Important Announcement

I hope this announcement finds you all safe, healthy, and in good spirits!! Since we have restored the funding reserves of the South Central Health & Welfare Fund; and, as you know, we were successful in getting our previously negotiated benefits restored; and since the corona virus pandemic has many sheltering in place, except for more of our hardworking members who continue to serve the public well, I have decided to step down as President of Local 455, effective today. Under our Constitution, our Executive Board will elect  my successor after 30 days, but no later than 90 days from today. I am proud of what we have all accomplished together over the years. I know the Local staff that is in place will continue to work hard for you, but I will just be a phone call away whenever someone needs a hand or some sage advice! I am looking forward to spending more time with the family, as I embark on this new journey!

On behalf of our members and this great local union I would like to congratulate former President Bill Hopkins on his retirement. Bill became a union member in June 1974 as a rank and file member in the grocery stores, became an employee of the Local in 1981 and elected as President in 1994 and was very successful in bettering the lives of our members. Bill grew the local membership during his tenure by 15,000 members and thousands of working people had voices with Bill’s leadership.

My goal as the new President of UFCW Local 455 is to continue that and build on everything Bill, our team, and our membership has built over these years together. I am proud to announce that Bill has agreed to serve as President of Emeritus until the end of the year to help our new administration with this transition. We greatly value Bill’s dedication, leadership, and knowledge, and thank him for his ongoing support.