876 News
Discover what your union is doing to advocate, protect and educate.
Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village, Friday, October 9, 2020
*With multiple state mandates and executive orders issued on gathering, many of our Membership Advantage Events have been modified - and Halloween is no exception!
Outdoor gatherings allow the Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village event for Friday, October 9, 2020 to go on. Character experiences, live music, story tellers and the Taste of History cafe open. Download details and R.S.V.P. here.
Please note we are handling reservations differently for this event due to the time frame and post office delays.
1. Give this form and money/check* to your Membership Representative.
2. Your Representative will hand deliver your confirmation, tickets and everything you need to have a great night at Greenfield Village!
Tickets are limited. Four per eligible member. All reservations handled on first-come; first-serve basis. *Make checks payable to UFCW 876.
Halloween Haunt at 876 Friday, October 16, 2020
In lieu of the Zoo Boo event (which was cancelled by the zoo due to COVID) we will be hosting a FREE Halloween Haunt, fun for both adults and children on Friday, October 16, 2020 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the union hall.You can register here: bit.ly/876Haunt or download details and R.S.V.P. form here.
October Pension Open House is Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Find out when and how you can collect your pension with great assistance! UFCW 876 members and their spouses are encouraged to attend a free pension assistance open houses via webinar. Directions to join the Pension Open House Zoom here. Download the Webinar flyer here.
News & Notice: Medstar Ambulance Bay City Ready to Move Forward
Paramedics, EMTs and EMS professionals working at Medstar Ambulance in Bay City have the opportunity to choose the protections of the UFCW 876 Medstar Ambulance contract in lieu of their current agreement that has not served or recognized their hard work and dedication.
Medstar Bay City - are you ready to move forward? We CAN get you there. Better wages. Better benefits. Better union. Better life. Starts now.
Wolverine Packing Co., North & South Contract Survey Available
Communication is key both before and during negotiations. Knowing your priorities for bargaining, helps the committee and union staff target efforts and results in securing important language and protections you want.
To do this, we have created this brief survey. Every question brings 876 closer to discovering your bargaining intent, so please take the time to respond to all. If you have any questions, please reach out to Johnnie Turnage.English: 876Survey
Spanish: 876encuesta
Thank you for participating. Together, we can do this!
Dan Pedersen
UFCW 876 President
Let's Plan Our Vote - Together!
UFCW 876 members, please take the time to plan your vote. With Election Day just days away, your voice will be instrumental in electing leaders who know we are essential and will fight to do what's right for us, like bring back hazard pay. Verify your eligibility, register or update your voter information here: https://michigan.gov/vote
To learn more about issues that matter visit: https://ufcwvotes.org/our-issues/
#ufcw #vote #GOTV #1u #ufcw876
Pension Protection Program Vote Continues National Progress
Dear National Pension Fund Participant,
As you know, the Pension Protection Program week-long vote concluded for eligible UFCW 876 participants on August 22, 2020. And as previously reported, resulted in an overwhelming approval (96%) which would significantly minimize loss impact; protect current and future benefits; as well as protect new and future fund participants.
Currently, this National Pension Fund vote continues to be conducted across the country with a deadline to report results no later than October 1, 2020. Soon after this date, I will communicate the national results and its impact for UFCW 876.
I want to thank everyone who came out to vote and also recognize the Stewards who continue to voluntarily educate and advocate on behalf of the membership.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please continue to lean on your union Steward, membership representatives, the 876 Pension Specialist Aaron Cary or myself.
We are stronger together,
Dan Pedersen
UFCW 876 President
A Good Time to Register to Vote in November - Is Now!
Legislative policy that protects worker rights will be determined by how #UFCW876 members vote this November. But first, you'll need to be registered.
Michigan offers online, in-person, or by mail voter registration options: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/RegisterVoter.
