Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are contract negotiations?
A. This is the process where the Employer and the Employees (Union members) propose changes they want in their next contract.
Q. How does the Union know what to propose or seek?
A. The Union started preparing for these negotiations, right after the contract was ratified, but we recently surveyed the members to know what is important and how important it is. We also know what is going on in the industry across the country as the UFCW represents more than one million grocery store workers.
Q. What if my Company does not want to negotiate?
A. While it is true, your Company would rather not have to negotiate with the workers, federal law requires that they make a good faith effort to negotiate and work towards reaching a new agreement.
Q. Why would my Company want to reach a new agreement?
A. Your Company wants to sell products and they want hard working happy employees serving their customers. They also care about their image as customers make a choice where they shop. A peaceful settlement assures your Company of labor peace and the prosperity that brings.
Q. How does the process work and how long does it take?
A. Your Union along with a select committee of workers (Union Negotiating Committee), meet with Corporate Attorneys and executives (Company Negotiating Committee) over a series of meetings. Both sides present the other side with the changes they want to make, usually these proposed changes are provided in writing, but sometimes they are vocalized before being put into writing. Both sides will listen and respond with a counter proposal a number of times. The Company is assured of labor peace until the current contract expires. Sometimes the process goes faster than other times, but according to Federal law the bargaining process is not defined by time, but rather by information provided, steps, and processes taking place during bargaining. If either side violates federal labor laws the process can go another direction.
Q. Is my store management a good source for information during negotiations?
A. No, your store director and his assistants are your Company's first line of offense and defense. Also, most importantly, Store Management does not attend negotiations in person, but their position requires them to carry out Company directives, which will most likely not be the workers goals. We know from past negotiations that store management monitors and reports the workers pulse and comments back to District Management and those making decisions at the bargaining table. Your Company can push or back off on specific proposals after hearing how the workers are responding. This is why if you don’t have something helpful to say about the workers and their goals, don’t say anything, because you are hurting everyone including yourself. Make sure when asked by your manager that you let your manager know you demand and expect BETTER!
Q. What is the best source to get information about Negotiations?
A. We have set up a web site just for keeping Union workers informed and up to date regarding negotiations at www.2025negotiations.com. Please make sure to sign up for text message updates. One of the best sources of information is your Union Rep that comes into your store to visit with you, because they are at the negotiating table each bargaining session. You should also talk with a co-worker who is participating on the negotiating committee for actual first-hand knowledge. Huddles, store management and other hand selected favorites are not the best place to get unbiased information as they are carrying out orders, directives and personal favors. They relay your comments too.
Q. Why does the Union propose improvements and $$ and Company propose ¢¢ and reductions?
A. While both sides appreciate sales and customers we differ on how profits are distributed. The Union wants the employees who make those profits to see more, and the Company wants their CEO, executives, and shareholders to see more profits and more bonuses.
Q. How does a strike work and will we strike?
A. A strike is a work stoppage that can take place over illegal unfair labor practice or purely for economic reasons because one side demands certain improvements or demands cuts. The Union members are the ones that vote to accept, reject, or vote to strike. A strike vote requires a two-thirds vote of the membership. Our goal is not to strike but rather to reach a beneficial and productive contract that rewards you with the pay and benefits you earn and deserve. The best way to avoid a strike is by not being afraid to strike if necessary. The Company will be monitoring the employee’s feelings and thoughts. They will try to take things away if you let them.
A. This is the process where the Employer and the Employees (Union members) propose changes they want in their next contract.
Q. How does the Union know what to propose or seek?
A. The Union started preparing for these negotiations, right after the contract was ratified, but we recently surveyed the members to know what is important and how important it is. We also know what is going on in the industry across the country as the UFCW represents more than one million grocery store workers.
Q. What if my Company does not want to negotiate?
A. While it is true, your Company would rather not have to negotiate with the workers, federal law requires that they make a good faith effort to negotiate and work towards reaching a new agreement.
Q. Why would my Company want to reach a new agreement?
A. Your Company wants to sell products and they want hard working happy employees serving their customers. They also care about their image as customers make a choice where they shop. A peaceful settlement assures your Company of labor peace and the prosperity that brings.
Q. How does the process work and how long does it take?
A. Your Union along with a select committee of workers (Union Negotiating Committee), meet with Corporate Attorneys and executives (Company Negotiating Committee) over a series of meetings. Both sides present the other side with the changes they want to make, usually these proposed changes are provided in writing, but sometimes they are vocalized before being put into writing. Both sides will listen and respond with a counter proposal a number of times. The Company is assured of labor peace until the current contract expires. Sometimes the process goes faster than other times, but according to Federal law the bargaining process is not defined by time, but rather by information provided, steps, and processes taking place during bargaining. If either side violates federal labor laws the process can go another direction.
Q. Is my store management a good source for information during negotiations?
A. No, your store director and his assistants are your Company's first line of offense and defense. Also, most importantly, Store Management does not attend negotiations in person, but their position requires them to carry out Company directives, which will most likely not be the workers goals. We know from past negotiations that store management monitors and reports the workers pulse and comments back to District Management and those making decisions at the bargaining table. Your Company can push or back off on specific proposals after hearing how the workers are responding. This is why if you don’t have something helpful to say about the workers and their goals, don’t say anything, because you are hurting everyone including yourself. Make sure when asked by your manager that you let your manager know you demand and expect BETTER!
Q. What is the best source to get information about Negotiations?
A. We have set up a web site just for keeping Union workers informed and up to date regarding negotiations at www.2025negotiations.com. Please make sure to sign up for text message updates. One of the best sources of information is your Union Rep that comes into your store to visit with you, because they are at the negotiating table each bargaining session. You should also talk with a co-worker who is participating on the negotiating committee for actual first-hand knowledge. Huddles, store management and other hand selected favorites are not the best place to get unbiased information as they are carrying out orders, directives and personal favors. They relay your comments too.
Q. Why does the Union propose improvements and $$ and Company propose ¢¢ and reductions?
A. While both sides appreciate sales and customers we differ on how profits are distributed. The Union wants the employees who make those profits to see more, and the Company wants their CEO, executives, and shareholders to see more profits and more bonuses.
Q. How does a strike work and will we strike?
A. A strike is a work stoppage that can take place over illegal unfair labor practice or purely for economic reasons because one side demands certain improvements or demands cuts. The Union members are the ones that vote to accept, reject, or vote to strike. A strike vote requires a two-thirds vote of the membership. Our goal is not to strike but rather to reach a beneficial and productive contract that rewards you with the pay and benefits you earn and deserve. The best way to avoid a strike is by not being afraid to strike if necessary. The Company will be monitoring the employee’s feelings and thoughts. They will try to take things away if you let them.