Saturday, January 31, 2009


AMERICAN LABOUR:
SUPPORT NORTHWEST GROCERY WORKERS:
The following appeal is from the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union.
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WHY CAN'T THE BIG GROCERY CORPORATIONS TREAT WORKERS WITH RESPECT?:
Grocery workers in Spokane, Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho deserve wages that pay the bills. Yet, workers at Albertsons, Fred Meyer, and Safeway have had less than one half of one percent in wage increases over the last five years.

Regional grocery company Rosauers agreed to a contract that met the needs of their grocery workers. They understand that in difficult economic times like these, good jobs are more important than ever in sustaining our middle class and keeping our communities strong.
Rosauers CEO says that, “we say that we’re a family, and we got to prove we are what we say we are.”

We all know times are hard, but we can't let big business use the recession as an excuse to dip into their workers' pockets.

If Rosauers could offer their workers fair contracts, why can't three of the wealthiest grocery corporations in the country?

Contact corporate personnel by phone and by email, and ask them to agree to fair contracts for their Washington and Idaho grocery employees. It's the right thing to do for workers and families.

Albertsons: Mike Clawson 1-208-395-6200
Fred Meyer: Mike Ellis 1-888-247-4439
Safeway: Greg Sparks 1-425-455-6444

Tell me more
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THE LETTER
Please go to THIS LINK to send the following letter to grocery store management in the American northwest.
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Subject:
Dear [ Decision Maker ],
I support Albertson's, Fred Meyer, and Safeway grocery workers in Spokane, Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho as they negotiate for a fair contract. I ask that you treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve, and offer them a contract that shows your commitment to people instead of just profit.
Your workers are essential to your company's long-term success. So why not treat those employees with the respect they deserve? In these difficult economic times, it's more important than ever that workers have affordable quality health care and wages that pay the bills--not only for themselves, but for the benefit of their families and communities.

Please demonstrate that you understand and appreciate the value of your grocery workers and their communities in Washington and Idaho by agreeing to a fair contract. It's the right thing to do.