UFCW 400 Members at Metropolitan Poultry & Macy’s Ratify Contracts
Monday, July 8, 2013(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
Workers
at Metropolitan Poultry and Macy’s have ratified new contracts, reports
UFCW 400, which represents them. “It’s a tribute to our members’
involvement and
activism that we were able to negotiate such strong collective bargaining
agreements,” said Local 400 President Mark Federici. “The negotiations were
very challenging and protracted, but because of our members’ dedication,
their
living standards and working conditions will improve, and their health and
retirement security continue to be protected.” The Metropolitan Poultry
workers
on June 28 ratified a four-year deal that maintains their health and welfare
benefits and retirement security, while increasing total compensation by an
average of $1.35/hour over the life of the contract. In the negotiations, the
Local 400 bargaining committee defeated all proposed concessions, instead
adding language to improve holidays for part-time employees, sick leave and
funeral leave, with a longevity bonus for those with 15 or more years of
service. Local 400 members also achieved successorship language: if the company
decides to sell to new owners, the new owners must negotiate with the union. On
June 30, Macy’s members ratified a five-year collective bargaining agreement
covering 686 members working at stores in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. The
agreement raises their living standards and protects their health and welfare
benefits. As with Metropolitan, Local 400 members defeated all concessions
proposed by management. photo: Local 400
Members from Macy's
at Metro Center pose for a picture to show their love and appreciation for
their customers on Valentine's Day last year. Members handed out handbills to
customers thanking them for shopping union during the holiday; photo by Karlyn
Williams