Tuesday's cold, rainy, foggy day didn't stop dozens of UFCW Local 400 members, State Senator Ellis, Delegate Fisher and At-Large Councilman Calvin Hopkins from gathering in front of the Shoppers Food Warehouse on Martin Luther King Highway in Landover, MD to protest the closing of Shoppers Food stores around the region. With parent company UNFI refusing to offer affected workers any answers or direction," Local 400 president Mark Federici called UNFI out as "an example of unbridled corporate greed. We’re here today because somebody made a choice to turn their backs on hardworking families in the middle of the holidays. This is no way for UNFI to treat dedicated Shoppers employees." Local 400 is partnering with the Metro Council's Community Services Agency and other Prince George's County agencies to organize a Resource Fair for Saturday, January 11, 10a-2p to take place at Local 400's headquarters. More information to come. Over 200 Sodexo food service workers, cashiers, bakers, cooks, catering workers, utility workers, drivers and receivers at George Mason University have ratified their first-ever union contract with 32BJ SEIU. Under the agreement that expires on June 30, 2024, workers will see their wages increase by an average of 12% and employer contributions toward health insurance premiums will increase to 80%. Current hourly wages, which range from $10 to $23, will increase to a range of $13 to $25. For the first time, part-time employees will receive three paid holidays and the workers who currently receive no paid breaks, all will be given 15 minute paid breaks.
Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Labor 411 is offering its first annual Ethical Holiday Gift Guide to help consumers shop their way to a stronger middle class. The guide features a wide range of options for men, women, children and even pets. Whether they’re stuffing their stockings with family games, sweets, perfume and even cars, ethically-minded consumers can funnel their dollars toward companies that provide living wages and a healthy work environment for their employees. “The holiday season is the perfect time to shop our values,” said Labor 411 Founder and President Cherri Senders. “We are asking holiday shoppers to fill 10% of their shopping carts with goods made by union companies. With that commitment, we will advance good-paying jobs and help provide a solid foundation for the American economy.” “Sir, This is to acquaint you that if your threshing machines are not destroyed by you directly we shall commence our labours.” Captain Swing was the fictitious name often signed to the threatening letters sent to farmers, magistrates, parsons, and others before and during the “Swing Riots” in England (see History, below). The mythical Captain Swing was described as a hard-working tenant farmer driven to destitution and despair by social and political change in the early nineteenth century. |