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Shop Stewards at UFCW Local135 San Diego

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ross53
Post Posted: Fri May 26, 2006 10:45 pm

Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 1435
Location: california 		The Shop Stewards Issue
Written by Ross Bagnasco
Friday, 26 May 2006
Below is a list of questions, I was asked regarding the shop stewards (or lack there of) situation at the store which I currently work in:



Q: Regarding the way the current union administration has been treating you since the labor dispute ended, would you say that is not a typical way of conducting business?

A: Mickey Kasparian and his dictatorship regime have intentionally alienated myself and my co-workers. They have mislead us, as well as, failed to properly represent us and not to mention deprave us of our basic rights. Discrimination against myself and my co-workers has been ovserved in several situations while dealing with the existing union administration.

Q: Could you elaborate on that?

A: Yes, for instance let's take the case of the Shop Steward. Before we went on strike (lockout) at store were I worked we had two shop stewards. Within a short period of time after the labor dispute was over, both shop stewards were transfered to other stores. Mickey intentionally left our without any union representation for nearly 12 months.

Q: Did you or anyone else inquire about filling the shop stewards position at your store?

A: I personally placed a formal inquiry with my union representative, but unfortunately Mr. Kaparian denied my request without any explanation what so ever. In my opinion, that in itself is a clear act of discrimination. The qualifications for the position, according with the union's own by-laws, state that a member must be in good standing, meaning that he/she must be current with their union dues and I personally have been for quite some time now.

Source: www.ufcw135.org. Stewards Program.

Q: Has the union provided the store with any union representation?

A: A few days before Christmas 2005 the dictatorship regime decided to show their faces. Mickey decided place some of his choice for the shop stewards position without consulting anyone at the store. As a matter of fact, the union consulted with former shop stewards who hadn't worked at this particular store for nearly a year as to whom would be the best qualified for the shop stewards position at this particular store.

Q: Why would you think there is anything wrong with that, especially because the union by-laws state that Mickey does indeed have the right to choose a shop stewards of his choice?

A: At first glance there is nothing wrong with Mickey's decision, not the mention that is was perfectly legal. However, there are adverse consequences to the members at that particular store.

Q: How did you arrive to that conclusion?

A: The vacancy of a shop stewards was, in my opinion, an ideal situation for Mickey to start fresh and create a sense of security in order to renew the trust of the union members employed at the store. Union members, who have been very isolated by the current administration. Mickey should have given the employees the choice to appoint their own shop stewards. Instead, Mickey decided to control who would represent us. In reality, either in ignorance or arrogance, Mickey created a situation where in this particular case would be considered similar to "sleeping with the enemy". Mickey choice for shop stewards cannot accurately represent the best interests of the members at the stored for the simple reason that our shop stewards is also a manager. In this particular situation the current shop steward is in charge of the entire store and therefore would rather be looking out for the best interests of the company rather than the best interests of the union members.

Q: Have you contacted the union and tried to plead your case in order to get a shop stewards that would represent the best interests of the employees?

A: Yes, as a matter of fact I did and the response I received was something to the effect of "why would we care about what you and your coworkers think".

Q: The current labor agreement allowes your store to have two shop stewards. Why do you think Mickey refuses to give your store another steward or to even replace the present one with someone(s) who would represent the best interests of the union members?

A: In all honestly, I do not know the answer to that question. I would imagine that the best person to answer that question would be Mickey himself. There has to be some kind of method to his maddness, especially because on June 10, 2006 he will be presented with the "2006 Labor Leader of the Year" award.

Source: www.SanDiegoImperialLaborCouncil, Calendar of Events








(C) 2006 rossandtheunionboss.com
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yankeebythewater
Post Posted: Fri May 26, 2006 11:29 pm

Joined: 04 Feb 2006
Posts: 128
Your link response is 'bad gateway'?

