July - UFCW Local 653
Transcription
July - UFCW Local 653
Local 653 Fact Finder Minneapolis, MN http://ufcw653.org Vol.53, No.7, July 2015 Crow Wing County Fair 2015 -- The Black Pearl -By Matt Utecht, President For the past five years UFCW Local 653 has had a large exhibit at the Crow Wing County Fair. The theme has been “The Black Pearl” from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies and it’s been one of--if not the most--popular exhibits at that Fair. We’ve used the “Black Pearl” theme as a family oriented means of promoting our union grocers in the Brainerd Lakes area. We staff the “Black Pearl” with your Union Representatives, Secretary-Treasurer Paul Crandall, and me. Unfortunately, we will not be able to have the “Black Pearl” exhibit during this year’s Crow Wing County Fair. Our staff of Union Representatives, Secretary-Treasurer Paul Crandall and I (along with others) are occupied every day on the active informational picket lines in Victoria and Glen Lake, educating the public about Tom Wartman, former owner of Fresh Seasons Markets. As you will see in Doug Rigert’s article (below), Tom Wartman closed those two stores on very short notice, stiffing 120 of our UFCW Local 653 members. All told, Mr. Wartman owes more than 1.5 million dollars! Let it be known that UFCW Local 653 has every intention of returning to the Crow Wing County Fair in 2016 to continue to educate the good people of Crow Wing County on the many benefits of supporting their Union grocers: Quisberg’s Cub Foods stores in Baxter and East Brainerd and Pequot Lakes SuperValu, and the Super One stores in Crosby and Baxter. Please continue to shop these stores when you’re in the North Country. Has Anyone Seen Our Union Representatives Lately? By Doug Rigert, Union Representative Many of you may have noticed recently that your Union Representative has not been around to your store as much in the past months. The reason is because of the necessary action taken by UFCW Local 653 President Matt Utecht to support the former employees of Fresh Seasons Markets who were terminated when owner Tom Wartman abruptly closed his Fresh Seasons stores in May 2014 and terminated his employees without paying them for all the work they had performed for him. The Fresh Seasons Market in Victoria reopened on May 4, 2015, and the Fresh Seasons Market in Glen Lake reopened on June 17, 2015. These stores were renamed “Victoria’s Market” and “Glen Lake’s Market,” supposedly under a small group of private investors still affiliated or associated with previous owner Tom Wartman. It’s now been more than a year, and Wartman still refuses to pay his former employees the money they are owed. For that reason, beginning on May 4, 2015, for nine hours a day, seven days a week, rain or shine, your Union Representatives, including Secretary-Treasurer Crandall and President Utecht, have proudly been working to tell this story to the public and get these employees what they are owed. In order to understand why this action was necessary and what this is all about, I need to give you some background information. In May of 2014, Tom Wartman, the sole owner of both Fresh Seasons Market grocery stores, closed his stores with only three days’ notice to the employees and UFCW Local 653, who represented them under union contract. It is important to note that Tom Wartman did not file bankruptcy when he closed the stores and he still owns a home recently valued at over 5 million dollars. Aside from the immediate impact on those employees now out of a Has Anyone Seen...? (continued on page 3) T.E.A.M.: Help Is a Phone Call Away By Secretary-Treasurer Paul Crandall Recently Local 653 union representatives have recommended Total Employee Assistance Management (T.E.A.M.) to members who have shared that they have had difficulties outside of work that have caused severe issues in their personal lives affecting them at home and at the job. This connection has gone on to help the member seek the help they need in areas of alcohol and drug addiction, mental health and financial counseling. Members of Local 653 who are covered by the Minneapolis Meat Cutters Health & Welfare Plan have T.E.A.M. as their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). If you need assistance at home or work and you are not covered by the health plan, contact your employer or union representative to see if there is an EAP for your worksite or to locate services