Challenges for the new year

In last month’s column, I reviewed in general terms the events of 2011 and the broader issues that will affect our lives in the new year. Now that 2012 has arrived, it’s time to address the specific challenges that we need to confront and overcome in the near term.

Food 4 Less agreement

As we go to press, I am proud to report that we have reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement with Food 4 Less.

Representatives of Food 4 Less and seven UFCW local unions in Southern California signed a tentative agreement on Dec. 30, setting the stage for a ratification vote by the chain’s union workers on Jan. 10.

Food 4 Less workers will learn the details about the proposed agreement before they vote on making it a binding contract with the employer.

We applaud the members of Local 135’s negotiating team who, along with their colleagues from other UFCW unions in Southern California, entered negotiations with Food 4 Less immediately after concluding an exhausting round of bargaining with Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons.

Most of all, we thank our members, who stood strong with their union by rejecting the employer’s initial offer and attending a successful rally in front of a local store.

Master food negotiations Northern and Central Calif.

As we reflect on our recent accomplishments in Southern California, our thoughts turn to the rest of the state, where our UFCW sisters and brothers are deeply involved in difficult contract talks with three major grocery companies.

Three UFCW unions in Northern and Central California are confronting major takeaway demands from representatives of the Raley’s, Safeway and Save Mart stores, along with their subsidiary chains.

It is extremely important to support these unions in every way we can.

They stood with us during our strike and lockouts in 2003-04, sending volunteers and providing logistical support. They also backed us in our recent master food negotiations. Now it’s our turn to support them!

Contact your union rep and ask how you can show your solidarity with our UFCW sisters and brothers in Northern and Central California.

Scholarships and Trust Fund changes

With January comes the beginning of our new master food contract benefits plan. By now, all of our members who are in the plan should have submitted paperwork for Open Enrollment, even if their plan selections remain the same.

Keep an eye on your mailbox for your Health Risk Questionnaire and further information about new health programs that will go into effect in the spring.

Also, if you or your dependents are interested and eligible, we encourage you to apply for the scholarships described on page 14. The future of our country and our Labor Movement rests with well-educated people who will become the labor-friendly professionals and leaders of tomorrow.

Cesar Chavez march

On March 31, we will join our fellow trade unionists as we march in memory of Cesar Chavez, the great California labor leader who organized and led the United Farm Workers union.

This annual march in San Diego celebrates the strength and pride of Latino union workers and shows the world that San Diego was, is and shall continue to be a union town.

Rite Aid negotiations

In April and May, we will return to the bargaining table for UFCW Local 135’s members who are employed by Rite Aid.

While they are relatively few in number, these members are the die-hards of our union. Over the years, they have won a strong union contract with a company that habitually tries to chip away at their rights and benefits with every single contract negotiation.

In Cleveland, Ohio, Rite Aid members recently concluded one of the longest strikes in the company’s history — eight months — to secure their health care benefits. These benefits were fought for and won over many decades by union members. Fortunately, they were able to preserve their benefits.

Your volunteer hours make a critical difference in all of our negotiations in Southern California. Please keep an ear out for volunteer opportunities.

2012 presidential election

I saved the best for last.

This is a big election year. That means so much more to union members than whether President Obama will stay in the White House, although that is important for Labor in itself. Important initiatives will be on the ballot, as well as opportunities for labor-friendly regime changes in local, state and national legislatures.

Here again, your volunteer hours will be needed — making calls in phone banks, walking precincts and knocking on doors. Your feet and hands will be needed for informational pickets and we want to hear your voices in the roar of pro-union crowds.

We need to remind the world that we are the strength of the middle class, the voice of reason and the beacon of hope for a financially frustrated America.

In our unity, we have the strength to change nations.