingresos y costos para
mantenernos disponibles y para proveer valor de largo plazo a
los empleadores y a los empleados de nuestro sindicato.
My Team Cub Rewards Card
By Greg Larson
What a great program--that is, as long as it is used correctly and not misused or
abused. Unfortunately sometimes we get a call at the office where there have
been members not following the proper terms and conditions of the Rewards
Card. Remember that these cards come with terms and conditions. They are a
company promotion that costs the company a lot of money to provide. Not only
does the employee save 10% off private brands, but also saves real cash at the
gas station. Yes, like I said, this is real money! Don’t compromise your Team Cub
Rewards Card or anyone else’s.
Having the Team Cub Rewards Card is a great privilege and benefit. As is being
able to shop your own store/company and receive a discount on private brand
groceries and gas discounts. Support your company that provides your paycheck
and benefits.
Any misuse or abuse of the Team Cub Rewards Card program may not only result
in the loss of the discount, but may be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and
including termination.
If you have any questions at all, please contact your store manager or human
resources.
Washington D.C. Council Passes “Living Wage” Bill
By Jim Schommer
A new ruling that big-box stores pay their employees at least a “living wage” in
Washington D.C. has prompted Walmart to back out of plans to build three stores
in the D.C. area, and has the company deciding if they should abandon three stores
that are already under construction.
The bill was passed by the D.C. city council on a vote of 8 to 5. The bill, called
Large Retailer Accountability Act (LRAA), will require that big-box stores, defined
as companies with more than $1 billion in profit in spaces of 75,000 square feet or
more, pay their employees at least $12.50 an hour.
The new requirement must avoid a veto from D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and undergo
a congressional review before it goes into effect.
Walmart feels it is being singled out. Yes, Walmart is included in this bill, but it
also includes many other stores, like Lowe’s, Sears, Macy’s, Home Depot, and even
Target. Walmart was the only one threatening to cancel their involvement with the
city because of it.
The dialog between the city and Walmart agreeing to starting wages between
$12.00 and $13.00 an hour has been going on for many years. Walmart officials
met with D.C. elected officials as well as community and faith groups before
agreeing to build six stores as reported in the Washington Post. So the approval
of the community and their elected leaders to Walmart’s entry into the city was
predicated in part on the promise of starting wages between $12.00 and $13.00 an
hour. So now that they are being forced to pay a minimum of $12.50 an hour they
are backing out on their promise.
Walmart is the nation’s largest private employer with about 1.4 million employees.
Their gross profit last year was $119.95 billion. Walmart’s CEO Mike Duke earned
$20.7 million in 2012, a 14.1% increase from his 2011 salary, but Walmart cannot
afford to pay their employees a living wage.
For more information on this important issue just search “Washington D.C. “Living
Wage.”
Service Pins Sent Out
June & July
5 Years
Amber Griffin (Jerry’s Cub – Eden Prairie)
Carissa Hotchkiss (Jerry’s Cub -- Eden Prairie)
Cynthia Hotchkiss (Jerry’s Cub – Eden Prairie)
Cynthia Peterson (Jerry’s Cub – Nicollet)
Jacqueline Pope (Jerry’s Cub – Lake Street)
Kevin O’Neill (Jerry’s Cub – Bloomington)
Mary Brouillard (Jerry’s Cub – Brookdale)
Kurt Nesbitt (Jerry’s Cub – Eden Prairie)
Pamela Tree (Jerry’s Cub – West Broadway)
Predrag Drekovic (Cub – Minnetonka)
Sherrill Ridenour (Driskill’s Food Market)
Terry Bailey (Jerry’s Cub – Bloomington)
10 Years
Antonia Alarcon (Jerry’s Cub – Nicollet)
Aron Bruno (Jerry’s Cub – Knollwood)
Carolyn MacKall (Jerry’s Cub – Bloomington)
Courtney Bergan (Bergan’s Supervalu)
Cynthia Hanson (Rainbow Foods – Quarry)
Daniel Hartley (Jerry’s Foods – Eden Prairie)
Edward Kaindoli (Jerry’s Cub – Lake Street)
Gay Brueggeman (Jerry’s Cub – Bloomington)
Gayle Wolfe (Jerry’s Cub – Bloomington)
Jacob Kolar (Jerry’s Cub – Brookdale)
Ronald Webster (Jerry’s Cub – Bloomington)
Russell Smith (Bergan’s Supervalu)
Sandra Petersen (Jerry’s Cub – Knollwood)
Suzann Blake (Cub – Shakopee)
15 Years
Amber Allen (Rainbow Foods – Chaska)
Ben Gustafson (Jerry’s Cub – Elk River)
Kathleen Hoch (Jerry’s Foods – Edina)
Marian Freese (Crosby Super One)
Robert Cordle (Jerry’s Cub – Rogers)
Zachery Bausworth (Jerry’s Cub – Rogers)
20 Years
Brian Kasat (Cub – Lyndale)
Priscilla Kay (Jerry’s Cub – Brookdale)
25 Years
Bruce Kretlow (Cub Foods – Eagan West)
Douglas Lezer (Byerly’s – Maple Grove)
Mark MacDonald (Sullivans Supervalu)
Paul Ketcham (Jerry’s Cub – Knollwood)
30 Years
Scott Dulac (Jerry’s Cub – Bloomington)
35 Years
Philip Johnson (Jerry’s Cub – Bloomington)
William Notermann (Cub – Minnetonka)
40 Years
Beth Detuncq (Byerly’s – Ridgedale)
Catherine Hagen (Byerly’s – Maple Grove)
Jeanette Mulloy (Cub Foods – Eagan West)
John Millard (Festival Foods – Bloomington)
Juliana Jeandron (Rainbow Foods – Quarry)
August 2013 - Fact Finder - Pg 11
Retiree’s Club Meeting Notice
UFCW Local 653
Members:
Knights of Columbus Marian Hall
1114 American Blvd. W.
Bloomington, MN 55420
Thursday, August 15
10:00 a.m Cards
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Speaker
United Food & Commercial
Workers Union, Local 653
13000 63rd Avenue N.
Maple Grove, MN 55369
763-525-1500 or 1-800-292-4105
Change Service Requested
MN Wild
a
What: Light the Night Walk!
When: Sunday September 22, 2013 (Rain or shine!)
Where:Target Field
1 Twins Way
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Time:
4:00 p.m. Registration
6:00 p.m. Survivor Photo
6:45 p.m. Program
7:15 p.m. Walk
(The walk is two miles. Strollers and wheelchairs will have
accessibility between Sections 131 & 132. No pets are permitted).
Please join our team and raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!
If you raise $100 you will receive a free t-shirt, free food and an illuminated balloon the night of the walk!
Please sign up at:
http://pages.lightthenight.org/mn/TwinCiti13/ufcwlocal653
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Amanda at 763-525-1500
or email [email protected] .
For more information:
Thea Gullekson:
952-831-3143
Char Hanson:
612-869-9035
or Marlen Wahl:
952-888-3220
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Permit No. 2899
Twin Cities, MN