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ross53
Post Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 6:10 pm

Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 1435
Location: california 		December 1, 2005
UFCW, Local l35 Certified mail
Gentian Ramirez. 7004 1160 0000 3027 9073
Stewards Director
Dear Mr. Ramirez,
This letter was written as an attempt to express my concern regarding the "Stewards" issue. First, allow me to quote two of my "Idols", in an attempt to clarify my concern.
1. "Stewards: Our stewards and a lot of members, who were not previously
stewards, were the heroes during the strike and now we need our activist-new and
not so new- to come through again to help us educate the new members.", by
Mickey Kasparian.
Source: The Worker Local 135 President's Report Volume 31, Number 4 April 2004. Page one.
2. "Stewards continue to be the backbone of the union, key to our future success.",
by Sean Karimi.
Source: The Worker Local 135 President's Report Volume 31, Number 4 April 2004. Page 2.
If their words are to be taken seriously, why then, at my place of employment, we the union members have been deprived of the right to have a Steward? We, the union members, have not had a Steward since our former steward was transferred to another location. That was a quite some time ago. I placed a formal inquiry, regarding my filling of the position, with my union representative, but unfortunately, my "Idols" vehemently denied my request. Furthermore, the Local 135 has not made any attempts to recruit anyone within my place of employment for the open Stewards position.
Stated within the Oct 2005 issue of "The Worker", you took such pride in your work with Stewards, yet there is no mention, what so ever, my place of employeement where nearly 125 union members are currently without a Steward. On more than one occasion at my place of employment, I have personally witnessed the store's management using abusive and uncalled for tactics towards their own employees. The same people who, in fact, contribute to your livelihood. Some of my coworkers have actuality been terminated, unjustly I might add, without proper union representation. On one particular occasion, while working, I witnessed the store management call a particular employee into the main office where the employee was accused of some wrong doings and as a result, the employee was terminated on the spot. Unfortunately for the employee, who in this case did not know any better, made a statement to store management without any union representation. In this particular case, a store Steward may not have prevented the employee from being terminated, but the crux of the situation is that the employee had the right to speak with a union representative before making any verbal or written statements to management. Conversely, if a store Steward had been present, he/she could have at the very least, improved the employee's situation by providing at least some form of representation.
In general, the majority of the employee do not have a clear understanding of their rights and the purpose of a Steward is to ensure that they are made aware of the rights and that they are justly represented. The union member's loyalty with still reamins regardless of the "roller coaster ride" of benefit negotiations they have been on the past couple of years. As a union employee and moreover a member, wouldn't you agree that the least the union could do for its members is to provide them with proper representation? One would think.

Sincerely,
Ross Bagnasco

"Slightly edited from the original letter, to protect the union members who fear retribution from union officials".
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ross53
Post Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 6:17 pm

Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 1435
Location: california 		Dec 31,2005
UFCW, Local 135
German Ramirez. CERTIFIED MAIL
Stewards Director. 7004-1160-0000-3027-9097


Re: Shop Stewards: Dear Mr. Ramirez,

I would like to start off by saying "Thank you". Thank you for reaffirming my theory that the UFCW Local 135's current administration is controlled by a group of dictators. Dictators who have no interest, what so ever, in upholding the, time honored, democratic process outlined within our union bylaws. Not to mention the blatant lack of consideration, or respect, for the well being of its members.
We, the union members, have a legal right to choose who should represent us at our store in the form of a "shop steward". The guile you have shown in attempting to noose a representative without union members' consent is just another example of the dictatorship" type control the UFCW Local 135 administration has in power. Not to mention, that your actions are in direct violation of the union members' constitutional rights, as well as, the basic civil rights granted to all citizens under the constitution of the United States. The sheer act that one of our union leaders would seek the advice from other member, who ironically, is not employed at my place of employment and subsequently who is not a union official, is a deliberate insult to all 125 union members who are employed with me

The vast majority of us, live near our place of employment and work in the particular store and are therefore very well educated in society in general, despite the belief of our union leaders. Many of us have obtained college degrees, as well is, are currently pursuing extended education with a goal to give back to the community. simply because we work in the that particular location is not an excuse for us, the union members, to endure the abusive tactics administered by our leaders. If the old saying still applies one must lead by example", then the current union's leadership is a pathetic example of which to lead by.

