Carolyn Nickens, Men’s Shoes Department, Bloomingdale’s; photo by Bill Burke
–Takoma Park Police voted overwhelming for wage increases in this year’s wage reopener. Wage reopeners happen annually to discuss percentages based on tax and economic structure of the county, while the rest of the contract remains unchanged.
– On Sunday July 28, Bloomingdale’s members unanimously ratified a five-year collective bargaining agreement that improves the lives of 145 members working at the store located in Chevy Chase, Md. The agreement raises their living standards and protects their health and welfare benefits. Local 400 members defeated all concessions proposed by management while adding new joint labor management language as well as increasing their sick leave pay to 66 percent.
– Last month, Asian Cuisine Enterprises (ACE) Sushi ratified their bargaining agreement. UFCW Local 400 represents sushi bar chefs who serve our unionized grocery stores Giant Food and more recently Safeway. Headquartered in Gardena, Calif. chefs are hired on contract to grocery chains and restaurants throughout the country.