On behalf of myself and the officers of UFCW Local 1500, I would like to thank the over 4,800 members who signed petitions in support of this great team.  Thanks to you the officers of Local 1500 were reelected by acclamation.

As you know, A&P/Pathmark filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 last December. On Monday, November 28^th, the 35,000 members of Pathmark, A&P, Food Basics, the Food Emporium and Waldbaum's voted to make concessions to their respective collective bargaining agreements. The 13 UFCW/RWDSU Local Unions overwhelmingly ratified the new A&P agreements.

We know the past year was an extremely difficult time for UFCW Local members employed  by Pathmark.  All of us, at the Union, are very grateful for the support and patience shown by the Pathmark workers.  While we all recognize the changes to the Pathmark contract are substantial, we are pleased that we were able to conclude this process with our Health Insurance and Pension programs unchanged. Additionally, several provisions of the new agreement will expire during the life of the contract, which expires December 3, 2016, and will not have to be negotiated back in 2016.

The key to our future is solidarity and unity. Without that, I have no doubt that thousands of Pathmark workers today would be seeking new jobs during a horrible economy rather than going to their stores knowing their working conditions far exceeds those of non-union companies like Walmart, BJ's and Target. By remaining unified we can work to undo the difficult, but necessary, changes to this contract when we negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement in 2016.

We are at the crossroads in this country - the American Dream is in jeopardy. Just yesterday, American Airlines filed for bankruptcy. Each day the news is bleak and the lawmakers in Washington seem to offer no solution.

During these difficult times, it is important to focus on our core values. The mission statement of Local 1500 is as follows:

Ø  To enforce the Collective Bargaining Agreement that covers over 22,000 members.

Ø  To effectively service the needs of our members;

Ø  To provide members the best quality of life by negotiating strong union contracts;

Ø  To increase the market share of unionized employers through aggressive organizing.

Ø  To promote Legislation that supports working families and strengthens our Union;

Ø  To effectively communicate with our members and mobilize them in support of the Union's goals;

Ø  To help maintain a safe work environment.

This past October, at our Annual Shop Stewards Seminar, we discussed the many

challenges that we face both individually and collectively. Each of us must get involved to help shape our future.

During the holiday season, please remember our servicemen and service women who are stationed overseas and those less fortunate than we are.

 On behalf of myself, and the entire staff of Local 1500, I wish you and all your families a happy and healthy holiday season.