A New Benefit for Fund Members

January 20, 2012 - A new smoking cessation benefit will be available to members participating in the Michigan UFCW Unions & Employers Health and Welfare Fund beginning April 1, 2012. The new benefit offers participants a $500 lifetime maximum to cover up to two treatments of prescription smoking cessation medications, such as Chantix or Zyban and their generic forms.

"We are pleased to be able to offer a new benefit to members interested in quitting smoking," Roger Robinson, UFCW 876's president who also serves as a fund trustee, said. "The membership expressed a strong desire for their benefits to cover some of the cost of Chantix and similar prescriptions. I took their request to my fellow trustees and with their support was able to secure a meaningful benefit for members who decide to quit smoking."

The new prescription benefit is available to members and their covered dependents working at Beaver's, Cygnet Financial, Hiller's, Hollywood, Kroger, Oleson's, Plumb's, Riverside Market, Smith Meat Packing, Southfield Alternative Care Clinic and Turri's who have elected health insurance through their union contract.

To compliment the medication, the new benefit also provides Chantix users with access to the GETQUIT plan, a program that provides support and assistance while attempting to quit smoking. Additionally, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's "Quit the Nic" support coaches are available toll-free to assist individuals attempting to discontinue their use of nicotine.

"As a trustee on the Health and Welfare Fund, I believe one of my duties is to constantly look for ways to improve the benefits available to members," Robinson said. "My goal is to make sure the fund is providing the most comprehensive and affordable benefits as possible. I think we have a great plan, and with the addition of the smoking cessation benefit, it just got better."

Eligible members will receive additional information on this new benefit from the fund office. Questions should be directed to the fund office at 1.800.322.8190.

Dairy Farmers of America Elect UFCW 876 Representation

February 9, 2012 - On February 3, workers at Dairy Farmers of America, a milk processing plant in Adrian, voted for representation with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union in an effort to gain job security and a voice on the job. The February 3 vote ends the workers’ two-month union organizing campaign during which they stood in solidarity.

Workers became interested in forming a union when management increasingly began to use intimidation tactics to increase productivity. Workers cited wanting respect, equality and accountability as reasons to vote for union representation.

“The workers at DFA are a close community, and watching management mistreat coworkers provided the incentive needed for workers to find their voices,” Krista Sturgis, UFCW 876 organizing director, said.

Due tothis strong, community dynamic, DFA workers quickly recognized the need to organize. And, within days, formed an organizing committee that immediately earned the respect and favor of the plant. Fueled by the desire for respect, the workers kept their fight strong in the face of management, and as tension in the plant rose, so did the workers desire to secure a voice.

“This may not be easy,” the VPH Organizing Committee said in a weekly newsletter, “But we are determined to push on, keep the communications open and be available to you at any time.” 

The nearly two-month organizing campaign ended February 3, when workers voted for UFCW 876 representation,  earning DFA workers job security and a voice on the job.

"I am really proud of my coworkers today," Noah Hefner,a DFA said after the vote. "I cannot imagine achieving this with any other group! We are ready to make real progress by bargaining a fair contract with management."  

Pharmaceutical Facility Workers Vote Union Yes!

January 5, 2012 - Yesterday, workers at VPH Pharmacy, a non-retail, pharmaceutical packaging facility near Swartz Creek, voted for representation with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union in an effort to gain job security and a voice on the job. The vote ends the workers’ nearly three-month union organizing campaign during which workers clearly demonstrated they stood unmoved and united in their fight.

“The workers at VPH function very much like a family, and when new management came in disrupting what was once a fluid environment, they became empowered to protect not only themselves, but each other,” Krista Sturgis, UFCW 876 Organizing Director, said.

Unjust terminations, unpredictable work schedules and an overall unstable work environment forced workers to seek a way to gain back the protections and benefits they once had.

“The fear of being fired became a reality for everyone. It wasn’t unusual for workers to see want ads for their jobs posted online,” Sturgis said. “The work environment became chaotic.  Workers increasingly experienced unjust conditions including working up to several weeks without a day off.”

To learn more about UFCW Michigan's organizing efforts visit www.organizemi.org.

Agreement Reached for Harvard Drug Group

December 27, 2012 - Members working at Harvard Drug in Livonia voted to ratify a new, three-year agreement on December 22, that included both wage and benefit increases.

Medstar Wage Reopener Ratified

December 20, 2012 - A scheduled wage re-opener was ratified December 14 for the 54 members working in the Clinton Township location. The re-opener, part of the three year contract, resulted in the wage increases.

Twin City Foods Reach Tentative Agreement

December 21, 2012 - Members at Twin City Foods in Lake Odessa will be holding a contract ratification vote on Wednesday, January 4. The four-year tentative agreement includes both wage and benefit security gains and is being endorsed by the bargaining committee. The current contract expires January 31, 2012.

Supporting Our Brothers & Sisters

December 2, 2012 - UFCW 876 meat department members who work at various Kroger locations where UFCW 951 members work in the grocery departments (Lansing, Jackson, Hillsdale, Holt and Midland) are encouraged to support UFCW 951 members and their efforts to secure a fair and just contract.

Read President Roger Robinson's letter here.

Howard Finishing to Share Success in 2012

November 18, 2011-- UFCW 876 and company officials at Howard Finishing, a provider of coating and plating services in Roseville, recently addressed a six month wage-freeze.

The company recognized there will be increased work for the shop, but it currently continues to run at a loss. The company feels confident jobs scheduled in the new year will bring in the needed revenue to address both wage and bonuses after the first quarter of 2012.

Local Encourages Members to Tune-in to New
Progressive Radio Show

May 9, 2011- The "Voice of Labor" returned to the airwaves Monday, May 2, 2011 with a new morning drive talk show on WDTW-AM 1310. Tony Trupiano, 17-year radio veteran, will host "First Shift" a progressive talk show where current issues will be discussed in an open and factual forum.

"There is a great deal of misinformation being spread by the conservative media, as they fuel the political effort to destroy the middle class and the labor movement," Roger Robinson, Local 876's president said. "On First Shift, the public will hear the truth about current issues and workers' voices will finally be heard. First Shift will be unique as Tony Trupiano will present all sides of the issues effecting all of us in Michigan. I urge all Local 876 members to tune into First Shift and to encourage their friends and family to do the same.

The show will stream live and be available on podcasts for individuals outside the listening area which includes most of southeast Michigan.

Trupiano, whose passionate talk at the recent Local 876 Steward Conference solicited cheers from the crowd, is pleased to return to the airwaves and resume his advocacy for workers and their unions.

"My advocacy for working families, progressive leanings, and support of union values are well known, but the goal of First Shift is to educate people on all sides of the issues,"Trupiano said, "Whether it's the reality of the Governor's tax plan or the void created by the political shift in state government, First Shift will present all sides of the issues impacting everyone working in Michigan."