We Stand By Our Union - UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO

Open Letter to Local 1994 MembersStand With Your UnionRenne Report—by Gino Renne, PresidentOver the past few months Local 1994 has been under siege: immersed in themost difficult budget process in our union’s history, attacked almost dailyin the media, targeted by opportunistic politicians, and—most recently—raided by an outside organization. Any one of these threats might havedestroyed a less resilient organization. Coming as they have in rapid-firesuccession, they have been a challenge for us, but a challenge that we proved we can handle.When I think back over the 28-plus years that we have beentogether in this journey, I am humbled and filled with pride atthe same time—humbled because I know that this union is theproduct of blood, sweat and tears by lots of people workingtogether, many who are still with us; proud because thisorganization has enabled literally thousands of workers and theirfamilies to live better lives, to enjoy fair wages and benefits, tobe safer on the job and more secure in their future; and to expressthemselves on the job as equals among equals.Of all the challenges that have confronted us during thisperiod, the raid by an outside organization is the most offensiveand the most troubling. Some union members might take theirunion’s accomplishments for granted; others might treat theircontract rights, wages and benefits too casually. Union memberswho think that way are often too quick to sign on to a raidingorganization, especially one that promises the easy brand ofunionism, the kind that only involves one or two “leaders” whowill run the union without the involvement of members.That, brothers and sisters, is not how we are. We stand by ourunion and we care for each other and our history proves it.Our union first emerged in 1983 from under the shadow ofa weak, 300-member management-dominated organization tobecome what our enemies and our allies agree is an effective,aggressive advocate for 10,000 public employees. The legacythat we created almost 30 years ago now, is what provided us thestrength to work through the difficult negotiations that producedthe contract that we successfully defended on the political stagethis past Spring.Let’s consider some of the milestones wehave achieved:• Significantly raised pay for all members regardless ofemployer.• Improved the health benefits of members, WITHOUTthe givebacks that many public employees in otherjurisdictions have had to endure.• Improved retirement benefits for most members.• Achieved legislation that enabled M-NCPPC employees toreceive workers’ compensation benefits for Lyme disease.• Achieved legislation for corrections officers inMontgomery County allowing their workers’compensation benefits to match those of police officersand firefighters.• We passed anti-privatization legislation to better protectjobs.• Consistently and fiercely defended our membership in themedia against attacks.In the face of budget cuts nearly 300 Local 1994 membersfaced layoffs—by aggressively bargaining alternatives thatnumber was whittled down to six.In Solidarity2 The Local Link • Fall 2010