Time and time again UFCW Local 135 officials have intentionally discriminated against my self and my co-workers. As a result the opinions are unanimous in the sense that we all perceive that our leaders are concerned about one Thing and that is that all of the union members who are working at my place iof employment pay their dues on time and nothing else.

I want to make sure that I am clear in saying that I am not in way, shape, or form in plying that the Local 135*s choice for the "shop steward" position will not serve the be st interests of the union members. I'm simply trying to make you aware of the manner used with filling the vacant shop stewards position at my place of employment, after in intentionally keeping the store without union representation for nearly twelve months.

Remember the slogan "in solidarity we shall prevail"? How can this be true if our leaders continue to intentionally alienate rank and file?

Sincerely,

Ross Bagnasco

"Slightly edited from the original letter, to protect the union members who fear retribution from union officials".
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ross53
Post Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 6:24 pm

Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 1435
Location: california 		March 14tn, 2006

Mr. German Ramirez
UFCW Local 135
Stewards Director

Certified Mail
7005 1820 0006 2596 3756

Re: Shop Stewards:

Dear Mr. Ramirez,

This letter is a follow up to my letter to you dated Dec 31, 2005. Since you and the current UFCW Local 135 administration have once again chosen to neglect the concern the union members, I'm left with only one last attempt to remedy the situation within the boundary of the UFCW. Local 135.

Referring to Article VII of the Local 135 Bylaw.

My uneducated legal interpretation of Article VII of the UFCW. Local 135 Bylaw;

"Bylaws are set up by union officials whose only agenda is to word them in such a way that the union officials can at their own free will manipulate the Bylaws in a manner that the members have no recourse and the union officials continue to dictate their agenda to the rank and file. It's just another way to silence the union brothers."

The fact that our union leaders have knowingly imposed upon the union members, a Shop Steward that is holding the position of 3rd manager, is like having the District Attorney charging someone with a crime and the same District Attorney taking the role of defense Attorney for the accused. I will gladly argue that the unions' action in this case detrimental to the good of the rank and file.

At this time I'm asking you to allow my self and my co-workers to elect our Shop Steward within the next 21 calendars days, from the date on this letter.

In the event that you and the current administration once again decide to take no action aid continue to intentionally inflict emotional distress to all of us. I, with the assistance on many of my co-workers, will take any and all of the appropriate necessary steps to assure that we the workers have freedom of choice.

Sincerely,

Ross Bagnasco

"Slightly edited from original letter to protect the union members who fear retribution from union officials".
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Elvis
Post Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 6:51 pm

Joined: 01 Feb 2006
Posts: 661
Location: Toronto
ross53 wrote:
The fact that our union leaders have knowingly imposed upon the union members, a Shop Steward that is holding the position of 3rd manager, is like having the District Attorney charging someone with a crime and the same District Attorney taking the role of defense Attorney for the accused. I will gladly argue that the unions' action in this case detrimental to the good of the rank and file.


Any response from the union on this issue yet, Ross?

Nice, focused thread set-up by the way... posting dated letters and responses (no response is still something that can be publicized) is a great idea. Other posters and threads should take note.

Keep on 'em.

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Bruce Wayne: That's why it's so important. It separates us from them.
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ross53
Post Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 7:19 pm

Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 1435
Location: california 		Elvis,

The union officials have "NOT" taking any action simply because they think of me "a member who need to be educated" therefore I am of no importance to them.

The only thing that I have to do make sure I pay my dues on time.

Elvis, you haven't see nothing yet.

"union officials earn their payckecks by betraing the union members"Ross53 Cool
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ross53
Post Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 1:27 pm

Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 1435
Location: california 		Elvis,

"The President or the President designated representative shall have the authority to appoint stewards,or to determine that stewards in designated location be elected by the affected membership,and shall have the authority to remove stewards in either instance".

Source: BYLAW of the UFCW Local 135, Article VII Section C 1.

