You may have noticed President Jacques Loveall concludes almost everything he writes with “Solidarity Works!” I do it, too. “Solidarity Works!” is our Union’s motto for good reason. Simply put, it’s the truth.
Through solidarity, we have been able to achieve wonders throughout the 89 years since our founding in 1937. The members of UFCW 8-Golden State enjoy some of the best wages, health benefits and retirement plans in the industries we serve, from supermarkets to meat and poultry processing plants, from hospitals to cannabis dispensaries, from drug stores to wineries and distilleries.
Our members also enjoy strong workplace protections, including guaranteed working hours, rational scheduling practices, extra protections against discrimination and harassment, and a grievance procedure to protect against unfair discipline and termination.
Additionally, Union members are protected by health and safety rules which surpass those required by law in California. They even qualify for discounts on a wide range of goods and services, such as discounted Disneyland tickets, movie tickets, and much more.
None of these things (and more!) would be possible if the members of UFCW 8-Golden State didn’t stand together as one in purpose and deed. When our Union’s experienced negotiators sit with the employers to hammer out a new contract, they know they are backed fully by the members they represent. The employers know it, too, which makes them less likely to make unreasonable demands at the bargaining table. And in the rare event of a labor dispute, the members will support their Union in every way they can.
Union solidarity doesn’t just apply to members in one industry supporting each other. It means showing up for rallies and respecting picket lines whenever they’re called upon to support their Union sisters and brothers, no matter where they work.
This is how we have won good contracts in the past, and this is how we will win even better contracts in the future.
So, if a manager asks what you think about UFCW 8, respond with pride: “I support my Union 100 percent!” And always keep in mind the power of Union solidarity.
