The primary purpose of the UFCW Women’s Network is to unify UFCW women through an international network. Women, who comprise more than 50 percent of the UFCW ‘s members, represent a powerful resource for the union. The Network believes that active participation of women members in the UFCW enhances our union’s strength at the bargaining table, in organizing campaigns, and in the political arena.
The Network assesses women’s common problems and concerns, and develops action programs to address them within the framework of our local unions, the International Union and regional structures, and the labor movement as a whole.
The Network, in cooperation with the International Union and the Working Women’s Department, seeks to motivate and educate UFCW women to increase women’s participation in UFCW activities and programs. The Network encourages the hiring and promotion of qualified women to leadership and policy-making positions at all levels within the UFCW local unions, the International Union, and the labor movement.
The Network supports the formation of women’s committees and caucuses at the local union and regional levels, wherever possible.
The Network recognizes that organizing the unorganized is top priority for the UFCW. In cooperation with the International Union and its Working Women’s and Organizing Departments, the Network assists where appropriate in organizing programs.
Membership in the Network is open to all who share its goals.
Domestic Violence
Domestic assault is the most common violent crime in the U.S. – And the most underreported. It is a chronic problem that touches every member of the family in which it occurs.
Did you know that:
- Women are six times more likely than men to be targets of domestic violence.
- Between two and four million women are abused each year. Four thousand of them die.
- Domestic violence includes verbal, emotional and sexual abuse.
- Abuse occurs in every economic class, race, and ethnic group.
A victim of domestic abuse lives in constant fear. They lose self-esteem and feel powerless to control their life.
There is a direct link between home and workplace violence. Victims in the home bring their low self-esteem to the workplace and become targets for abusive supervisors and co-workers. Abuse against spouses and partners frequently is carried out in the workplace, either by phone or in person. In fact, domestic violence costs employers between 3 billion and 5 billion dollars annually just from absenteeism. Obviously, it can also cost workers their jobs.
If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is, please contact Local 1500 immediately at 1-800-522-0456, extension 1303. You will be directed to an Organization that can get you the assistance you need.
Do not delay. Break the cycle of violence. Do not deny yourself the help that is available and standing by to assist you. You are not alone!
The UFCW believes no one should have to suffer emotionally or physically because of abuse in the home or workplace. We at Local 1500 are actively working to strengthen and enforce laws addressing these issues and to develop and broaden educational programs.
But if you are a victim of Domestic Violence please call one of the following hotlines or coalitions for help, and if you are a victim of or have witnessed violence on the job please call us at the union office at 1-800-522-0456 ext. 1303.
Important Links for Domestic Violence Information
http://www.opdv.ny.gov/
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/dc/east-harlem-resource-guide.pdf
https://www.safehorizon.org
State Hotlines
New York
in NY: 1-800-942-6906 (in English)
in NYC: 1-800-942-HOPE [4673]
New Jersey
1-800-572-7233
Connecticut
1-203-853-0418
NATIONAL Hotlines
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
(800) 537-2238
National Coalition against Domestic Violence
(303) 839-1852
National Organization of Women
(202) 628-8669
Breast Cancer Awareness
A majority of UFCW Local 1500’s membership is women. That is why Local 1500 feels it is so important to be involved in raising awareness about breast cancer. Local 1500 participates in a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk- A -Thon every October. We will also use this section to update you on information about breast cancer, where you can get additional information and how to help us raise money for research.
We hope this section proves to be educational and encourages you to be proactive in the fight against this terrible disease.
Thanks to everyone who came to Jones Beach for the 2012 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk! Hope to see you in October 2012!
Did You Know?
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Over the course of a woman’s life, she has a 1 in 8 chance of getting the disease. It is also possible for men to develop breast cancer, although this is rare.
In breast cancer, cells in the tissue of the breast grow without stopping. These out-of-control cells form masses (lumps) called tumors. Malignant (cancerous) tumor cells may then spread to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer may be limited to the area where it first developed, especially in the earliest stages. At that time it is easiest to cure. In later stages of breast cancer, breast cancer may invade surrounding tissues or spread to more distant parts of the body. Regular screening followed by prompt diagnosis and treatment are needed to prevent breast cancer from spreading (or spreading further) and to eliminate the cancer.
Other names for cancer of the breast are mammary cancer, breast carcinoma (carcinoma of the breast), and adenocarcinoma of the breast. The breasts are glands that release female hormones important for reproduction. They normally contain many glandular cells.
The exact causes of breast cancer are not known. Risk factors associated with developing breast cancer include family history (having a close relative, such as a mother or sister with breast cancer) and heredity (having certain genes associated with breast cancer). Other risk factors include smoking, physical inactivity, a high-fat diet, obesity, and long-term use of estrogens, and progesterone (hormone replacement therapy) after menopause.
JOIN THE WOMEN’S NETWORK
Unite with working women, Join the Women’s Network! Find out more information here: https://ufcwwomensnetwork.org/
Those interested in joining, please fill out the form here.
Today, because approximately fifty percent of the UFCW membership is comprised of women, Local 1500 is currently in the process of establishing a Women’s Network Committee in order to address issues and concerns that affect women and their families.
The committee will travel throughout the Five Boroughs, Long Island, and Upstate New York addressing Local 1500 members and their families on such issues as financial planning, child care, domestic and workplace violence, sexual harassment, breast cancer, health and safety, stress, elder care, drugs, alcoholism and other issues that may be prevalent.
The committee will seek to motivate, educate, train and encourage women to participate in Local, Regional and International activities and programs.
Organizing and political action are top priorities of the UFCW. Local 1500’s Women’s Network will therefore work very closely with the Local 1500 Organizing Department and the International Union by organizing non-union establishments, particularly the “big box” stores, to help protect your job and your family. The Women’s Network will also encourage Local 1500 members to push for legislation and back political candidates who support labor and family related issues.
Those interested in joining, please download the Membership Application and send it to Local 1428.