881 Press Releases

Food for Thought
For UFCW Locals 881 and 1546 Dominick's Members
(October, 2003)
Grocery workers are making national headlines by standing together in solidarity against attempts by employers to weaken their union contracts. In California, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and West Virginia, UFCW members are in the midst of a historic effort to protect their health care…and their very way of life! These heroes are showing us exactly why Dominick's here in greater Chicagoland deserves a responsible company to do what’s right…right now!

RESPONSIBILITY
After nearly a year of stalling, the members and leaders of UFCW Locals 881 and 1546 demand that Safeway behave as a responsible company. Engage, as you promised, in a fair and honest attempt to sell Dominick's to a new owner who is capable and willing to invest in the future success of this valuable chain. Or, if Safeway intends to retain Dominick's, we are calling Safeway Dominick's to sit down at the bargaining table—with no further delay and in the best interest of the union employees—to negotiate a decent long-term contract agreement acceptable to the membership.

LEADERSHIP
As this union has said before, bringing new leadership to Dominick's is one important step towards restoring this company to what it was…and what it can be again. But that alone is not enough! We urge those in charge of Dominick's to assume a necessary role in the return of "our old Dominick's." Act now on the UFCW's demand to resume collective bargaining with the mutual goal of achieving a solid, long-term contract that rewards the loyalty and hard work of our members. Bring back customers by bringing back Dominick's reputation as a supermarket chain that puts people, products and customer service first.

FORESIGHT
Dominick's is fortunate to have most of the pieces for (renewed) success already in place: a loyal union workforce; terrific locations; a trusted and popular name; and a historic bond with Chicago-area shoppers. What's missing now is a decent new labor agreement and a solid plan to revitalize this well-known and popular chain. And these pieces are well within reach.

The members of UFCW Locals 881 and 1546 rely on our jobs with Dominick's for our income, our health insurance, and our pension. But it’s not just us! Our families and our futures are affected by the actions that Safeway takes as it deals with Dominick's. For these important reasons, we demand that Safeway/Dominick's acts as a responsible company by either selling the company to a suitable buyer, or to begin contract negotiations for a decent and long-term union contract immediately!

Joint Statement from UFCW Locals 881 and 1546 Regarding Dominick's
(October, 2003)

Locals 881 and 1546 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union are not convinced that Safeway has followed through on the commitment it made in November 2002, to sell the Dominick's stores. To date, Safeway has not made any visible attempt to finalize a sale with any such buyer.

The process that Safeway has enlisted throughout the last several months is seemingly unfair and biased as there is still no solid resolution at this time. The Unions representing the workers at Dominick's have no proof that there is or ever has been a true bidder for the Dominick's chain. Safeway has failed to show any evidence verifying serious bidders for the chain, and they refuse to outline any procedure supposedly used for the bidding process.

The UFCW members at Dominick's, along with their families, deserve better.

If Safeway is not going to sell the Dominick's chain to a responsible employer, Locals 881 and 1546 urge the company to appoint a new CEO who is willing to treat UFCW members with respect and fairness while also bringing back quality products, service, and selection to Dominick's customers.

Sit down, without further delay, with our Union leaders to negotiate a new, fair and equitable contract.

Support and participate in a Joint Membership-Management Committee to explore ideas and strategies aimed at "bringing back our old Dominick's." This joint committee would cooperatively seek realistic solutions to revitalize Dominick's, but not at the expense-i.e. not on the backs-of the employees.

Locals 881 and 1546 remain firm in their belief that now is the time for Safeway to either make good on its commitment to sell the Dominick's chain or impart changes in operations that will focus on improving labor relations and customer service.

For more information please contact your Union Representative.

Ronald E. Powell
President, Local 881 and
UFCW International Vice President

Kenneth R. Boyd
President
UFCW Local 1546

Notice to all Dominick's Members of Locals 881 and 1546:
(August 6, 2003)

On Monday, August 4, 2003, the Yucaipa Companies filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Safeway, Inc. Yucaipa, which as you know sold Dominick's Finer Foods to Safeway, alleges that Safeway engaged in fraud, breach of contract and breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in connection with Yucaipa's attempt to buy Dominick's back from Safeway.

Yucaipa alleges that it submitted the "highest and best offer received by Safeway" to purchase Dominick's and that its offers were rejected by Safeway's "biased and unfair sale process" which, according to the suit, was an "anyone but Yucaipa" sale policy.

We are obviously disappointed that, if true, Safeway would engage in the conduct alleged by Yucaipa. UFCW Locals 881 and 1546 are currently reviewing the lawsuit. In addition, we are looking into whether Safeway breached its Letter of Agreement which required Safeway to attempt to market and sell Dominick's "in good faith."

Locals 881 and 1546 are committed to taking all appropriate legal action and other necessary steps to protect the jobs and benefits of UFCW members. The primary goal of both Unions remains to protect the wages, health insurance, pensions, and job security of the membership, who in turn provide the service that has made Dominick's the choice of generations of Chicago-area consumers.

Please contact your Union Representative with any questions.

Sincerely,

Ronald E. Powell
President, Local 881 and
UFCW International Vice President

Kenneth R. Boyd
President
UFCW Local 1546

Notice to all Dominicks Members of Locals 881 and 1546:
(August 19, 2003)

Safeway has taken Dominick's members of UFCW Locals 881 and 1546 down a long and bumpy road since they came to town. Dealing with the many ups and downs since last Fall has been challenging for all Union members and their families.

While the end of the journey is not quite on the horizon, there is one key to a positive outcome:

SOLIDARITY.

Solidarity among UFCW members is a proven strategy to protecting your livelihoods. We must all remain focused on achieving a strong contract and not allowing ourselves to be sidetracked by rumors and issues that are not relevant to the overall goal.

Locals 881 and 1546 are committed to protecting your job security. With a strong collective

bargaining agreement negotiated on your behalf, we can maintain your wages, health insurance, and pension. But it cannot be achieved without your support.

Continue to do your best on the job every day. It is more important now than ever before that you

support your Union: attend Union meetings, participate in rallies, contact your Union Representative with questions and concerns, and support each other.

Stay strong and stick together with your Union to protect your wages, health insurance, pension, and to preserve your job security.

It is time to take a stand...together!