UFCW 400 Members at Metropolitan Poultry & Macy’s Ratify Contracts

(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