in your area. Please don’t continue to suffer with the issues that can be solved. You don’t have to go it alone--T.E.A.M. is there to help. Frequently Asked Questions What is the cost of using T.E.A.M. services? T.E.A.M. is a benefit provided by your organization and therefore there is no cost to utilize the services T.E.A.M. provides. A small percentage of individuals require more specialized care. In those cases, a T.E.A.M. counselor will make an appropriate referral to resources in your community that takes into account your financial resources and benefit parameters. How does my EAP work? The role of T.E.A.M. is to assist you in identifying, prioritizing and coping with various life stressors that you or your family members may be experiencing, both large and small, and help you become aware of options and resources available to begin working towards a solution. career development, an aging parent needing care, and unpaid debt. Does my problem have to be serious before I contact T.E.A.M.? No, problems are handled more effectively before they become serious. The key is to obtain assistance before the problem escalates and begins to detrimentally affect your home and/or work life. What hours are T.E.A.M. counselors available? T.E.A.M. has experienced and caring counselors, with a minimum of a Master’s degree in a counseling discipline, with whom you can speak confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are there when you need us. How do I access T.E.A.M. services? To access T.E.A.M. services, simply call 651-642-0182 or 800-634-7710 to speak confidentially with a counselor or schedule an in-person appointment. Will my organization or coworkers find out that I used T.E.A.M. services? T.E.A.M. provides the strictest confidentiality possible, as set forth by State and Federal statutes. Neither your organization nor your coworkers will have knowledge of your decision to utilize T.E.A.M. services. Release of information regarding your use of EAP services can only be given with your written consent, except where required by law (e.g., suspected child abuse or posing a threat to self or others). Can I still use T.E.A.M. services if I am no longer a part of my organization? Individuals have up to 30 days from their last day with the organization to obtain T.E.A.M. services. Does T.E.A.M. only offer counseling? Beyond short-term counseling, T.E.A.M. offers a vast array of life-enhancing services to address the challenges and concerns of everyday living such as juggling work and family, health and wellness concerns, childcare searches, education and tuition planning, Employers Attempt To Save On Labor By Scott Larson, Union Representative After being in the grocery business over the years, we have all witnessed the many ways employers attempt to save on labor. One example, which is at the front, is the utilization of vendors. Companies are allowed to use vendors on a limited basis, according to the Minneapolis Retail Grocery Contract, Article 23, page 42: “Employers shall be allowed to utilize suppliers, vendors and salesman to stock products that they represent; stocking of these products will be held at the minimum consistent with a good operation. Further, the Employer shall be allowed to utilize retail merchandisers for the July 2015 - Fact Finder - Page 2 purpose of doing resets. The above-referenced individuals shall be utilized in addition to, not as a replacement of bargaining unit employees. All other products will be stocked by members of Local 653 only, except that the store manager (but no other supervisor) may stock products.” When employers exceed the boundaries of Article 23, it costs our members hours and jobs. If this is occurring in your store, please notify your union representative. By doing so, you are saving jobs and lost hours due our members. Has Anyone Seen...? (continued from page 1) job and with no paycheck, many were further hurt financially in three other significant ways. First, many of those who had earned and were owed vacation pay, banked holidays and personal pay were not paid. Second, employer contributions to the pension fund mandated in the union contract on behalf of these employees were not made by Tom Wartman many months prior to the stores closing. Third, while the stores were still open, many employees started to receive medical bills that indicated they were no longer covered by medical insurance and that they were personally