To register in Michigan you must:
1. be a citizen of the United States
2. be 18 years old by the next election
3. be a resident of Michigan and at least a 30 day resident of your city or township by election day
4. not be confined in a jail or prison after being convicted and sentenced. #876Strong #GetRegistered #VOTE #1u
MIUFCW 2021 Wellness Program
#UFCW876 Members participating in the MIUFCW Fund, and their spouse (if enrolled) should get a biometric screening, or enroll in the Healthy Life Coaching Program and receive a flu shot. Screenings can be completed between August 1, 2020 through October. 31, 2020 and can be done at your doctor's office OR at a participating local, Kroger Pharmacy. Call 1-877-444-9689 or visit www.krogerscreenings.com to make your appointment.
Watch the biometric video here.
Visit the Fund for more information or call 1-248-585-9610 with questions.
2020 UFCW 876 Scholarship & Award Winners
Congratulations to all the Academic and Textbook Scholarship and Student Debt Relief Award winners! Each year, UFCW 876 offers scholarship opportunities to 876 families to help ease the cost of a higher education. With $17,500 in awards available and a three-step application process, members and their dependents find the process quick and easy. Applications become available in January, are due by April, and are awarded in June.
Legislative & Community Support
In a time a crises it is said, your true advocates will continue to extend their support. Thank you to our community partners for extending their strength to the members of UFCW 876! #ufcw876 #ufcw #876Strong
- 876 Member Advantage Series 2020
*You must be a member in good standing of UFCW Local 876 to attend member events and to participate in member programs.
Member Event Scheduling Determined by Federal and State Mandated Health & Safety Recommendations.
876 is now moving forward - safely. 876 Events will be handled a little differently due to COVID-19. We will all have to work together to be mindful, and still have a little fun. Thanks for staying in the loop. We can't wait to see you.
Let's Gather - Safely!
876 plans to take precautions and hope you do too.
UFCW 876 members and their families are invited to join these union events, adventures and educational opportunities at a discounted rate. Events include many added perks and surprises.
Event reservation forms and detailed information will be published here and on www.facebook.com/UFCW876 one month prior to an event. "Steward Lunch & Learns, Steward Conferences and the 25-Year Member Celebration are by invitation only.
2020 Pension Open House Schedule
Webinars will be scheduled during pandemic
Let 876 help put the pieces together!
Join UFCW 876 Pension Specialist Aaron Cary during his live webinars and find out when and how you can collect your pension. Webinars go into effective March 18, 2020 until further notice.
How to join Aaron's webinar:
Computer:
1) in URL type: https:/zoom.us/j/8109653974;
2) click the prompt: “Open Zoom;”
3) type the meeting ID: 8109653974 (if not done automatically);
4) click the prompt “Computer Audio;”
5) if computer has no speakers, follow prompts to connect audio via phone.Cell phone / tablet:
1) Download the Zoom app through either Google Play, Apple App Store, or at www.zoom.com;
2) click the prompt: “open Zoom;”
3) type the meeting ID: 8109653974
4) click the prompt “Computer Audio.” More Member Perks & Programs
FREE, 2020 pension assistance workshops
Join us the third Wednesday for a live webinar of every month from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Find out when and how you can collect your pension with great assistance! UFCW 876 members and their spouses are encouraged to attend a free pension assistance open houses via webinar. Directions to do that here. Download the Webinar flyer here.
October 21 - Live webinar.
November 18 - Live webinar.
No workshop for December
Active Ballot Club
UFCW 876 knows worker-friendly legislation is derived from candidates who support, advocate and push for laws that set meaningful, worker protection policy in both our nation and state. Without these leaders and actions, workers are vulnerable to the interests and budgets of their employers. That is why UFCW 876 has the Active Ballot Club, or A.B.C. Read more here.
The UFCW 876 Scholarship
UFCW 876 has an extension scholarship program that includes a yearly award of five, $2,000 Academic Scholarships, five, $1,000 Student Debt Relief Awards and five, $500 Textbook Awards. The application process is available both in hard copy and online, and are issued during the first week of January and are due back to the union offices in April. Winners are announced in June.
Learn a New Language for Free!
Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, and over 70 other different languages, including 20 different ESL courses.