This does NOT give Mr. Kasparian the right to imposed upon the membership a steward who is also a 3rd manager and often also in charge of the store.

The only one who benefit by Mr. Kasparian action is himself, creating a "Totalitarian regime". IN THE EFFORT TO ONCE AGAIN SILENCE THE RANK AND FILE.

" Stewards. The Company recognize the right of the Local Union to appoint no more than TWO stewards per store"

Source: UFCW and Grocer Agreement, for Southern California March 01, 2004 - March 05, 2007.

This clearly give the union members the right to have Two stewards in every store,
why then Mr. Kasparian time and time again refuses to provide the members with another stewards? In my world we call it "DICTATORSHIP REGIME" nothing more nothing less.

"union officials earn their paychecks by betraying the union members"Ross53 Cool
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ross53
Post Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 6:08 pm

Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 1435
Location: california 		To: all of the people who visit this website.
(unionnow are you okay?)

This letter was sent to Joseph Hansen

July 17, 2006
Certified Mail 7005-1820-0006-2596-4289

Joseph T Hansen
UFCW International President
1775 K Street, NW
Washington DC 20006

Re: UFCW Local 135

Dear Mr. Hansen,

It was brought to my attention that you will be visiting the UFCW Local 135 here in San Diego, CA on July 27, of this year, in order to attend a “Shop Stewards“seminar. Unfortunately, as I am not a Shop Steward, I was not invited to attend the seminar. In reference to Shop Stewards, I have a few questions:

1. Why did Mr. Kasparian intentionally decide not to provide a Shop Steward at store, which I am currently employed at, from Jan 2005 until Dec 21, 2005?
2. Why did Mr. Kasparian deny my request to fill the vacant Shop Stewards position?
3. Why on Dec 21, 2005 did Mr. Kasparian decide to fill the Shop Stewards position with someone of his choosing? Do, we as union members not have the right to elect a Shop Steward at our place of employment?

You see Mr. Hansen, I have already asked these questions to our Local 135, but unfortunately I have not received a response. Enclosed, in this letter, I have placed copies of the correspondence between myself and the Local 135, regarding the Shop Stewards issue, dated Dec 01, Dec 31, 2005, and March 14, 2006. After reading those letters it should be pretty obvious that I have tried to communicate with them, but unfortunately for myself and other union members I am apparently of no importance to them. My hope is that by asking you the same questions, listed above, as I have asked our local union officials that you will be able to help find answers to them.

The current Shop Stewards, employed at my store, is also the manager. How can someone wearing of these hats, so to speak, be fair to the union members and his\her employer at the same time? Under the current contract with grocers in Southern California, we, the union members, are entitle to two Shop Stewards at our place of employment. Why then has Mr. Kasparian refused to provide us with another Shop Steward? How can we as union members look towards a better future when our local union leaders continue to intentionally alienate rank and file? In closing I would like to say that I hope as loyal union member, such as myself, that you will do everything in your power to have the aforementioned questions answered while you enjoy your stay here in San Diego.

Respectfully,

A Union Loyalist

Ross Bagnasco

"union officials earn their paychecks by betraying the union members" Ross53 Cool
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loonietunes
Post Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 6:36 pm

Joined: 30 Mar 2006
Posts: 1210
Ross-

Good letter--

First of all I would be at that Local 135 Steward Conference.

Be there with at least two other good friends of yours that will watch your back.

If the Local brass won't let you in--give them a copy of this letter and ask to speak directly to Hansen.

I can't imagine Hansen turning a member away who wants to be involved with his union!

But then again ---who knows?

Should be interesting---

LT
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ross53
Post Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 7:24 pm

Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 1435
Location: california 		LT,

You know what? the brass of UFCW Should be
more attentive to what you and I do, because you and
I have very similar idea and we do act upon, we are not just blowing smoke.

By the way a copy of that letter was sent to UFCW Region 8 office in Ontario,CA TO: Mr.Barclay International Vice President.

The way I see it "if I was Mr. Hansen The first order of official union business in San Diego would be to talk to Ross". I know that idea makes sense therefore it is wishiful thinking.