responsible for paying 100% of the bill themselves. The reason they were no longer covered by medical insurance was because Tom Wartman-some months prior to closing the stores--stopped making the contractually required contributions to their health and welfare fund without their knowledge. All told, as Local 653 calculates it, Tom Wartman stiffed his employees by more than a million dollars. It is for these reasons that UFCW Local 653 President Matt Utecht put the full power of the Union into the important and necessary action needed to enlist the public’s help in pressuring Wartman to do right by his employees and pay them what they are owed. As you read this, Local 653 representatives are out distributing handbills, posting banners, and informing your friends and neighbors of the injustice done when Tom Wartman closed his stores and turned his back on the employees who spent their time working to make his stores successful. Local 653’s purpose in all this is to inform and hopefully discourage the public (those with a conscience) from supporting Tom Wartman once they know the truth about what happened. Tom Wartman needs to pay monies owed on behalf of the previous employees who were affected by his actions. The hope is that this will be effective at putting pressure on Tom Wartman sooner rather than later to simply do the right thing, and to avoid any further legal actions taken by UFCW Local 653 on behalf of the employees who were financially harmed by his irresponsible and inconsiderate actions. It is unfortunate that it has come down to this; it is not a fight we started or chose to pick. However, the facts are what they are, the cause is just and there is no place prouder for any of us to take a stand on behalf of the great employees who worked at Fresh Seasons Markets. This is not a union thing as much as a right or wrong thing. The New Lunds & Byerlys By Nancy Vaillancourt, Union Representative The past year has brought a few changes to the Lunds & Byerlys company, including the purchase of three Rainbow Foods stores, construction of the new Edina store, and the new Lunds & Byerlys Kitchen in Wayzata. Lunds bought Byerlys in 1997, but the stores remained under separate names until April of 2015. All 26 stores will now be called Lunds & Byerlys. The first Lunds store was built in 1936 on Lake Street and the first Byerlys store was built in 1968 in Golden Valley. All stores had new signs in place by the end of May. A new “Lunds & Byerlys” sign graces the front of the store in Edina. July 2015 - Fact Finder - Page 3 UFCW Local 653 13000 63rd Avenue North Maple Grove, MN 55369 www.ufcw653.org 763-525-1500 or 1-800-292-4105 Matthew P. Utecht, President Paul Crandall, Secretary-Treasurer JERRY’S FOODS: Jerry’s Sausage Brainerd / Baxter Cub Foods - Baxter Super One - Crosby Super One - Pequot Lakes Supervalu - Byerly’s St. Cloud CUB FOODS: Crystal, St. Louis Park Union Representatives Steve Milner CORPORATE CUB FOODS: Apple Valley, Bloomington, Burnsville HOTC, Burnsville South, Chanhassen, Eagan West, Eagan East, Eagan North, Lakeville North, Lakeville South, Lakeville West, Rosemount, Savage, Shorewood Golden Living (Bloomington and Chateau), Healthcare Services (Bloomington and Chateau) Organizer: Jim Schommer CORPORATE CUB FOODS: Blaine North, Blaine South, Brooklyn Park North, Brooklyn Park South, Coon Rapids South, Champlin, Fridley, Lagoon, Maple Grove, Silver Lake Road, Rockford Road, New Brighton, Vicksburg, Monticello KOWALSKI’S MARKETS: Lyndale, Eagan, Hennepin, Chicago (Parkview), Eden Prairie Homestead at Anoka, Gold Cross, Oaklawn Healthcare A Challenge for All Biggest Loser Participants (and Everyone Else!) By Nancy Vaillancourt, Union Representative We are now only just over a month into our Biggest Loser contest but we are also into our sixth week on the informational picket line at Victoria’s Market. I am also trying to lose weight, and while spending my time on the picket line I have put on some miles. Over three months ago I purchased one of the new bracelets that track steps, calories, etc. I figured by wearing it I would really see how lazy I was. It sat in the box until May 6. (My thanks to Tracy Officer for helping me program my bracelet!) I found that I’ve walked anywhere from four to nine miles each day, with the average being five to six-and-a-half miles, or approximately 12,000 steps, burning about 2,000 calories. I have lost sixteen pounds and feel