876 News
Discover what your union is doing to advocate, protect and educate.
Kroger Night Crew Audit Agreement Signed
The class action grievance filed by #UFCW876 #PresidentPedersen on behalf of all Kroger, eligible members for night crew premium losses has resulted in a nearly $400,000 restitution! #unionstrong #contractual #guarantees #1u #ufcw #wtg #876Strong #876Steward
Appreciation Pay For Polly's Country Market Members
#UFCW876 members working at Polly's Country Market will be recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty with a $2 "Appreciation Premium." #Thankyou
for doing the right thing. #VeryMuchAppreciated #ufcw #1u #876Strong #pollys #unionstrong
Twin City Foods Members Deserve Respect
#UFCW 876 members working at Twin City Foods find themselves in a vulnerable position while at work in this quick frozen vegetable processing plan in Lake Odessa, Michigan.
COVID-19 has made their close-quarters jobs dangerous to their health and their families. Twin City Foods has yet to provide hero pay to these workers, but their hours have increased and so has their exposure.
President Pedersen has set out to change that trajectory, read his letter here.
We encourage you send along a word of encouragement to the company as well, asking them to re-think their position of ignoring the sacrifices of these hard-working members:
Steve Lervick stevel@tcfi.com or
Josh Weller at: joshw@tcfi.com
Reality Check! Sincerity and Effort Still Matter
Many #UFCW876 members working for The
Kroger Company were not able to enjoy a small token of appreciation issued on to Kroger Plus Cards and fuel points, due to accessibility by phone number, leaving many empty-handed with no recourse.
#DoTheRightThingKroger and guarantee your acknowledgments by recognizing #876members directly through payroll. By doing this, it would guarantee 100% of all sacrifices are recognized as well as send a message of sincerity.
This can be done with #HeroPay!
President Pedersen Builds Legislative Power
President Pedersen has reached out to our national and state elected officials to make sure legal designation of "front-line" status, Hero Pay and better health and safety protections are afforded to the members of UFCW 876.
Here’s what President Pedersen is asking:
1. Reinstatement of hero pay;
2. Better safety and health protections;
3. Front line status recognition.
Read all of the letters and keep up on support status here: https://www.ufcw876.org/#political-advocacy
876 Members Working at Hollywood Markets Recognized for Sacrifices
#UFCW876 Members working at Hollywood Markets will be recognized for their sacrifices during this #pandemic! #ThankYou to the Welch family! #YoureAwesome! #ThatsWhatAGoodEmployerLooksLike
Hollywood Markets, Rochester Hills
Hollywood Markets, Madison Heights
#UFCW #1u #876Strong #876Stewards #HeroPay #COVID #DoTheRightThingKroger
The Kroger Company & The Request of Hero Pay Reinstatement
bit.ly/Update876
National Pension Fund Protection Program Passes
The Pension Protection Program passed overwhelmingly in August by eligible members of UFCW 876, has now been conducted and completed successfully nationwide. This has resulted in a plan that will significantly minimize loss impact and protect current and future benefits.
Eligible members of the National Pension Fund have received an e-mail today and will be mailed official notice this coming week.
I want to thank everyone for being patient and staying connected with me, your union Stewards, Membership Representatives and 876 Pension Specialist Aaron Cary.
- President Dan Pedersen
Holiday Giveback Campaign
Union Plus is giving away $1,000 to 100 union members this holiday season! Nominate your favorite, fellow union member by either writing a 300 word essay or submitting a 60 second video and hashtagging it #UnionPlusGiveAGrand and #Contest. Good luck 876!
Learn more at: https://unionplus.org/holidaygiveback
The Connection for Fall is Off The Press!
The UFCW 876 publication "Connection" is off the press and heading to mailboxes across the state with important news, notice and President Pedersen's quarterly commentary. This edition contains UFCW 876's journey through COVID.
"Unions, workers, community leaders and legislators were all searching their arsenals of programs and policy to deal with what would turn out to be the most deadly pandemic in U.S. history."
Keeping your union record up-to-date ensures no interruptions in communication and accurate servicing. No changes can be processed without the last four digits of your social security number. Getting connected is easy, just click here: bit.ly/Update876 to bring your member data up-to-date.
Be sure to add your e-mail for special notices, many company-specific, and the union monthly publication "Bulletin."
You must notify the Michigan UFCW Health & Welfare Fund with changes separately at 1.800.322.8190.
MIUFCW Open Enrollment: November 18 - December 11, 2020
Eligible participants of the "Fund" will be receiving a bright, yellow open enrollment packet in the mail informing them of their enrollment status and what steps if any, need to be taken to help secure 2021 benefits.
Eligible members will be automatically re-enrolled for 2021 benefits if they meet the following criteria:
1. The member is currently enrolled for 2020 benefits; AND
2. The member and their enrolled spouse both complete a biometric screening by 10/31/2020; AND
3. Their employer confirms they are eligible for 2021 benefits.
If the member meets the above criteria, they will be auto re-enrolled for the same election choice they had in 2020, provided their employer confirms eligibility and they satisfy the hours necessary for the election.
Eligible members will need to submit a 2021 enrollment form during the 2021 Open Enrollment period if:
· They are newly eligible for benefits or were eligible but never enrolled before.
· Would like to make a change to their 2021 election, such as add or remove dependents.
· Would like to op-out of benefits for 2021.
· Need to update their information, i.e. secondary insurance.
Call the Plan Administrative Office at 248-585-9610 or e-mail:
Michigan State Tax Withholding for National Pension Fund Checks
Participants of the National Pension Fund were sent notice in May 2020 alerting them Michigan Personal Income Taxes would be withheld from monthly payments of pension and annuity payments, unless they elected otherwise by completing a withholding certificate, used to exempt participants.
Read the UFCW International Union-Industry Pension Fund letter here.
Download the Withholding Certificate for Michigan Pension or Annuity Payments here.
More Member Perks & Programs
Pension Open House Webinars Concluded
2021 Schedule will be posted late December 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 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.
The UFCW 876 Scholarship
2021 Scholarship applications become available first week of January
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, 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.
- 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.
Regrettably, We Have Concluded our 2020 Membership Advantage Calendar
We are sorry to say state executive orders and mandates have put the stop on the remainder of the Membership Advantage Event calendar. The venues for both The 25 Year Member Celebrations and Crossroads Village / Huckleberry Railroad have sent notice of these cancellations.
President Pedersen is currently planning a July 2021 date for The 25 Year Celebrations and looks forward to the full return to our regular events!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.
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.” 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
Education and advocacy of membership.
Allison Kimber-Smith
Membership Services
Allison.Kimber-Smith@ufcw876.org
1-800-321-6406 extension #8644
Katherine Kreger
Membership Services
1-800-321-6406 extension #8642
Education and advocacy of membership.
Jerry LaBeau
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
Education and advocacy of membership.
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
Education and advocacy of membership.
Pamela Serour
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
St. Vincent DePaul, Restaurant Depot, Wolverine Packing, Turri's Italian Foods, Beacon Park and Winters Sausage.
Rob Teske
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.
Connect With Us
Like us, follow us, Tweet us, e-mail us, call us. We want to hear from you.
