Political Action

There is no more powerful tool to advance your well-being and that of your fellow workers than to get personally involved with the American political process by speaking out for initiatives that will make your life better.

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UFCW Local 464A is committed to positions that improve job security, wages, health care benefits and financial protections in retirement. Today these cornerstones of your prosperity are being eroded by special interests that are driving the American political process solely for their own benefit, not ours.

Jobs – UFCW Local 464A has consistently been successful in protecting the jobs of its members. Still, it is the common practice of American companies to outsource work to lower paying employers especially outside of the United States. In addition, many companies have carved up full-time jobs and farmed them out as temporary or part-time work to avoid paying a decent wage or supplying benefits. And, some organizations recruit and import undocumented labor without concern for immigration laws or worker welfare.

Wages – UFCW Local 464A has fought hard for fair and honest wages and our members can boast of some of the best earnings in America for our industry. Our efforts have also contributed to state mandated minimum wages in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania that far exceed the federal minimum. The minimum wage in all three states stands at $7.15/hr. compared to a federal rate that is 22% less at $5.85. Despite this disparity some executives and politicians consistently work to hold down wages for others while approving regular double-digit increases for themselves.

Health Care – UFCW Local 464A provides quality medical care with no member co-pay. Yet across America the cost of medical care is escalating at a percentage that far exceeds typical pay increases for workers. Employers are intent upon shifting the burden of this cost to workers. Too often co-pays are demanded while coverage shrinks to laughable amounts. For newly hired workers many companies are offering no health care coverage at all.

Social Security – Local 464A maintains a defined benefit pension plan, which provides excellent retirement security. Together with Social Security benefits that our members may be entitled to, a well-deserved comfortable retirement can be anticipated. However, the Bush Administration and some members of Congress want to replace Social Security with a complicated scheme they call “private accounts”. Apart from needing to fund this program by borrowing mind-boggling sums from foreign countries, the government wants to determine which private investment companies would manage our accounts.

EFCA (Employee Free Choice Act) – Improvements for American workers are best achieved through unified action. EFCA, which passed in the House of Representatives on March 1, 2007, would restore workers’ freedom to join a union. However, on June 26, 2007 procedural maneuvers in the Senate by a minority opposed to this bill stymied the majority (51 Senators) who favor it.

Put your representatives in Washington on notice that you are expecting them to take action on these issues. Click here for a sample letter that you can print, sign and send to your Senators and Congressman.

Do it now! Do it often!