Contract bargaining has begun in some Montgomery County units, reports UFCW 1994/MCGEO. "A primary focus of this year’s bargaining, aside from the obvious wages and benefits, will be on working environment,” said Local 1994 Field Representative/Organizer Erin Yeagley. Problems with morale and harassment in many units have prompted the union’s bargaining teams to focus on strengthening language in the contracts that dictates working conditions. In other news, Local 1994 reports that it’s “in talks with a group of approximately 500 workers in the area seeking to organize a union in their workplace.” The campaign is in its very early stages. And Local 1994 Field Services Director Josh Ardison has accepted a job with the Maryland State Education Association. “Since Josh came in here as a youngster with a passion for the movement, but with little experience, I’ve watched him grow into a capable and fierce labor unionist," said Local 1994 President Gino Renne. “We’re really going to miss him.”
photo: UFCW 1994 members speak out last week against privatization of the DLC
photo: UFCW 1994 members speak out last week against privatization of the DLC