Innovation in the Golden State Tradition Members of UFCW 588-Northern California and UFCW 1288-Central California voted by 85 percent to join forces, creating UFCW 8-Golden State. The 30,000-strong Union is the UFCW’s largest affiliate in the Western United States. UFCW 8 President Jacques Loveall recently was asked about the historical significance of the merger and its enthusiastic ratification by the members.

Q:  What does the merger mean for the future of all working Californians? A:   May 1, the day the merger became official, opened a new era for the Labor Movement on the West Coast. In fact, the creation of UFCW 8 has national implications, because it demonstrates the determination of working people to band together in ever-increasing numbers to enhance their clout at the bargaining table. Q:   UFCW 8 certainly is big - it covers 40 of the 58 counties in the most populous state in the country. What does the Union bring to the table besides size? A:   For more than 150 years, California has had a tradition of innovation. Other states look to us to set the pace in technology, marketing and social trends. In recent years we have become the pace-setter in the Labor Movement as well. At UFCW 8, we have an experienced leadership team and staff that values innovation. In our negotiating strategies, our organizing campaigns, our political and legislative outreach, our market-share protection efforts and our everyday service to our members, we cherish the new as well as the tried-and-true. Q:   How will innovative ideas help improve the lives of the members? A:   Sometimes we’ll work in cooperation with employers and sometimes we’ll be at odds, but we always look for new ideas to bring opportunities for success to people who are willing to work hard. Q:   What are your goals in the coming year? A:   Our highest priority is the coming round of contract negotiations. We also are focusing on the California elections in November, as well as a busy pro-worker, pro-family legislative agenda. And, of course, we will continue to build worker strength by bringing new workers and new industries into the Union fold.

Jacques Loveall President International Vice President