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January 8, 2008
Eugene/Springfield
Community Rallies in Support of Workers
Community leaders and activists in the Eugene / Springfield area are
gathering today to show support and solidarity for local Grocery and Meat
workers as they continue their fight for fair contracts with Safeway,
Supervalu (Albertsons), and Kroger (Fred Meyer). The nearly 1,200 workers
represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 555 have
been at the bargaining table since February 2007.
“For nearly a year now the membership has been actively fighting for a new
contract. A contract that offers meaningful, sustainable and affordable
health care, offers real living wages without bonuses, and addresses
language issues that make a difference in their lives,” said Jeff McDonald,
Secretary-Treasurer of Local 555. “The Eugene membership deserves these
things now.”
At the start of negotiations in early 2007, employers brought with them over
40 economic and language takeaways. Members have succeeded in removing most
of these from the table, but a few issues still remain unresolved. These
include plans to add more non- union personnel to stores, additional
language in the contract reversing arbitration awards, limiting the
visitation of Union representatives at work locations, adding an additional
step in the grievance process, and remaining open on Christmas Day. In
addition to these issues, workers are fighting to maintain funding to their
Health and Welfare plans and keep health care affordable for their families.
UFCW Local 555 represents over 17,000 workers in Oregon and Washington.
Members work in a wide range of industries including retail sales, health
care, meat processing, garment making, grocery, in law offices, and other
professions.
“Without each and every one of these hardworking people Safeway, Fred Meyer
and Albertsons wouldn’t be as profitable as they are,” said McDonald. “It’s
time for these companies to get serious about their workers.”
The rally today will take place in front of a local Albertsons store in
Eugene, Oregon. Bargaining dates are set this week for January 8, 9, and 10.
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