History

 

UFCW Local 1500 was chartered by the Retail Clerks Union in 1937.  In 1979, when the Retail Clerks merged with the Amalgamated Meat-cutter's and Butcher Workmen to make the UFCW, we became the UFCW Local 1500. At the time of that merger the UFCW International Union became one of the largest Unions in the AFL-CIO with over 1.2 million members at the time.

With nearly 23,000 members, Local 1500 is one of the largest locals in the UFCW and the largest of New York State. Our union represents working men and women in Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties.

Our members work for companies that have a long history in NY as well.  Companies such as King Kullen, D'Agostinos, Pathmark, Stop & Shop (Edward's), Gristede's, and Shop Rite have been serving New Yorkers for many years.

Local 1500 has developed a well deserved reputation of delivering outstanding contracts, passionately servicing its members and organizing the unorganized. It is thanks to the efforts of the many former officers and staff representatives over the past 60 years that Local 1500 is the outstanding Union it is today.

As of October 2004, Local 1500 is lead by President Bruce W. Both, Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Speelman, Recorder/Trustee Rhonda Nelson and Executive Vice President Fred Walter. Through their leadership, UFCW Local 1500 is prepared to show New Yorkers that now more than ever, Local 1500 is New York's premier Union.

In January 2007, President Both was appointed an International Vice President of the UFCW international Union.  President Bruce W. Both has also been appointed to the New York State Food Policy Council.  President Both will be serving New Yorkers by working to get better quality foods in low income areas throughout the five boroughs. Click here to find out more about the council.