wonderful! So if you are having trouble getting motivated, come out and join us on the picket line. We can support each other on our weight-loss journeys. We have had a few extremely dedicated members who have consistently been picketing with us. So please come join us! There is strength in numbers. Scott Larson LUNDS: Bloomington, Central, Edina, Hennepin, Lake Street, Minnetonka, Navarre, Plymouth, Prior Lake, Richfield, Wayzata, Lunds & Byerly’s Kitchen, Lunds Manufacturing Villa at Bryn Mawr, New Horizon (Bryn Mawr), Healthcare Services (Bryn Mawr) Doug Rigert JERRY’S CUB FOODS: Bloomington, Brookdale, Chaska, Eden Prairie, Knollwood, Lake Street, Nicollet, Quarry, Richfield, Rogers, Southdale, West Broadway JERRY’S FOODS: Edina, Eden Prairie, Jerry’s Enterprises Innsbruck Healthcare, A’viands Rick Milbrath Ingebretsen’s - Nelson’s Meats - Swanson Meats Cooper’s Foods - Almsted’s Fresh Market - Jubilee Foods - Cub Foods Shakopee - Driskill’s Foods - Oxendale’s Market - Bergan’s SuperValu - Hirshfield’s - Brede KNOWLAN’S FESTIVAL FOODS: Andover, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park KING’S COUNTY MARKET: Andover, St. Francis Nancy Vaillancourt BYERLY’S: Burnsville, Chanhassen, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Ridgedale, St. Louis Park, Plymouth Rainbow BONE MARCHE’: St. Louis Park HAUG’S - Cub Coon Rapids (Williston), Cub Minnetonka (Haug), Cub Waterford JERRY’S CUB: Elk River Everett’s Foods Park Health & Rehab, Healthcare Services @ Park H&R July 2015 - Fact Finder - Page 4 Local 653 Union Representative Nancy Vaillancourt kills two birds with one stone--she’s getting exercise and losing weight while walking the picket line at Victoria’s Market! Executive Board Members Matthew P. Utecht, President Nick Stute, Vice President 6 Paul Crandall, Secretary-Treasurer Paul Merchlewitz, Vice President 7 Colleen Ryan, Recording Secretary Melissa Charles, Vice President 8 David Maas, Vice President 1 Judi Johnson, Vice President 9 Tom Potvin, Vice President 2 Michael Gaulrapp, Vice President 10 Doug Dehmer, Vice President 3 John Pignato, Vice President 11 Theresa Kick, Vice President 4 Michael Sperbeck, Vice President 12 Lorrie Wayman, Vice President 5 Have a Question? Stop Out and See Us! By Jim Schommer, Organizer As many of you probably already know, we have been on an informational picket line daily from 9:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. in front of the former Fresh Seasons Markets in Victoria and Glen Lake. We began picketing in early May in Victoria and more recently in Glen Lake. When I say “we” I’m talking about all your Union Representatives, President Matt Utecht, Secretary-Treasurer Paul Crandall, and Eric from Camp 653. Also included in the “we” are many former Fresh Seasons employees who show up regularly along with many rank and file members and retirees. With that said, we still need more help. This is where the title of my article comes in. I know everyone is very busy with work, home life, kids, and vacations, etc. If you have a question, instead of picking up the phone and calling, why not come out to one of the picket lines and talk with the Union Representatives in person about your issues, concerns or questions? Like I said earlier, we are out on the lines seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. You can stay as long or as short of a time as you want. (On occasion you might even get lunch from one of our employers!) We have had many great volunteers and I want to thank each and every one of them for their help and commitment, but we can always use more support. We have to stay strong in front of these stores and show we mean business. We are not going away until the issues are resolved! So please try to take a little time out of your schedule and stop out and see us. You can follow what’s happening on our Facebook page, which is “UFCW Local 653.” Stop out at one of these locations: Glen Lake’s Market 14400 Excelsior Blvd Minnetonka, MN 55345 Victoria’s Market 7999 Victoria Drive Victoria, MN 55386 Retiree Dale Kittelson brought his ‘56 Chevy to the picket line, joining Chris Erickson (Festival) and Executive Board Member Terri Kick. Former Minnetonka City Council member James Hiller and his wife Joan brought a special treat of brownies to the picket line, which were enjoyed by former Fresh Seasons employee Dan Flynn and others! Former Fresh Seasons employees Ray Kusnier and Kathy Brown