876 News
Discover what your union is doing to advocate, protect and educate.
Twin City Union Member Picnic is Sunday, June 27, 2021
#UFCW876 members working at Twin City Food, Inc., are invited to attend a union picnic at the Lake Odessa Municipal Beach / SE side at 1003 Jordan Lake Street from noon until 4:00 p.m.
UFCW 876 will provide grilling of hot dogs and burgers, paper products, buns, water and condiments. There is a dish-to-pass signup sheet for this event posted in the break room.
We Are Steward Nation!
We are #StewardNation! A big, giant #thankyou goes out to all the #UFCW876 #union Stewards who came out today ready to learn, ready to network and ready to be a force to contend with. You. Are. Awesome! #876Strong #StrongerTogether #1u #ufcw
Member Advantage 2021 Event Series
UFCW 876 members and their families are invited to join these discounted union events, adventures and educational opportunities. Events always include many added perks and surprises!
Further details and reservation forms will be published online and on our Facebook as well as available through your membership representative one month prior.
Keep in mind, these events are contingent upon state COVID mandates and restrictions and may be modified. All changes will be posted in our medias.
Stewards receive a 50% discount on their ticket to any event; this does not include their group.
Steward Conferences and the 25-Year Member Celebrations are by invitation only.
Steward Conferences Begin Next Week!
Hey Steward Nation. :-)
We can’t wait to see everyone to grow our network, build advocacy and get reconnected - in-person! We have plenty to catch up on, and will be leaning on you for content direction through the Steward Survey issued to your email as well as this mailing.
We hope you take the time to be a part of this Steward movement and join us for this best educational opportunity of the year - Annual Steward Conferences! RSVP here.
Your participation is a part of everyone’s success and is a paid day for most. Hope to see you there. Please note slight date change for the Traverse City location to Friday, June 25.
President Dan Pedersen
Koegel Meat 4-Year Agreement Ratified Today
#PresidentPedersen negotiated solid terms for a new, 4-year agreement for the #UFCW876 members working at Koegel Meats, Inc. Flint, Michigan that includes: wage increases, increased pension contributions, increases starting wage progressions, improved funeral leave language and the maintenance of holiday and vacations and all languages.
#Congratulations on your #ratification Koegel Meats members! See all the photos on our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UFCW876
#Betterwages #Betterbenefits #betterlife #876Strong #StrongerTogether
UFCW 876 Members Deserve COVID-19 State Funds
Join President Pedersen in letting Governor Gretchen Whitmer know UFCW 876 member's continued contributions in supporting safe and healthy Michigan communities deserve recognition via premium pay through the COVID-19 state funds. Send your message here.
Read President Pedersen's joint letter with UFCW 951 here to the Governor, click here.
The UFCW Free College Benefit Just Got Better!
You can now earn a bachelor's degree in teacher education, business administration, criminal justice or interdisciplinary studies / humanities! Eligible UFCW 87 members and their families can now earn a bachelor's degree with no out-of-pocket costs. This program is intended for students who already have an associate's degree of 60 credits or more in their intended major.
Learn more at: https://www.ufcwfreecollege.org
Annual Steward Conference RSVP Time!
876 Stewards encouraged to RSVP for the UFCW 876 Annual Steward Conferences at bit.ly/876StewardRSVP
June 8 -
Madison Heights - Union Hall
June 17 -
Mt. Pleasant - Soaring Eagle Casino
June 25 -
Traverse City - Turtle Creek Casino
* Dates are tentative based on federal and state COVID restrictions and vaccination distribution.
International Union-Industry Pension Fund Announces NEW Address for 2022
#UFCW International Union-Industry #Pension Fund has announced a new mailing address: P.O. Box 3891 Oak Brook, IL 60522-3891. Mail forwarding from the previous Frankfort, Illinois address will continue throughout 2021. And phone number remains the same: 1-800-531-2385. #UFCW876 #876Stewards #UFCWInternationalUnionIndustryPensionFund #retirement #retirehappy with #UFCW876
2021 Academic, Textbook & Student Debt Scholarships
$17,500 in scholarship awards are available! For over 20 years, UFCW 876 has awarded scholarships to members in good standing (any age) and/or their dependents. This year $17,5000 will be awarded in five $2,000 Academic Scholarships; five $500 Textbook Scholarships; and five $1,000 Student Debt Relief Awards. The application process is easy as 1. Application 2. Essay and 3. Transcripts. (Student debt applications must include most recent loan holder statement including account number).
Easy online application available at bit.ly/876Scholarships2021
Active Ballot Club
UFCW 876 members know worker-friendly legislation is derived from candidates who support, advocate and push for laws that create 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.
Member Advantage
Pension Open Houses 2021
Webinars and In-person Planned
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.
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.
Scholarship Applications Now Available
2021 Scholarship applications available:
January 4, 2021 - April 30, 2021
UFCW 876's scholarship program awards five, $2,000 Academic Scholarships, five, $1,000 Student Debt Relief Awards and five, $500 Textbook Awards each year. The application process is available both in hard copy and online. It's a good time to secure download your transcript in PDF, write your essay, and if you are applying for the Student Debt Relief, download your loan holder agreement containing the account number.
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.
876 Retiree Club
Retiree Club Events on Hold
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 will begin to meet the first Wednesday of every month at 11 a.m. when COVID restrictions lift.
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.
