As a new employee in the bargaining unit, you are
represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1036. If you are like many
employees, this may be the first time you have been represented by a union and you may
have some questions as to what this means to you.
Union representation means that UFCW Local 1036 on your
behalf and with your full and active participation negotiates and administers a legally
binding contract known as a collective bargaining agreement that sets forth your wages,
benefits, hours, and all your working conditions. Because all employees negotiate together
through the union, union members receive higher wages and better benefits than non-union
workers in similar jobs. Strength in numbers makes this possible.
This local union is part of an international union which
represents workers in many similar occupations around this country (and Canada). It has a
current membership of 1,254,643. There are 529 local unions in the International. Because
the International is so big, it has a highly trained and motivated staff to help local
unions. This Local can draw on the immense resources of the International, which has not
only the trained staff but also the resources including modern technology and research
departments.
Local 1036 has been in existence since 1941 and has
approximately 11,165 members working in various industries for numerous employers.
The President of your Local Union is George L. Hartwell.
Your contract is administered by a Union Representative. Many of you also have a shop
steward at your place of work. Should you have any questions or problems you should
contact one of your representatives or your Union office. Our officers are elected by the
membership in secret ballot elections. As a member you will get to participate in those
elections.
Our Union is governed by a written constitution and
by-laws. We are a democratic institution governed by our members. Your constitution and
by-laws are the basic documents, which tell you how your Union is governed. Please read
them as they give you additional rights, which you will have as a member.
This Union has regular meetings conducted quarterly. These
meetings are important and, as a member, you are encouraged to attend and participate in
the affairs of your Local Union. These meetings are held in various central areas.
Without a legally binding contract the law allows an
employer to fire without any reason, to change your wages or hours without your consent
and there are virtually no restrictions set by law on what the employer can do. With our
union contract, there is a legally binding agreement that is enforceable.
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