Last night, UFCW members attended a Eugene City Council Meeting on Protected Sick Leave. Protected Sick Leave in Eugene would be a huge victory for all workers. No one should have to make the choice between taking care of themselves or a sick child with no pay, or going to work sick to make the rent. Kevin Billman testified on behalf of UFCW members in the meeting that ran till 11:00 at night. If passed, workers in Eugene would have access to up to five paid sick days a year on the first day, instead of having to wait until the third day before receiving any pay.

Thanks to her Union Contract, Aimee Brady is back to work.  She works at the Longview Fred Meyer under the CCK contract.  Aimee was termed last month for a cash handling issue.  She did not know to ask for Union Representation, but now knows it’s an option.

Aimee Brady

“I never knew what the union could do for me!” said Aimee, “They are awesome and helpful in getting me back to work!” Aimee would like to remind every member of Local 555 to always ask for Union representation.

If your manager asks to see you in their office, you have the right to say “If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union representative, officer, or steward be present at this meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions.”  It is worth memorizing.  You cannot be disciplined for asking for representation, and once you ask, your employer MUST give it to you.

Always ask for Union Representation.  Your Union Contract is your shield from unfair discipline and discharge.

Below is the list of UFCW Local 555 Endorsed candidates, approved by the ABC committee and Local Executive Board, for the 2014 Oregon Primary Elections.  All of these candidates share the values of Organized Labor and fair treatment for all.

Federal

JEFF MERKLEY — United States Senator
SUZANNE BONAMICI — United States Congress, 1st Congressional District
EARL BLUMENAUER — United States Congress, 3rd Congressional District
PETER DeFAZIO — United States Congress, 4th Congressional District
KURT SCHRADER — United States Congress, 5th Congressional District

State

JOHN KITZHABER — Governor
BRAD AVAKIAN — Commissioner of Labor
LEE BEYER — Senate District 6
SARA GELSER — Senate District 8
PETER COURTNEY — Senate District 11
CHUCK RILEY  — Senate District 15
ELIZABETH STEINER HAYWARD — Senate District 17
RICHARD DEVLIN — Senate District 19
JAMIE DAMON — Senate District 20
DIANE ROSENBAUM — Senate District 21
MICHAEL DEMBROW — Senate District 23
ROD MONROE — Senate District 24
PETER BUCKLEY — House District 5
PAUL HOLVEY — House District 8
DAVID GOMBERG — House District 10
PHIL BARNHART — House District 11
NANCY NATHONSON — House District 13
VAL HOYLE — House District 14
DAN RAYFIELD — House District 16
RICHARD HARISAY — House District 17
PAUL EVANS — House District 20
BETTY KOMP — House District 22
JIM THOMPSON — House District 23
CHUCK LEE — House District 25
TOBIAS READ — House District 27
JEFF BARKER — House District 28
SUSAN McLAIN — House District 29
JOE GALLEGOS — House District 30
BRAD WITT — House District 31
MITCH GREENLICK — House District 33
KEN HELM — House District 34
JENNIFER WILLIAMSON — House District 36
ANN LININGER — House District 38
BILL KENNEMER — House District 39
DEBORAH BARNES — House District 41
ROB NOSSE — House District 42
LEW FREDERICK — House District 43
TINA KOTEK — House District 44
BARBARA SMITH WARNER — House District 45
ALISSA KENY-GUYER — House District 46
JEFF REARDON — House District 48
SHEMIA FAGAN — House District 51

County

JIM BERNARD — Clackamas County Commissioner Pos. 1
PAUL SAVAS — Clackamas County Commissioner Pos. 2
MARK MEEK — Clackamas County Clerk
HENRY HEIMULLER — Columbia County Commissioner
CATHLEEN CALLAHAN — Columbia County Judge District 19
JOHN HUMMEL — Deschutes County District Attorney
JODIE BARRAM — Deschutes County Commissioner at-Large
THOMAS SPEAR — Deschutes County Circuit Judge
DAWN LESLEY — West Lane County Commissioner
DIANA DICKEY — Marion County Commissioner Pos. 1
DEBORAH KAFOURY — Multnomah County Chair
JULES BAILEY — Multnomah County Commissioner Dist 1
LORETTA SMITH — Multnomah County Commissioner Dist. 2
DAN STATON — Multnomah County Sheriff
DANNY JAFFER — Polk County Commissioner
GREG MALINOWSKI — Washington County Commissioner Dist 2
ELIZABETH FURSE — Washington County Commissioner Dist 4
SAL PERALTA — Yamhill County Commissioner
TIM SVENSON — Yamhill County Sheriff

Local

TOM HUGHES — Metro President
SHIRLEY CRADDICK — Metro Councilor District 1
CARLOTTA COLLETTE — Metro Councilor District 2
KATHRYN HARRINGTON — Metro Councilor District 4
NICK FISH — Portland City Commissioner Pos. 2
DAN SALTZMAN — Portland City Commissioner Pos. 3
CHRISTOPHER PROUDFOOT — Salem City Council Ward 8
PORTLAND WATER DISTRICT INITIATIVE — Encourage NO vote
TUALATIN VALLEY FIRE AND RESCUE LEVY — Encourage YES vote

This Wednesday, Allen Weast is back to work!  After month and a half out of work due to a cash handling issue with western union, Allen won a settlement and was able to return to his job.

Allen was fired for a first offense cash handling issue.  What should have been a write-up ended up being a loss of livelihood.  A grievance was filled and a settlement was reached, Allan would return to work with his time out simply being time served.  He maintained his seniority, and regained his livelihood. His co-workers are thrilled to have him back as well.

Allen Weast

“I just want to express my sincere appreciation to Steve Williamsen and the Local 555 for all their efforts and support during this stressful time for myself and my family,” said Allen on his first day back.

We work in retail. We handle money every day, and sometimes a miscount can happen.  But a single mistake after years of service should not cost you your job.

“I’m happy to see him back at work. I must admit it was one of the most satisfying days I have had as a Union Representative,” added Steve, “If you feel like you are being treated unfairly, or worse, are terminated for any reason, call us, that’s why we are here!”