- 876 Member Pension Open House
Pension Open Houses will be conducted based on COVID restrictions. Programs will be conducted via Webinar from January through May; and in-person from June through November. Questions can be directed to Aaron Cary at 1-800-321-6406 extension #8645.
Pension Open House 2021 Schedule, click here.
Meeting conducted based on COVID restrictions. Note January - May will be webinars and June through November will be held in the union hall if permissible.
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. Download these directives here.
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.”UFCW International Union-Industry Pension Fund has Announced a New Address!
P.O. Box 3891 Oak Brook, IL 60522-3891
Mail forwarding from P.O. Box 6000 Frankfort, IL 60423-6000 throughout 2021.
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.
2021 Pension Open House Schedule
Get Help Navigating the Pension Process
The union provides free financial guidance to every member and their spouse through the Financial Wellness Center.
Pension Open House Zoom! webinars are scheduled for:
January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19
Pension Open House In-Person meetings are scheduled for:
June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, and November 17
How to get to the union hall in Madison Heights
Call or email Aaron Cary with inquiries at 1-800-321-6406 extension #8645.
General Membership Meetings
2021 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. Due to COVID venue restrictions, 2021 meetings are tentatively scheduled as follows:
Tuesday: March 9 - June 8 - September 14 - December 7
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@ufcw876.org
1-800-321-6406 extension #8669Kroger 365, 444, 520, 605,638,639,670,671,680,681,688,689,703,707,720,721,793,811,852,884,887,888,890; People's Food Co-op; Polly's Country Market 5,6,12,14,16; Rite Aid 4332,4519; Twin City Foods.
1-800-321-6406 extension #8674
Kroger 363,440,463,464,481,487,492,656,675,685,709,729,757,759; Rite Aid 2731,4302,4338,4377,4697.
Bill Crim
Membership Representative
Assist: Sheryl Layman & Allison Kimber-Smith
1-800-321-6406 extension #8615
Kroger: 277, 465, 600, 635, 795; Kroger New Market 115, 404, 406, 407, 409, 413, 419, 424, 436, 711, 714; Kroger Frankenmuth 436, Kroger Bridgeport 437.
Oleson's Food Stores: 606,607,608 and 609.
Pat's Food Center, Freeland.
Rite Aid: 1487, 1551, 1552, 1573, 1575, 1663, 1729, 1740, 1801, 2504, 2606, 3320, 3356, 3452, 3510, 3568, 3588, 3667, 4309, 4310, 4319, 4340, 4431, 4438, 4440, 4442, 4503, 4504, 4564, 4586, 4588, 4761, 4806.
Riverside Market, Durand & Montrose.
1-800-321-6406 extension #8659
Kroger: 449, 450, 455, 515, 528, 622, 684, 706, 715, 716, 724, 737, 774, 776.
Rite Aid: 4270, 4409, 4559, 4943.
1-800-321-6406 extension #8682
Education and advocacy of membership & orientations.
1-800-321-6406 extension #8664
Kroger: 461, 620, 637, 649, 650, 651, 704, 754.
Medstar Ambulance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8.
Rite Aid: 4317.
1-800-321-6406 extension #8641
Education and advocacy of membership & orientations.
Allison.Kimber-Smith@ufcw876.org
1-800-321-6406 extension #8644
Education and advocacy of membership & orientations.
1-800-321-6406 extension #8642
Education and advocacy of membership & orientations.
Jerry LaBeau
Administrative Assistant to the President
Assist: Marc Freund
1-800-321-6406 extension #8681
Kroger 447, 454, 602, 642, 663, 743, 751.
1-800-321-6406 #8648
Education and advocacy of membership & orientations.
1-800-321-6406 extension #8676
Education and advocacy of membership.
Hollywood Market 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.
Provincial House
1-800-321-6406 extension #8649
Education and advocacy of membership & orientations.
Steven Michael
Administrative Assistant to the President
Assist: Marc Freund
1-800-321-6406 extension #8671
Kroger 445, 448, 486, 495, 658, 710, 749, 784.
1-800-321-6406 extension #8618
CVS Pharmacy 8267. Rite Aid 2509, 4266, 4301, 4355, 4366, 4368, 4402, 4445, 4466, 485, 4498, 4512, 4526, 4537, 4545, 4595, 4694, 4703, 4897.
1-800-321-6406 extension #8672
Education and advocacy of membership.
1-800-321-6406 extension #8619
Adhesive Systems, Alexander & Hornung, Antolin St. Clair, Beacon Park Finishing, Bonnie Maid Products, Cattleman's, Darling International, Dearborn Sausage, Diversified Chemical, Diversitak Inc., Great lakes Embroidery, Koegel Meats & Sanitation, Operating Engineers Local 324 and Clerical, Provincial House Support, Restaurant Depot, Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 & 292, Smith Meat Packing, Society St. Vincent DePaul, Turri's Italian Foods, Winter Sausage, Wolverine Packing.
Keith Schilling
Organizer
1-800-321-6406
Education and advocacy of membership & orientations.
1-800-321-6406 extension #8670
Education and advocacy of membership & orientations.
1-800-321-6406 extension #8643
Kroger Kroger 361, 364, 366, 441, 442, 459, 526, 615, 618, 619, 632, 634, 661, 691. Rite Aid 4358
Stephanie.Villalpando@ufcw876.org
1-800-321-6406 extension #8629
Kroger 415, 443, 456, 458, 576, 577, 578, 579, 630, 686, 693, 697, 708, 775, 864.
Rite Aid 4322, 4334, 4335, 4362.
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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