Former Local 653 Union Representative Warren Hartman (left) joins Executive Board Member Terri Kick, Steve Peterson (Driskill’s), Union Representative Doug Rigert and Keith Kapitan (Lunds & Byerly’s) on the picket line. July 2015 - Fact Finder - Page 5 is proud to partner with Service Pins Sent Out June 2015 10 Years Casey Baulos (Cub—HOTC Burnsville) Janet Gmach (Cub—HOTC Burnsville) Laura Lorge (Jerry’s Cub—Brookdale) The Hall at Local 653 can hold up to 300 guests for a formal plated dinner service with classic decor, decorative lighting, raised ceilings and a beautiful room design. Partnering with Lunds & Byerlys Catering takes the stress out of entertaining. Their event planners will work with you one-on-one to make your vision a reality. They can help you arrange food, wine and spirits, linens, floral arrangements, entertainment and full-service staffing! Arrange a visit or consultation today! Please contact Jessica B. or Paulette T. at 952-897-9800 20 Years Dawn Herzuck (Cub—Apple Valley) Jerry Bolash (Lunds & Byerlys—Edina) Travis Lorge (Jerry’s Cub—Knollwood) 45 Years Evelyn Ehrreich (A’viands at Innsbruck Health Center) Visit us online at Hall653.org or Catering.lundsandbyerlys.com e r th o f h uc n so m ckets o u o nk y ts, s ti Tha t Twin tic sea ey won! h a gre Fantas er and t id . 6/7 t weath Dav a gre nks. Tha Tha n Min k you s nes The ota o muc h T s e a the ts w wins t for th w i e Eve eathe re am ckets e . n be r a tter was p zing an erfe , th d eT c win t. sw o --Na n. ncy Th a fu nk y ga l tic ou f me k or e Th e s on ts f the an M or ea w a d of th ts w y 4t the onde ft eT h r e T he win re f , 201 win s nig s w abu 5. ht on l . to ous to p --P au e l h for th uc ou so m a Thank y the Minnesot o t s e t ticke ts wer The sea ad a ! s n i w T eh g and w amazin . Thanks! da ime --Mirin great t I recently sent in for a chance to win Twins tickets and I won 2 tickets to the June 7th home game against the Brewers. We had great seats behind the Twins dugout, it was a beautiful day, and we won 2-0. I just wanted to send you a note to say thank you for the tickets and thank you to you and your staff in all the hard work you do day in and day out! --Pat & Cindy Tha n Min k you s nes om ot We u will a Zoo ch for the tick rea the lly e zoo e . njoy ts! a da y at --Ja y July 2015 - Fact Finder - Page 6 Save the Date! Watch for your invitation & mark your calendar to attend the 2015 Health Fair Sunday, September 20, 2015 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. UFCW Local 653 Union Hall 13000 63rd Avenue N, Maple Grove, MN 55369 FREE TO ALL ELIGIBLE UFCW LOCAL 653 MEMBERS & ELIGIBLE DEPENDENTS Protect you and your family: Get vaccinated! Flu shot/mist *advance registration required* Pneumonia shot *advance registration required* TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) *advance registration required* Screenings such as Hearing screenings *advance registration required* Health screenings *advance registration required* Blood pressure check*Cholesterol and blood glucose check*Body mass index And don’t forget Chair massage and much more and great door prizes! Healthy snacks and beverages will be provided throughout the event. More information about the Health Fair and advance registration will be mailed to you prior to the event July 2015 - Fact Finder - Page 7 Safety First By Rick Milbrath, Union Representative First and foremost, the purpose of all safety efforts is to prevent accidents and injuries to human beings. As human beings, we all have the inclination to choose the easy method of doing something, or the fastest way to do it, without regard to safety. We do our jobs from day to day and in the process good habits are formed. But so are unsafe habits that carry through into our daily work. Good habits are one of the best safety devices available. other workers, particularly newcomers. If a veteran employee is involved in an unsafe act on the job, a new worker might observe it and be swayed to adopt the same practice. A person might incorporate unsafe habits into the job and continue them for a long time before a mishap occurs. Other people might not be so fortunate. They could learn quickly how an unsafe act can catch up with them unexpectedly. Gambling with the law of averages is a bad bet. By constantly being on the lookout for hazards, you must consider not just obvious ones, but also hazards that might suddenly appear through some action