We all remember as this Pandemic of the Covid-19 virus began, no one was sure what to do or how to protect themselves from this contagious virus that has now left over 200,000 dead.   Many employers began having employees work remotely from home, and others were required to follow Government “stay at home orders”.   Some of the employees who were not allowed to stay at home, were the Grocery Workers!  The Grocery Worker began working more overtime hours than ever before, giving up days off as they provided vital services to a world full of panic.  Grocery stores were packed with lines flowing from the cashier into the grocery aisles.  Parking lots were packed as every employee was working, the shelves were empty, and the company’s sales and profits were setting all-time highs.  
Thank you for working harder, staying later, risking your safety and well-being to answer the call to provide essential services during this global pandemic.  Sadly, as other business began to slowly open, Kroger took away the extra pay for working during hazardous conditions, leaving you to provide essential work with only a mandatory face mask and hand sanitizer.
Unfortunately, back when this was all taking place, UFCW members in Texas and Arkansas were negotiating terms for a new contract.  Houston UFCW Local 455’s 15,000 members were negotiating by video conferencing with Kroger as their contract was to expire on April 11, 2020.  Little Rock, Arkansas was also bargaining for a new contract.   The Kroger executives worked from their homes where they proposed a gutting of Union members’ contracts and health benefits and NO hazard pay.  Kroger’s damaging proposals included Company flexibility for the same freedoms as their competition, where workers have no contract, no Union, and no way to bargain over anything.   After more than 25 bargaining/video sessions, Kroger remains determined to remove worker perks and forcibly move Union members into the Company “Kroger” controlled health fund.  The 15,000 Houston Kroger employees were given a Last, Best and Final Offer on August 19, 2020 sometime after Kroger refused to sign an extension of the current contract. The only option left now is for these workers to strike as the Holiday season gets closer if Kroger does not relent.  Houston Kroger workers have remained determined on Hazard Pay being restored. 
In Houston, Texas Kroger is using the same bullying tactics and tricks they did here in New Mexico in 2018. They sought significant wage increases for short term newer employees, cuts that affect everyone, and the Company wants no rules and a lot of flexibility to operate like Wal-Mart, all at their employees’ expense.
Here is a summary of what Kroger has included in their Last, Best and Final for 15,000 Houston UFCW members as of October 2020:

• Expanding Vendor Work
• Significantly reducing the number of full-time schedules
• O/T from 8 hours in a day to 8.5 hours
• Clerks assigned to assist in the Meat Department
• Changing vacation schedule for P/T employees
• UNION HEALTH AND WELFARE INSURANCE TO KROGER CORPORATE HEALTH INSURANCE
• Meat employees may be assigned to assist in other departments
• Three-year contract

Kroger is not only refusing Hazard pay to over 15,000 workers, they are forcing them to switch from a Union Health Plan that has Union involvement to a Corporate Plan where Kroger can do whatever Corporate decides.   We stand in Solidarity with Houston, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Dallas Meat cutters. 

Union Shop Stewards sharpen skills on supporting members!                           
Training for new Stewards and advancing experienced Stewards to new levels was the focus for the Union Stewards who gathered in Ruidoso, New Mexico on August 13-15th.  Shop Stewards representing 43 locations in New Mexico working at Smith’s, Albertson’s, Safeway, John Brooks, La Montanita, and Aramark traveled up to the Sierra Blanca mountain range of south-central New Mexico to be educated and appreciated for the work and responsibility they handle on a daily basis.  The focus of this training was, “Overcoming Fear- Stand Up and Stand Out”!  
We were joined by Educational Director, Dr. Rick Gregory who is known for getting your attention and not letting go of it.  Dr. Gregory speaks around the country to various UFCW Union leaders and members.  Everyone enjoyed his experience, style and teachings.  Dr. Gregory addressed the Stewards on Thinking Before You Speak, Reaching and Listening to the Five (5) Generations in the Work Force, Leading with Joy, and Keys to Relationship Building by Understanding Each Other. 
President Greg Frazier had a powerful presentation and Powerpoint titled, “Don’t Be a Good Steward; Be a Great Steward”. 
The Stewards also had smaller designed breakout groups where they discussed subjects in detail with excellent participation, discussion, and involvement.  The UFCW International Union kicked off a political drive to go towards supporting labor friendly candidates in 2020.  UFCW Legal Counsel, Shane Youtz, presented a very powerful legal presentation, informing Stewards of their special powers and rights when operating in the Steward capacity.  Stewards learned they are an equal with management in such a capacity, and how to know the difference between that role and the role as an employee.  They also learned they have multiple forms of protection against retaliation for standing up and standing out!  Stewards also learned about New Mexico Workers Compensation and special benefits and discounts reserved and limited to UFCW members only.   
Stewards volunteer their time and skills all week long so rewarding them was a also a top priority, which is why the Inn of the Mountain Gods was selected by the Officers of UFCW to hold the 2019 Conference, not to mention it was free of distractions by being away from their home.  Steward Rose Gonzales, Smith’s #414 was the best dance winner and Jessica Noble from Smith’s #427 was the best dressed for the “Dirt on My Boots Dance”. 

We had various gifts, prize drawings, and gift cards distributed over the three days, but the Super Steward winner of a Mac laptop was Darlene Chavez Lucero, Smith’s #413.  The heart and devotion these Stewards have towards their Union was evident from the start as they had to request a day off or take a paid day off to attend.
We know you will appreciate having Stewards that make a difference in their work sites by helping and assisting Union Members.  I am happy to inform you that New Mexico UFCW Stewards are second to no one.  They are educated and equipped Stewards, just looking to help, and that makes your Union a powerful resource for each of you.  Please thank your Stewards for the job they do, because some days it is a thankless position.