MARIANO'S UPDATES

May 4, 2023

Jewel & Mariano’s Contracts Now Available!

Two of our largest contracts are printed and Union Reps have begun distributing at all Jewel and Mariano’s stores.

Your contract specifies in writing the precise terms of your employment as it relates to pay raises, promotions, scheduling, vacations, holiday pay, seniority rights, transfers, and more. Your contract affects virtually every aspect of your job.

Please take time to study it, ask questions of your Union Representative if there is something you don’t understand, and speak up if you see your employer not following the rules outlined by your contract.

Didn’t get one? Contact your Union Representative.

February 10, 2023

Mariano’s / Kroger Overpayment Deductions

Your Union has been working on your behalf to demand that the Company fix ALL the errors from their horrible new payroll system.

The Union has answered thousands of calls, opened hundreds of grievances, pursued legal avenues, and filed a formal complaint with the Department of Labor.

As a result of the Union’s pressure, the Company has agreed to take a meaningful step in addressing some of their failures, specifically regarding overpayments.

There were many members that were overpaid and then without any warning or permission the Company snatched that money back causing incredible financial chaos for our members. For those who were affected, the Company has decided to return the overpayments that were suddenly withdrawn.

If you were impacted by an overpayment and surprise withdrawal, your Manager will be contacting you very soon to let you know when and how much you will be refunded.

We will not stop fighting until every Local 881 member gets what they are entitled to. Please contact your Union Representative at 847-294-5064 when you receive this refund or if you have any questions.

The Union is here to protect both you AND your paycheck.

December 30, 2022

Ongoing Mariano’s / Kroger Payroll Issues

Local 881 Kroger and Mariano’s members have experienced numerous paycheck issues due to a new payroll system Kroger implemented this fall across all its banners. The payroll issues have impacted nearly all of its 500,000 employees, including management. Like many workers elsewhere, Local 881 members in Illinois have reported widespread payroll errors, including:

- Not receiving paychecks
- Paid incorrect wages
- Not receiving contractual wage increases
- Unlawful deduction of overpayments
- Not paid for contractual holidays
- Union dues being deducted incorrectly

Local 881 has attempted to work with Kroger and Mariano’s representatives to resolve these issues but has learned that the payroll problems are widespread and occurring all over the country. Local 881 has been actively taking all steps it can to bring pressure and resolution to this catastrophic failure on the part of Kroger.

Local 881 has demanded information from Kroger/Mariano’s that would provide a detailed account of all payroll periods since the new payroll system was implemented so that a thorough investigation of each and every affected member’s payroll history could be conducted. To date, that request for information has not yet been provided by the Company and Local 881 has filed unfair labor practice charges with National Labor Relations Board.

Local 881 has also filed a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor asking for the agency to take immediate legal action to address the payroll issues, including the unlawful payroll deductions of overpayments made to employees.

Additionally, Local 881 has been in contact with the office of the Illinois Attorney General to consider its legal options, both civil and criminal, that would hold Kroger/Mariano’s accountable.

Local 881 and its attorneys are reviewing all legal options available to remedy this unbearable situation. In the meantime, Local 881 has posted a form on its website and is asking any member who has experienced a payroll issue to complete and submit the form.

Together, we will hold Kroger and Mariano’s accountable for the failures that have affected our members. We will continue to provide updates on the ongoing investigations and other actions.

On behalf of the entire staff of Local 881, please understand we are doing everything we can to resolve this situation as quickly as possible and are sorry for Kroger/Mariano’s gross negligence and unlawful conduct that has affected your families, especially at this time of year.

Sincerely, Steve Powell
President Local 881 UFCW

September 12, 2022

Mariano’s Tentative Agreement is on the way!

We anticipate the materials to be in member mailboxes by mid-September.

Every eligible Mariano’s member will be mailed the document and have the opportunity to consider and vote on the Tentative Contract Agreement Offer. The members alone will decide the outcome.

After thorough and careful review, Local 881 has sent the Tentative Agreement Offer for your Union contract to be printed and mailed.

Why does the process take so long?

We know you are eager to review the proposed wage increases and improvements to the contract language. We believe this is a process that should never be rushed! The contract is a legal and binding document where each and every word matters. Both the Company and the Union have to review and sign off on voting materials. The preparation of these complex documents absolutely has to be correct and that takes time.

I heard we are getting…

Rumors can spread like wild fire. The Tentative Contract Agreement Offer includes many changes to current wage progressions. Don’t make a decision based on information that may be false or inaccurate. Wait to see the Tentative Agreement and read it for yourself. Ask your Union Representative for clarification on any questions about your specific wage increases.

Voting will take place in YOUR store!

Your Local Union is committed to making sure the voting process is administered in the most efficient, democratic, and equitable manner possible. Union Representatives will be on-site in your store on specified voting days at the end of September. For your convenience, you will be able to cast your vote in-person at your work location.

If you have questions, talk to your Union Representative, call 847-294-5064. We are at your service!

June 2, 2021

In the city of Alton, May 5^th is now known as “Ben Mazur Day.”

Last month, Ben, a Local 881 clerk from Schnucks in Alton sprang into action to stop a runaway cart with a baby inside as it raced across the busy parking lot. During his shift, which included collecting carts in the parking lot, Ben noticed a cart rolling down the hill with an unattended toddler inside. The cart had gotten away from the child’s mother who was distracted trying to get her other children in the car. Ben’s awareness and quick response kept the child safe and out of harm’s way.

Ben who is on the Autism spectrum, is an adored employee at Schnucks through Challenge Unlimited, a program that helps people with disabilities find employment in the community. In addition to his work at Schnucks, Ben is also enrolled at Lewis & Clark Community College.

Mayor Brant Walker surprised the 24-year-old with a proclamation declaring May 5^th as Ben Mazur Day. It was a special way for Ben’s family, co-workers, community members, and coaches from Challenge Unlimited to celebrate his great act of heroism and bravery. What made it even better is that May 5^th also happens to be Ben’s birthday!

“People think I’m their Superman,” Mazur said. “I am just honored to have saved that baby.”

Good work, Ben!

Schnucks employee honored for saving a toddler’s life

Mariano's