of another employee or chain of unusual circumstances. Indifference is a human element that can lead to unsafe working conditions. An individual might know the correct and safe procedures for doing his or her particular job and just ignore them. Or there might be persons who don’t know safety procedures and just leave it at that, rather than finding out what they are. Another weak link in the chain of safety is someone who is impulsive or always in a hurry. Haste is a trait that often leads to accidents. We are using our time foolishly if we don’t take time to be safe. Temper issues fall into the same category, as they usually flare up on the job in the form of impatience. Training, or lack of it, is also a safety factor. Management is responsible for training an employee to do the job safely. However, as employees, we have to be responsible enough to ask questions if we don’t understand instructions, or are in doubt about procedures. Also, it’s very basic to safety that any and all hazardous situations be called to the attention of management on duty. Being daring is another obvious human element that can lead to a job accident. Working without guards and taking shortcuts are examples of daredevil tactics. Horseplay around power equipment is in the same category. Setting a poor example can lead to trouble. The actions of all of us have an influence on the safety-mindedness of July 2015 - Fact Finder - Page 8 Finally, if you or someone you know gets hurt at work, make sure you report the incident to management immediately. That report could save you from a big mess down the road. It’s Golf Tournament Sign-up Time! By Steve Milner, Union Representative Our 6th Annual John Lego Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2015. It again will be held at Brookview Golf Course in Golden Valley. It will be a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. Check-in will start at 7:00 a.m. As always, it will be played as a four-person scramble. There will be longest putt and closest to the pin events. This event is open to active members and retirees. We will provide water and pop on the course and lunch will be served at the conclusion of play. The award ceremony and prizes will top off a great day of golf. The cost again this year is $180.00 for a foursome, which is only $45.00 per person, which includes a golf cart. Questions: Call Steve Milner at 763-525-1500. 6th Annual John Lego Memorial 4-Person Scramble Golf Tournament 1. (Team Captain) Work Location Telephone Work Location Telephone Work Location Telephone Work Location Telephone 2. 3. 4. Make checks payable to: UFCW Local 653 Mail payment and entry form to: UFCW Local 653 Attn: Golf Tournament 13000 63rd Ave N Maple Grove, MN 55369 July 2015 - Fact Finder - Page 9 Cyndie Schardin Hirshfield’s - Accounting Nickie Jungenberg Hirshfield’s - Apple Valley Vanessa Mueller Hirshfield’s - Customer Service July 2015 - Fact Finder - Page 10 Krissy Holden Hirshfield’s - Apple Valley Warren Thompson Hirshfield’s - Credit Dept David Becker Hirshfield’s - Edina Sam Wibbens Hirshfield’s - Chaska Angela Motz Hirshfield’s - Customer Service Deb Camp Hirshfield’s - Edina L O C A L 6 5 3 AT W O R K ! Tom Schoening Hirshfield’s - Edina Dave Grostephan Hirshfield’s - Hopkins Cindy Dahmen Hirshfield’s - Maple Grove Don Bjerke Hirshfield’s - Edina Dennis Homan Hirshfield’s - Hopkins Mark Ptaszynski Hirshfield’s - Maple Grove Diane Casanova Hirshfield’s - Eden Prairie Jeff Toftum Hirshfield’s - Lakeville Mike Dahlager Hirshfield’s - Maple Grove July 2015 - Fact Finder - Page 11 UFCW Local 653 Members: Retiree’s Club Meeting Notice Knights of Columbus Marian Hall Thursday, July 16, 2015 10:00 a.m Cards 12:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. Speaker 1114 American Blvd. W. Bloomington, MN 55420 For more information: Thea Gullekson: 952-831-3143 Char Hanson: 612-869-9035 or Marlen Wahl: 952-888-3220 United Food & Commercial Workers Union, Local 653 13000 63rd Avenue N. Maple Grove, MN 55369 763-525-1500 or 1-800-292-4105 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 2899 Twin Cities, MN Change Service Requested For an opportunity to win tickets to the 2015 Minnesota State Fair, mail this entry form to: UFCW Local 653 Attn: Tickets 13000 63rd Ave N Maple Grove, MN 55369 (Deadline for entry: August 10, 2015) I would like (circle one): Name: Address: Employer: July 2015 - Fact Finder - Page 12 2 tickets 4 tickets