Whether it is for travel, work, or just for fun, the UFCW’s free foreign language program makes learning a new language easy.
UFCW members can use this benefit to learn a foreign language for free online and at their own pace. All lessons are self-guided. The program gives members access to online classes to learn Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, and over 70 other different languages, including 20 different ESL courses.
The online classes build on four conversational skills necessary to fully learn a new language: vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and culture. Learn more here. This program is currently wait-listed.
Seats in this program are limited and will be given on a first come, first served basis. If the program is full, you will be placed on a wait list until a seat opens up for you.
At this time, this benefit is only available to UFCW members and retirees.
Get Your G.E.D.
UFCW members can take General Equivalency Diploma (GED) classes for free through Essential GED.
This GED program offers a customized learning plan, so that you’ll be able to successfully prepare yourself to pass the GED test, regardless of when you last went to school.
This program also allows you to study at your own pace – all classes are self-guided and can be completed from your phone or tablet.
If you are interested in using this benefit, please complete and submit the form on this page. It may take a few days to verify your UFCW membership. However, once confirmed, you’ll receive an email that explains how to login and begin taking free online GED classes.
At this time, this benefit is only available to UFCW members and retirees.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the UFCW education helpdesk at education@ufcw.org.
FREE online college! Seriously, it's totally free.
UFCW Free College BenefitThe UFCW Free College Benefit ensures that UFCW members and their families do not have to pay out of pocket for any tuition, fees or e-books at Eastern Gateway Community College—resulting in cost savings of thousands of dollars!
The Free College Benefit covers any amount for tuition, fees or books that is not covered by federal or employer education grants.
Children (or stepchildren), grandchildren (or step-grandchildren), spouses, domestic partners, and financial dependents of UFCW members are eligible for the UFCW Free College Benefit. Retired UFCW members are also eligible.
Retiree Club
Friends, Education and Adventure
The Retiree Club is one of the largest in the nation. Annual events, educational and group travel keep the union hall filled with friendship, networking and fun. The club meets the first Wednesday of every month at 11 a.m. All retired 876 members are eligible to join the club for only $1 a month. E-mail your interest to join at info@ufcw876.org.
Union Plus Programs
You work hard, and at Union Plus, we work hard for you. Since 1986, we’ve been supporting union members and their families through life’s celebrations, hardships, and everything in between. Check it out for great discounts from mortgages to movie tickets.
Components of the Union
People that protect workers' hard-earned rights.
Contractual Language Means What?!
Contracts Are Your Written Guarantee
There are nearly 50 different contracts reflecting over 18,000+ union members in 876. Although very detailed, a quick review reveals basic compondents: coverage, grievance procedure, paid time off, vacations, seniority, wages, hours and schedules. This language is your guarantee to a fair and safe work environment.
MIUFCW
Your Health Insurance Coverage Is Important
Not every employer participates with the Michigan UFCW Unions & Employers Health & Welfare Fund, also called just the "Fund." This plan's administrative office manages medical, dental, vision, time loss and pre-paid legal inquiries and programs. You can call them at 1-800-322-8190 or visit them here.
2020
Retirement Guidance Free to Members
The Time is Right to Plan Your Retirement
The union provides free financial guidance to every member and their spouse through the Financial Wellness Center now available through webinars. Pension assistance webinars are scheduled for January 15, February 19, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, and November 18 from 6 - 8 p.m. Call Aaron Cary with inquiries at 1-800-321-6406 extension 8645.
General Membership Meetings
2020 Tentative Schedule
All general membership meetings are open to eligible UFCW 876 members. At these meetings, union representatives review the actions of the executive board, present updates, and address member's questions. Meeting dates and time are subject to change. Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. at the union hall. Members are encouraged to verify dates and times here. 2020 meetings are tentatively scheduled as follows:
Tuesdays: March 10 - June 9 - September 8- December 1
Representative Profiles
We've got a top notch team!
The union has a staff of member representatives who are your advocate in the workplace. They know your contract and are on duty 24/7 to protect your job and to maintain a fair work environment. You can find your member representative by calling 1-800-321-6406 and using the extensions listed below or by e-mail. Download a printable listing here. See Representative listing below.
