As seen in the Unity: Summer 2022 – President’s Report. See past copies of the Unity here.

Strong Bargaining Results in Improved Benefits

Many readers of this publication are aware of what we call the “Union Advantage.” This is the phrase we use to describe the many ways workers are better off when they have a union giving them a voice at their workplace.

Union members enjoy a wide range of advantages because they have the power of bargaining collectively with their employers to determine the terms of their employment. This basic right gives union members much more power than if they tried to negotiate as individuals. What’s more, the terms they reach with their employers are guaranteed in legally binding contracts.

These contracts also help protect workers from unjust treatment, including arbitrary firings, wage cuts, suspensions, and reassignments at the whim of the employer.

No wonder, then, that unions are being embraced by a new generation of workers at such corporations as Starbucks, Amazon, Trader Joe’s, REI, and Apple, to name just a few.

These new workers are smart and educated. They know that union employees make an average of 30% more than non-union workers. They also know that those who work under a union contract are far more likely to have job-related health care as well as guaranteed pensions.

At UFCW Local 152, we’re justifiably proud of the benefits we have been able to negotiate for our members in a wide variety of companies and industries.

For example, Local 152 negotiated for many months to ensure members in New Jersey in the meat, seafood, and deli departments covered under the new ShopRite Meat contract would be able to earn sick leave under the New Jersey Earned Sick Leave Act. Our union was successful, and now, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2022, all members in New Jersey covered under the contract will accrue paid sick time at the rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours of paid sick time per year.

We’ve also improved the quality of care received by many of our members covered by our negotiated health benefit plans. As a result, these members pay less out of their own pockets for health care for themselves and their families.

In addition, we’ve expanded vision and dental benefits, as well as legal services provided through the union’s arrangement with the O’Brien, Belland & Bushinsky law firm.

If you have any questions about these or other benefits of your union membership, contact your union representative or call our union office at 888-564-6152.

Get informed so you can make the most of your Union Advantage!

— President Brian String

Read past Messages, or learn more about President Brian String.