Jacques Loveall
President, UFCW 8-Golden State
UFCW International Vice President
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting not only on the challenges we’ve faced this past year, but on the extraordinary strength and unity which carried us through.
In a world marked by turmoil, political division, economic uncertainty and rapid technological change, UFCW 8-Golden State members stood together with unwavering solidarity. And because of this, we achieved real, lasting gains.
This year, our Union didn’t just weather the storm, we advanced. Through collective action, UFCW 8-Golden State secured meaningful wage increases recognizing the true value of our labor. We strengthened protections for retirement security, ensuring our members can look to the future with confidence. And we negotiated contract language which safeguards workers in an era of automation and digital transformation, because progress should never come at the expense of dignity.
Hard-fought victories
These victories weren’t handed to us. They were earned through the grit, resolve and unity of our membership. Every voice raised, every show of support mattered.
We especially want to recognize the solidarity of our food processing, beef, poultry, winery, banking and health care members during their A movement rooted in fairness, fueled by compassion, and driven by the belief working people deserve respect, security and opportunity.
As we celebrate these hard-won achievements, let us also remember the deeper values guiding us as Union members and as human beings.
Solidarity binds us
In this season of reflection, may we respond to our families, our friends and even our perceived foes with kindness and grace. May we choose empathy over anger, understanding over judgment and unity over division.
Every day we clock in, every moment we spend with loved ones, every conversation we have, it all matters. Because unlike the groceries we sell, we don’t know our own expiration dates. Life is precious and our time is not infinite. So let’s make every day count. Let’s live with purpose, work with pride and lead with heart.
As we gather with loved ones this season, let’s take pride in what we’ve built. Let’s be thankful for the solidarity binding us together, the progress we’ve made, and the promise of what’s ahead. Let’s carry forward the spirit of UFCW 8-Golden State in our contracts and in our communities.
Our strength lies in each other, and together we will continue to prove as we always do…
