Who We Represent

UFCW Local 464A represents approximately 20,000 service workers primarily in food and related industries located in New Jersey, New York and a portion of Pennsylvania. The various jobs represented include, but are not limited to such areas as meat cutting/packing, food manufacturing and processing, cashiers, grocery clerks, delicatessen/appetizer specialties, seafood, produce, frozen foods, bakery, household supplies, drug & beauty aids, as well as the delivery of all the items that support these functions.

Our Members work at numerous companies throughout the region and several major companies employ the majority of Local 464A’s membership. These companies are:

A&P	Foodtown	Kings
Pathmark	ShopRite/Wakefern	Stop & Shop

The unique role and importance of each of the functions that our Members perform cannot be overstated. Food service workers, unlike nearly all other positions in society, touch every person in America no matter where they live, whether rich or poor, regardless of ethnicity or religious persuasion.

Meat Cutters/Packers – Difficult and hazardous work that calls for a person with unique skills. These workers are involved with the processing and distribution of meat and byproducts from animals for human consumption. There is a high turnover of these workers where non-union labor is employed, but union workers enjoy a career and a stronger focus on safety. These workers are among the original foundations of Local 464A when the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workers emerged in 1947.

Manufacturing and Processing – This function begins with raw food materials. Before they are sent to the factory they must be observed and tested for quality. If ingredients are inferior no worker, no matter how skilled, can produce a quality food product. Once selected the raw materials are processed most often in a high technology production environment that requires experienced workers who operate machines that add ingredients, mix, cook, dry, chill, freeze and package the finished product. Local 464A members engaged in this function serve food stores and restaurants - many with special requirements.

Grocery Clerk – Few Americans consider the remarkable efficiency at work behind the scenes to make sure that store shelves are fully stocked at all times. This is hard work requiring speed and an aptitude for determining individual product demand especially during holidays and special occasions.

Cashier – Often the face of the industry, these workers aid the speedy purchase of goods and handle the last stage of customer interface. Not only must cashiers ensure accurate and quick tallies of purchases, but also they frequently are called upon to handle customer issues making satisfaction the primary goal.

Deli/Appetizer – Another key face of our industry, many of these workers are familiar and known by name to their regular customers. Their roles are multi-faceted because they not only fill and price orders, but also prepare and cook the food as well. These are skills not everyone can perform, requiring true professionals.

Delivery – Today sophisticated web site ordering means a fast paced demanding environment in which selecting, packing, loading/unloading and most important, delivering must be done with precision. The convenience seeking demands of American society is fueling the rapid growth of this function. One of Local 464A’s employing companies operates the largest food delivery fleet in the U.S.

Seafood/Produce/Frozen Food/Bakery/Household Supplies/Health & Beauty Aids – No other country can boast the myriad of choices that Americans enjoy each time they shop. In Local 464A’s region this is even more significant because our members serve the most diverse population with the broadest tastes in America. This takes workers who have expert knowledge of all manner and varieties of foods and other supplies. Seafood managers must not only know every type of fish, but also recognize quality. Produce and frozen food workers must identify and stock only the best varieties. Bakery workers must have the skills to cater to ethnic preferences especially during holiday periods. And, the proliferation of household supplies and health & beauty aids requires the workers devoted to this function to be constantly aware of consumer demand.

The people represented by UFCW Local 464A have one other factor that makes them unique and extraordinarily professional. That is, where we live and work. The New Jersey and the New York metropolitan areas are the most densely populated and ethnically diverse geographies in America. All manner of tastes and traditions must be catered to with a high degree of efficiency and skill that no other region of America can boast.

The executives, management and staff of UFCW Local 464A are proud to support you as you perform America’s most important jobs!