Joe Clark
Membership Representative
Joe.Clark@ufcw876.org
1-800-321-6406 extension #8669Kroger 441, 443, 456, 459, 615, 618, 630, 638, 686, 691 & 697.
Nate Clark
Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8674
Kroger 363, 450, 481, 515, 619, 656, 661, 675, 706, 715 & 729.
Bill Crim
Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8615
Koegel Meats, Kroger New Market 115, 277, 407, 419, 424, 436, 437, 635, 795, Oleson's 606, 607, 608, 609, Riverside Market Durand and Montrose.
Jessie Dziubinski
Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8659
Kroger 449, 455, 528, 622, 684, 716, 737, 757 & 774.
Marc Freund
Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8682
Kroger 361, 366, 444, 526, 632, 634, 639, 720, 721, 759, meat: 680, 681, 793, 811, 852, 884, 887, 888, 890, Polly's Food Service 12, 14, 16, 5 & 6.
Elaine Hill
Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8664
Kroger 461, 620, 637, 649, 650, 651, 704, 754, Medstar Ambulance Utica, Clinton Township, Lapeer, Clarkston, Lincoln Park & Southfield.
Ashley Hubbard
Membership Services
1-800-321-6406 extension #8641
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Membership Services
1-800-321-6406 extension #8642
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Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8681
Kroger 464, 487, 492, 724 & 743.
Dawn McClanahan
Director of Membership Services
1-800-321-6406 extension #8676
Hollywood Market 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.
Steven Michael
Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8671
Kroger 445, 454, 495, 663, 710 & 784.
John Morrison
Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8618
CVS Pharmacy 8267, Rite Aid 2509, 2731, 3356, 3452, 3667, 4266, 4270, 4310, 4309, 4310, 4317, 4319, 4322, 4332, 4334, 4335, 4338, 4340, 4355, 4358, 4362, 4366, 4368, 4377, 4402, 4409, 4438, 4440, 4442, 4445, 4466, 4485, 4498, 4504, 4512, 4519, 4526, 4537, 4545, 4559, 4588, 4595, 4694, 4697, 4703, 4761, 4806, 4897 & 4943.
Bill Phipps
Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8672
Kroger 440, 447, 448, 463, 486, 602, 642, 652, 658, 685, 776.
Alejandra Ruiz
Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8619
Adhesive Systems, Alexander & Hornung, Amcane Sugar, Antolin, Beacon Park, Bonnie Maid, Cattleman's, Darling, Dearborn Sausage, Diversified Chemical, Diversitak, Operating Engineers Local 324 and Clerical, Provincial House, Restaurant Depot, Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, Sheet Metal Workers Local 292, Smith Meat Packing, Society St. Vincent DePaul, Turri's Italian Foods, Winter Sausage, Wolverine Packing.
Keith Schilling
Organizer
1-800-321-6406
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Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8626
Pat's Food Center, Rite Aid 1487, 1551, 1552, 1573, 1575, 1663, 1729, 1740, 1801, 2504, 2606, 3320, 3510, 3568, 3588, 4431, 4503, 4564 & 4586.
Jonathan Smith
Membership Services
1-800-321-6406 extension #8670
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Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8623
Kroger New Market 404, 406, 409, 413, 711, 714, Kroger 465, 600, 709, Medstar Ambulance Flint, Lansing & Twin City Foods.
Margaritte Thomas
Membership Representative
1-800-321-6406 extension #8643
Kroger 364, 365, 442, 520, 605, 670, 671, 688, 689, 703, 707, People's Food Co-op.
Stephanie Villalpando
Membership Representative
Stephanie.Villalpando@ufcw876.org
1-800-321-6406 extension #8629
Kroger 415, 458, 576, 577, 578, 579, 693, 708, 775 & 864.
UFCW 876 Worker Organizing
Don't let your hard work go unrecognized. Get a voice in the workplace, contact our organizing department at 1.888.485.9671.
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