President Hopkins Addresses Shop Stewards at 1st
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One Union One Voice
TWO Contracts
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Steward Leadership Conference
On September 1, 2009, President Hopkins welcomed the Kroger Meat Stewards to their first Local 455 Shop Steward Conference held at the Fireman’s Conference Center in Houston, TX. The theme for the conference was “One Union, One Voice, Two Contracts.”
The conference started out with a welcome speech given by President Hopkins. He gave a brief outline of Local 455’s history and local union’s top goals including organizing the unorganized; continuing to mobilize and educate our members in the political process such as pressuring members of Congress to pass the “Employee Free Choice Act” and to support “Healthcare Reform” and stand “United to Bargain.”
President Hopkins stressed the fact that the weeks and months ahead will present serious challenges, whether we’re talking about the debacle of Wall Street that caused our pension plans substantial investment losses or the out of control health care cost or wages that fail to keep pace with inflation. We will only be successful in combating these difficult issues if we stay united with our brothers and sisters who work in the stores and we must send a loud and united message to Kroger that we are One. One Union with One Voice . . . but two separate contracts. President Hopkins thanked the stewards for all they do to help their union continue to grow and be the best it can be.
The day was filled with guest speakers who addressed the stewards on a variety of issues. The speakers included International Vice President & Region 5 Director Chad Young who spoke to the stewards on upcoming contract negotiations. He stressed the importance of sending a clear message to the Company that we are prepared to do whatever is necessary to reach a fair and equitable agreement. Steve Powell, International Vice President and Special Assistant to the President enlightened the stewards with a political presentation. He reviewed the political landscape and talked about key legislation. An informative presentation on the South Central H & W Fund was given by South Central H & W Administrator Dennis Nast and his assistant Matt DuChette and answered all insurance questions. Mark Mead, Administrator UFCW Industry Pension Fund addressed the stewards on the current Pension situation and answered pension questions.
Sue Mann, Special Assistant to the President gave an informative presentation on Grievances, along with Local 455 Attorney, Pat Flynn who brought his expertise to the class by answering questions. Secretary-Treasurer Rick Alleman facilitated Collective Bargaining with emphasis on preparing for upcoming Kroger negotiations.
Also in attendance were Kroger Representatives, William Yelderman, Labor Relations Manager and Mark Kenney, Risk Manager, who gave a presentation on the “Texas Occupational Injury or Disease Benefits Plan” regarding the steel cutting glove. It was the perfect opportunity for our Shop Stewards to voice their concerns and ask questions surrounding the cutting glove issue.
The conference concluded with President Hopkins thanking the stewards for their participation and hoped they received valuable knowledge and information to prepare them for the vast duties and responsibilities of representing the members.
CHECK OUT THE PHOTO GALLERY FOR PICTURES OF THE SHOP STEWARD CONFERENCE!
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