Do you know if unionnow is okay? I'm a little concerned.

"unionofficial earn their paychecks by betratying the union members"Ross53 Cool
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Elvis
Post Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 7:29 pm

Joined: 01 Feb 2006
Posts: 661
Location: Toronto 		I'll back up LT on this one.

Fuck 'em. Go. Attend the seminar. Let them know you want in.

It reminds me of the Royal Host (my former crappy employer) annual general meeting I attended a year back. I never actually got in, but I got to sit outside the room and wait. All the people you want to talk to eventually have to come out.

Take a camera if you can. Share the fun with us.

_________________
Henri Ducard: Your compassion is a weakness your enemies will not share.
Bruce Wayne: That's why it's so important. It separates us from them.
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ross53
Post Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 9:10 pm

Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 1435
Location: california 		Elvis, LT, Siggy, Pearsonand all of the rest...

Another way for the International to tell the members who care. Joseph Hansen was in San Diego,CA.

No one call from Local 135 to talk about my concern.


July 24, 2006

Mr. Ross Bagnasco Member, UFCW Local No. 135

Re: Local No. 135 — Ross Bagnasco — Shop Stewards Dear Brother Bagnasco:

I have received your letter of July 17, 2006 (and the enclosures with it) regarding shop stewards at your store. In addition, International Vice President and Region 8 Director Shaun Barclay has forwarded me your cover letter to him with which you enclosed a copy of your letter to me. To avoid unnecessary duplication, I will be the only one to respond.

I have referred your letter and the enclosures with your letter to Local No. 135 President Mickey Kasparian, and I have asked him to contact you or have his designated representative contact you regarding your concerns.

With kind regards, I am

Sincerely and fraternally,


International President


Joseph T. Hansen, International President
Anthony M. Perrone, International Secretary-Treasurer
United Food & Commercial Workers International Union, CLC
1775 K Street, NW • Washington DC 20006-1598
Office (202) 223-3111 • Fax (202) 466-1562 • www.ufcw.org
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loonietunes
Post Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 11:44 pm

Joined: 30 Mar 2006
Posts: 1210
Elvis wrote:


Fuck 'em. Go. Attend the seminar. Let them know you want in.

It reminds me of the Royal Host (my former crappy employer) annual general meeting I attended a year back. I never actually got in, but I got to sit outside the room and wait. All the people you want to talk to eventually have to come out.



"When the going gets rough and things look bad, when frustration and fear make you sad, when sucess seems dim and the risks are high--

Remember that there is joy and glory in the fight well fought. So no matter how often and hard you're hit--

GIVE IT ALL YOU HAVE AND NEVER QUIT"

LT
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ross53
Post Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 5:10 pm

Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 1435
Location: california 		Pearson,

This is a copy of a leaflet that was distributed in some store in San Diego, the day before the stewards Seminar.



Where are our Shop Stewards?


Currently our store is without a shop steward. I have volunteered on several occasions and our beloved union president Mickey appointed a third assistant manger to be the Shop Stewart of our store.

Since then our brothers and sisters in my workplace have suffered:

• Coworkers who have actuality been terminated, unjustly and without proper union representation.


If we are strengthen by our stewards than why have only one per store? Stores operate on three shifts. Has the union leadership forgotten that already?


It’s time to change the rotten leadership in our local, join us in changing our leadership.

Its our right- Its our business- Its our union- Its our future

To learn more about UFCW Local 135 log in www.rossandtheunionboss.com

To learn more about the UFCW

http://www.uncharted.ca/
http://www.groceryworkers.org/


"Stewards: Our stewards and a lot of members, who were not previously stewards, were the heroes during the strike and now we need our activist-new and not so new- to come through again to help us educate the new members.” Mickey Kasparian. Source: The Worker Local 135 President's Report Volume 31, Number 4 April 2004. Page one.

"If we don't hang together we most assuredly will all hang separately." – Ben Franklin

"union leaders earn their paychecks by betraying union members"Ross Bagnasco Cool
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