Secretary Treasurer's Report
ANTHONY SPEELMAN
June 2010
It has been said that all battles are won before they are ever fought. How could that be? The answer is thorough preparation. If you are prepared correctly before you go into battle, then your chances of winning are excellent.
That is very important to remember as we begin our final few weeks before the Collective bargaining Agreements with A&P/Pathmark, Stop and Shop, King Kullen and Gristedes expire at the end of June. These negotiations are tough. As you read this, we have now had several negotiation sessions with these employers and little progress has been made. We must begin to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
A strike against these employers will be an absolute last resort. However, the best way to avoid a strike is to prepare for a strike. Remember: Without the threat of a strike, negotiations would be very much like sending the Union to a gunfight with a knife. The person with the knife never wins that fight!!!!
How can you help us prepare for this battle and ensure a Union victory?
— Attend all meetings and bring people with you.
— Wear your buttons, hats etc.
— Be seen talking to co-workers about the contract.
— Check the website and post updates in your store.
— Know who your Shop Steward is and check in with them often
If we are on strike, It is very important that you show Solidarity with your Union brothers and sisters. How can you accomplish this? Your Union will ask you to participate in many ways. Here are just few ways you may be asked to get involved.
— Attend rallies, press conferences etc.
— Speak to friends and neighbors and let them know what is happening
— Appear on handbills or posters if asked by Union
— Meet with elected leaders if asked by the Union
— Meet with religious leaders if asked by Union.
— If we ask you and train you, be willing to speak to the media.
— Send letters to the editor
— If customers approach you let them know your Union just wants a fair deal.
— Meet with other members of the community if asked by the Union
Before a strike can occur, The Union will come to the members of these companies and ask for strike authorization. There are few rules of thumb about strike authorization you should know:
— If we ask for it, it is because we need it!!
— Understand strike authorization does not mean we will strike. It means we are authorized to call a strike if it becomes necessary.
— If you work for one of the four companies, explain to your fellow workers why we would need strike authorization.
— Also, if you work for one of the four companies, let it be know, that you are willing to do whatever is necessary to get a fair deal!
To conclude, there is an equation for success in these contracts:
- Planning and Preparation
- Visible leadership by the Shop Stewards
- Solidarity from all UFCW Local 1500 brothers and sisters.
- Strike authorization if necessary
Together, we will win a new contract that we can all be proud to support and ensure all Union contracts that expire in the future have the same excellent conclusion.
